Author Platform 101

Maybe you want to get an agent, sell a book proposal, or promote a book. Or maybe you’d like to have a well-trafficked website that you monetize. Author platforms aren’t just for established authors—successful writers of all kinds can benefit from growing one.

Writers are often scared or baffled by platform because it’s seen as a marketing and promotion mindset—antithetical to the artist mindset. However, there is a way to approach platform that isn’t about selling, but rather understanding human behavior (including your own!). You’ll learn how to evaluate your platform by paying attention to six key components: your writing or content, your website, your social media use, your relationships, your network of influence, and your reach.

This session will address:

• Why to develop different strategies for new readers versus loyal readers
• The difference between strong and meaningful social-media strategy and tactics versus time-wasting activities—and how to prioritize your time
• The two types of relationships to carefully cultivate throughout your career, which help grow your platform in unforeseen ways
• Why influencers are important to you and the best ways to get friendly with influencers

Success is not measured by how many followers or friends you have. It is about focused and consistent effort over a long period of time, which leads to finding more and more people who love what you do. You’ll learn how to make informed and meaningful decisions about how to best spend your time, as well as what advanced platform building looks like for an established writer or author.