I've been giving much thought to creating author platforms (largely because I'm planning a workshop on the topic) and realizing I've been slack in the process. I need to change that. Developing and maintaining an author platform requires consistent effort and time to ensure success, and many writers wonder if the effort is justified. Yes, it is.
A common mistake among writers planning their author platforms is to consider it merely a marketing tactic. Sure, it's part of your marketing strategy, but it should be much more than that. It's not about focusing on your book(s) and yourself. Your author platform's chief purpose is building relationships. Some would say this is marketing, but I believe it demands a more targeted perspective.
Networking with fellow writers is a crucial, yet frequently overlooked, aspect of building an effective author platform. This is just as important as building relationships with your readers. But how do you go about this? Consider the following simple options.
- Join online communities and contribute to relevant conversations. For example, here in my home state, we have the Delaware Writers Network and the Delaware Authors Forum groups on Facebook. Delaware has a thriving writers' community, but it's only valuable if you participate. No matter where you live, there are online communities you can join. Most author associations offer opportunities to join conversations online. Take advantage of them. It helps get your name out there.
- Attend local author events. Seminars, workshops, and reading events provide excellent means of networking with other local writers. I've met many of the writers I've collaborated with at library author programs and presentations. Even virtual events can lead to important connections in the business. Help promote the events in your growing network. Share your thoughts about the events you attend, especially concerning the things you've learned. The more you participate, the greater the opportunities to expand your platform. Perhaps you'll be asked to join a panel discussion about one of your favorite topics. If so, jump on that opportunity.
- Attend author conferences. Like local author events, conferences can broaden your platform. For example, I've attended the annual Creatures, Crimes, and Creativity Conference for years and have met many fellow writers. There's nothing better than bumping elbows with best-selling authors and learning from them. As a publisher of anthologies, I've published writers I've met at C3—great for them, great for me. If you're nervous about attending conferences, don't be. The writers who attend these events are always amiable and keen to talk.
- Pitch guest articles and interviews to blogs, podcasts, magazines, and journals. The persistent need for additional content, especially with blogs, is common to all of these. They are open to inquiries, so go for it. You might say, "Well, I'm not an expert. Why would they want anything I have to offer?" The truth is, you've had unique experiences that could appeal to an audience. Evaluate the programs to see how you could contribute. For example, I've interviewed other writers, especially those in the suspense and horror genres like myself, for magazines and blogs. Those writers appreciated the exposure in the media, and I profited from collaborating with them. As you become better known for your contributions to these media, you get your name out there and enhance your reputation in the field.
- Review authors you've befriended and continue to boost their careers. They'll likely reciprocate and review your books and promote you as well. We always aim for more reviews, and they're tough to garner. If you're not reviewing books, you're missing an opportunity to promote your own work. Likewise, if you're not promoting other writers, you're limiting your reach in the business. Writing and publishing are not insular businesses; you can't succeed in a vacuum. The more you develop mutually beneficial relationships with other writers, the stronger and more effective your author platform will be.
In short, support your fellow writers to expand your network and improve your author platform. Start with the writers you currently know and begin to enhance your network from there. It's a win-win strategy!