Have you given any thought to building your platform? As a fiction writer, I didn’t see the need until I read Jeannie Campbell’s blog post today. Apparently, some agents use the platform as a final determining factor if two writers are equal in their writing abilities. Not all agents worry about this, but since some do, maybe it’s a good idea to start building that platform now. Jeannie has asked anyone who’s interested in brainstorming how to create a bigger platform to leave a message on her blog. If you’d like to be a part of this group, follow the link to her blog.
Maybe you already have a platform? If you do, would you please share some of your secrets with us?
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No sure answers here, Lynnette -- but I did ask Jeannie to include me in the loop on that idea. I'm willing (and happy) to take any help I can get :)
ReplyDeleteI've always heard platforms are for non-fiction writers, too, though I consider my following to hold the same value. I wonder what agents think about that?
ReplyDeleteI think it isn't as important with fiction but I do know it's important to get yourself out there either way. I started by writing tons of articles to show that I am publishable:) I am hoping it gives me more credibility and marketing ability!
ReplyDeleteI'm in on Jeannie's loop too. I think it's never too early to start platform building. I know it goes without saying, but we can't build one at the sacrifice of our craft. Agents won't want to represent a mediocre newbie no matter how much they've built their platform.
ReplyDeleteI like Jody's comment about platforms being unable to replace time and attention to our craft. I think a platform is great and probably very useful but it can't help you if you don't focus on your skills. My humble opinion, anyway. =]
ReplyDeleteI don't like that fiction writers should have a platform, but I agree that it does help. Even something like building a large following on a blog can be beneficial. The more readers you have, the more people who are willing to read what you write. If you publish something, there are going to people from that audience of readers that might purchase your book. If they like it, then they'll share with other people. And those people will share with others and so on...word of mouth! Most of my other ideas are specific marketing strategies, but I am hoping that blogging will help me.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to put fiction in the same box as non fiction and requiring a platform from the author. I worked in psych forever and my characters are bordering one psychosis or another does that a platform make? If so I'm in. ;)
ReplyDeleteBy platform, you mean following, readers who might purchase your book? I have some strong reservations about all this pre-publishing hoopla. If you worry about your readers before you are finished with your work, you will have all kinds of reservations, all kinds of fitting in techniques. That's my humble opinion; and I'm sticking to it!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny I just read a post on the Bookends blog today, about how too many fiction writers are getting too caught in worrying about blog and having platforms, when really it is our writing that counts.
ReplyDeleteJust the same, I think any little bit you can do now to start getting your name out, can only help.
No I don't have a bit of platform, but I'm not averse to getting my name out just a little bit. Kind of dipping my toes in to see how this stuff works.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the agents. I just read a Bookends post that pretty much said for fiction writers to quit worrying about platform.
Now I'm going to check out Jeannie's post. :-)
Platform?
ReplyDeleteHey Jeannie, I like this topic. The writers I know are divided--most don't want to spend any time on promotional tools yet because they barely have time to write.
ReplyDeleteI understand their point, but I think they fail to remember they aren't going to magically have MORE time once they get the call. It's not as if you can quit your day job when you sell one book (unless you're one of the few who get a six-figure advance!). If we can balance the platform stuff with the writing now, before we're published, we'll be in better shape to handle the new stresses that will come when we get the call.
Publishers expect all of their authors to have a website and to be a part of the latest networking organizations such as Facebook or Twitter. It took me a few weeks just to think of my "brand"! I wouldn't want to fugure out how to put together a website while I'm spazzing out about line edits, contracts, and art dept stuff.
I consider "platform" to be a combination of things: a narrowed down focus of what you write (your brand) along with any promotional tools you use to sell that brand (blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, etc...).
I tried to post a comment yesterday, but my computer was acting up. Sign me up for Platform Group Therapy! I'm in!
Very interesting. I will have to go over to her blog and read the post.
ReplyDeleteI am a motivational speaker and member of the NSA. This helped me establish credibility and both my non-fiction and inspirational YA fiction are based on that foundation.
ReplyDeleteAll fiction writers are experts in some field because research is still involved. That can launch a platform as well.
L. Diane Wolfe
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
www.spunkonastick.net
www.thecircleoffriends.net
I nominated you for an award on my blog. :D
ReplyDeleteHere
I came to visit you from your award on Lady Glamis blog and I love what I see. Platform is important to me. I'm writing a memoir about yanking our teenagers from their cushy California life to live on an island in Belize. I seem to have become addicted to blogging and what it gives me is a boost. I feel like what I'm doing is going to pay off in the end, and I'm one of those authors that loves networking and promotion as well as writing. Thanks for the great post. I shall visit Jeannie's blog next.
ReplyDeleteHey Lynnette--I'm such a goober! I'm sorry I called you Jeannie--I'd jumped from her blog back to yours! Forgive me?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love the platform topic. I'm hoping to learn more about this in the upcoming months.
Jill
I think even joining writer organizations, or organizations related to your interest/genre, help with platform, too, giving the author more authority on the subject and an audience in the organization.
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about it. I get that a lot. hehehe
Lynnette
Lady Glamis,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the award. I quickly checked it out, but will have to go back and read what I'm supposed to do now. Just don't have time right now. I should tell ya that my last name is Labelle, not Lybelle, but that's okay. LOL
Lynnette
As far as the platform thing goes, I don't know if it'll help or not. As far as I can see, as long as blogging or whatever doesn't take up too much of my writing time, it's a great way to meet other writers and possibly future readers of my books.
ReplyDeleteLynnette Labelle
Yikes! Sorry for the misspelling. Fixed. :D
ReplyDelete