A Writer’s Platform Defined – sort of

A learning moment

Last week, I shared the post “What the @^ (# is a Platform?”

Some of you lovely people who follow me here on the ‘stack reached out to me with some great resources.  I’m sharing them here with you.

This article was sent to me as one writer’s perspective of what makes a platform.  What is a writer's platform? - Louisa Deasey Author

In this article, the author makes the argument that a platform is more than the number of followers or published work.  It’s about building relationships. 

“It’s the sum total of your relationships with your audience and your visibility among said audience.”

She tells us the same thing I’ve heard in different variations from others, “Don’t hunt for your audience.   They aren’t prey.  Instead, look for your tribe.  They are the people most interested in what you have to say.”

Are you a mommy-blogger?  Go where the moms are.  Do you write about mental or physical health?  Write for publications who cater to people interested in those fields.  Find your niche, then layer in pieces you’ve written with magazines, blogs, and podcasts that cater to that niche. 

Don’t just look for followers.  Follow people who are known in your field and interact with them and their followers.  Put in a little digital facetime and get your name circulating in the same circles.  Think of the internet as a virtual cocktail party.  Hover on the fringes of discussions and insert relevant observations (without being cringy.)  Strike up conversations and build relationships. 

There’s a term I’ve heard thrown about “literary citizen.”  The latest buzz is about being a good literary citizen.  My take on this topic is to give more than you get, kind of like being a good friend.  Read other writers’ books and post reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.  Share them on social media and remember to tag the writer so they know you’re giving them a boost.  If you know an author whose book is going to be released soon, contact them and offer to be on their book launch team.  See if they will send you an advanced reader copy (ARC) to review.  Pre-order the book because pre-orders are life or death for a new release book.  Then review that book, share it on your social media, ask your local library to stock the book. 

I’ve recently begun working with Allison Lane at Lane Literary to help me get the book proposal for my memoir polished and positioned for success.  She offers a great deal of free content to those who follow her on Linked In.  This free video has some relevant content for platform building for writers.

My perspective is that you’re not so much building a platform as you are building bridges.  You’re seeking connection with others who have something to gain by reading what you write.  You’re trying to join forces with those who carry a similar message, but with a different perspective.  Every one of us has something valuable to say, but that value varies depending on the audience who hears it.  Our goal is finding the right audience for what we have to say.

So, get out there.  Find your tribe.  Smile at a stranger, or at least send a smiley face emoji.  😊