How
should a writer create his or her platform, one that will show an ability to
sell books – and impress literary agents and publishers?
A
platform “is your personal ability to sell books through:
1.
“Who
you are.
2.
“Personal
and professional connections that you have.
3.
“Any
media outlets (including personal blogs and social networks) that you can
utilize to sell books.”
Those
are the words of Chuck Sambuchino, who wrote about writer platforms in the
newly published annual guide to literary agents from Writer’s Digest.
For
those writers seeking to find a literary agent, they will find useful information and
advice in the 26th Annual
Edition -- Guide to Literary Agents: 2017.
Fresh off the press, it tells would-be authors what they need to know to create a great query letter and book proposal, how to secure the right agent, and what you should expect an agent to do for you. It also has a detailed directory of literary agents, with contact information and notes on what particular agents are looking for.
Fresh off the press, it tells would-be authors what they need to know to create a great query letter and book proposal, how to secure the right agent, and what you should expect an agent to do for you. It also has a detailed directory of literary agents, with contact information and notes on what particular agents are looking for.
A
platform can be anything that reflects your brand and connections. In short, it is the thing you can point to
that says “I’m somebody” or “Lots of people know me.”
For
some, they can point to past media coverage – articles about or by them in major outlets or genre–targeted publications; guest-posts on influential blogs; radio
interviews in decent-sized markets; and television appearances. For others, it
could be that you show large social media followings on whatever platform of
choice – You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ to name a
few. Perhaps your platform is a digital rolodex
and you can show a database of 40,000 e-mails.
Whatever form it takes, you need to be able to impress others so they
will feel inclined to invest in and work with you.
All
of the potential in the world is wonderful, but agents and publishers need to
feel confident there will be a payoff when they sign you. No one wants to waste time or dream alongside
of you.
So
what else can you do to make a nice platform?
·
Feature
some great endorsements or testimonials on your web site.
·
Show
videos from public appearances and list organizations where you delivered
presentations.
·
Blog
regularly and build up followers to a substantial size.
·
Show
a lot of views/likes for various posts, videos, or podcasts that you created or
were the subject of.
·
Become
a regular contributor to a publication or media outlet.
·
Have
an impressive resume that shows supportive credentials for the subject matter
that your book’s on.
·
List
memberships and leadership positions to major organizations.
·
Show
any awards of relevance.
·
Reference
writing contests that you placed a high in.
So,
where do you start?
Anywhere. Then build on it.
If
you speak at a local library and it goes well, schedule more talks at local
libraries. In between those appearances,
increase your Twitter connections. Send
out queries to magazines and newspapers to get some freelance articles under
your belt. Attend some networking events
in your field. Launch a blog or
podcast. Create a short video
series. Go with your talents and
interests and get out there.
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Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2016 ©.
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