One of the most important things a writer can do to promote a writing piece is to develop an author’s platform. I have listed several ways to create one. A writer may elect to use some or all the strategies below. What is critical is that you create your author’s platform. Note that these days it must include a presence on the Internet.
Create a Website on which you include your author’s profile and links to your online social networking pages such as Facebook and Twitter. Add book covers of stories you’ve written with links to purchasing sources. Include your contact information and links to your blog.
Blog both on your own blog and those of others. Create your own blog. Post pieces about your books and about topics that relate to your books. For example, if you’ve written a story set in Australia, blog about everything Australian from Aborigines to Aussi wines to Aussi history.
Find other people’s blogs that relate to your topics. Add them to your blogroll. Comment on those blogs and offer to do a guest post.
Create a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. These two social networks are among the fastest ways to gain presence in cyber space. They provide you access to thousands of people. Use them to gain “friends,” fans and followers. You can also plug your book and connect with other writers. Link Facebook and Twitter to your blog and website.
Create Electronic Newsletters. Send them from your website. Fill them with updated information about your events, books and articles related to your topic.
Find and explore Online ezines in your area of interest. Many accept free articles. Offer to write a couple for them. You’ve got nothing to lose except something you didn’t have in the first place. They may very well accept your article. This is another way to get your name out to perspective fans, followers and buyers.
Add a video to your website. Consider a book trailer or author interview. It may take some time to develop the skills needed to make a video, but amateurs do it all the time on YouTube. You could also pay to have it done professionally.
The author platform is all about name and book recognition. It will take some time and effort, but rest assured it is essential to your marketing plan. The payback for a well-planned and implemented author platform cannot be emphasized enough.
More Marketing Tips:
Wow. You got me there. I thought you needed some lumber, a saw, some nails and a hammer to create the platform. Oh, wait. I was thinking of a gallows. ))
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By: Richard W Scott on January 12, 2012
at 10:05 am
I love your wit. I hang on every word.
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By: Nancy Curteman on January 13, 2012
at 9:17 pm
If you’re writing fiction, be sure to check out Duotrope.com. Duotrope has information on thousands of potential markets and the list is updated frequently.
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By: Art Carey on January 12, 2012
at 10:05 am
Thanks for adding that important piece of information.
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By: Nancy Curteman on January 13, 2012
at 9:18 pm
Nancy ~ If you haven’t already, check out Kristen Lamb’s blog for smart marketing and “leveraging.” She’s on my blog roll.
good luck!
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By: nrhatch on January 12, 2012
at 5:58 pm
I checked out Kristen Lamb’s blog. She has some great suggestions. Thanks for the referral.
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By: Nancy Curteman on January 13, 2012
at 9:30 pm
[…] you how to create an author’s platform. Posted on January 12, 2012 by deepercolors https://nancycurteman.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/how-to-create-an-authors-platform/. Share this:TwitterLike this:LikeBe the first to like this […]
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By: Nancy Curteman tells you how to create an author’s platform. « Life as a Writer and Artist on January 12, 2012
at 10:03 pm