Hello there everyone, welcome back this most sunny Friday!
On this fantastic first February Friday I wanted to kick things off with one a writer’s most powerful tools. That’s right, today we’ll be going over the idea of an author platform!
Two and a half years ago, I was simply a woman sticking to myself while trying to write a book. Sure I watched AuthorTubers like Jenna Moreci, Kim Chance, and Megan Tennant but that was the extent of my interaction within the community. Then I keep seeing videos about making an author platform.
I have horrible social anxiety so the very idea of it scared the hell out of me. More than anything I wanted to avoid needing to interact with others, keeping to myself while writing was the ideal way to go. Clearly I eventually gave into what everyone I watched was saying since I felt like that was what I was supposed to do as a writer.
Later I discovered that though having an author platform isn’t a requirement in the industry, it is highly suggested. It can still be overwhelming at times but I’m glad I did give this a try and that’s why today we’ll be talking about some of the things I’ve learned along the way.
2. Why have one
A. First and foremost I’m sure you’re asking the question of why you even need one. The answer is, thankfully, simple. It helps you promote yourself to the public. Sure, most of us aren’t in this industry to make money but we definitely want to share our stories with the world. Having an author platform, whether it’s on one platform or many, and help you build following that will be interested in buying your book once it’s out there. Agents and Publishers also look into your author platform when they consider taking you on. They want to ensure you’re worth the risk. Of course different platforms serve different purposes .
This is a great site to not only building a following but to also make connections. It's one of the best places to get advice from writers going through the same struggles as you. Not to mention the amazing support system of the Writing Community.
This platform serves a number of purposes and though I’m no expert on the platform having rarely interacted with my own profile I shall share what i do know. It’s a great place to promote yourself, (ex: sharing book images, event info). It also gives your fans a look into your personal life and these days fans LOVE that.
YouTube
If you have enough wisdom to share or if you simply want to share your journey with everyone then YouTube would be great for you. This platform is a great place to build a following that is almost guaranteed to bring fans to your other platforms.
Website
This is an amazing platform that allows you to share whatever your heart desires. It’s a great way to keep track of book updates and progress reports for fans, agents, and publishers. Blog posts, whether personal, professional, or both are also a great attention grabber. It’s another place where you can share a piece of your life with your fans and it’s also a solid foundation where fans can go to check up on you.
An author platform isn't required but it is an extremely wise idea to help you along your journey. In the age of technology its what's will best help your author image. Not to mention it's fun and it will give you a chance to meet new people. I know it's easy to be your own worst enemy but once you take the first step it gets easier so go on and put yourself out there.
Until next week!
✿ Happy reading and writing to all and to all a good day ✿
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