What is a platform?
I have just completed reading a book on self promotion and growing a platform. Websters dictionary defines a platform as: 3 a (1): a usually raised horizontal flat surface ; especially : a raised flooring. Applying this definition to a writer's purposes creates a niche where the author can place themselves. It is a place to make yourself and your book known. It is your base that you stand on as a writer. It is your foundation. It is your reputation. It is your blog. It is your website. It is your presence in the community. Get the picture?
Christina Katz says it best in her book "Get Known before the Book Deal" - 'A platform is what you currently do, in addition to writing, to connect with your readership. You platform is how you cultivate readership.' http://www.christinakatz.com/ . As a writer, I can appreciate Christina's openness in reaching out to those of us that are learning how to present ourselves and our "children" aka books.
It is interesting that authors and writers need to self promote even before they get any book deals. Just getting attention from agents and publishers is work. More time ends up getting invested in that pursuit than the actual book writing in most cases.
To all my fellow authors, I highly recommend the Christina Katz book if you have not signed the perfect book deal yet. It will push you to the next level. It is a reference that you will refer back to again and again.
Thanks Christina for the motivation and wisdom.
Christina Katz says it best in her book "Get Known before the Book Deal" - 'A platform is what you currently do, in addition to writing, to connect with your readership. You platform is how you cultivate readership.' http://www.christinakatz.com/ . As a writer, I can appreciate Christina's openness in reaching out to those of us that are learning how to present ourselves and our "children" aka books.
It is interesting that authors and writers need to self promote even before they get any book deals. Just getting attention from agents and publishers is work. More time ends up getting invested in that pursuit than the actual book writing in most cases.
To all my fellow authors, I highly recommend the Christina Katz book if you have not signed the perfect book deal yet. It will push you to the next level. It is a reference that you will refer back to again and again.
Thanks Christina for the motivation and wisdom.
Thanks for the plug, Leslie. I am glad you found the book helpful and I sure do appreciate you sharing about it.
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