Are Platforms Important for Authors Before Launching a Book?

Most authors will tell you that the publishing industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Like many, publishers are having to work with less, considerably less actually. Smaller staffs, online competition and the current economy all play a significant part in how publishers are interacting with authors today.

For authors and writers, this means that it’s truly up to them to harness the power of marketing and public relations in order to develop a solid platform. In essence, a platform is an author’s base of potential readers that view that author as an expert in their field, niche or subject matter. From speaking engagements and networking opportunities to traditional and online media presence, constructing a platform with these components is more important now than ever.
  
Today, publishers have considerably tightened up their purse strings and rely on authors to do much of the promotional legwork. As a result, publishers spend a fair amount of time examining an author’s platform to determine the type of following they have and if they’re worth taking on as a book project. Outstanding creativity and superb writing won’t do much in terms of a publishing contract if your platform is nonexistent.

Having a well-rounded platform in place is proof that an author has positioned himself/herself as the best possible candidate in a pack of thousands. However, platforms don’t happen overnight. They require time, dedication and hard work. Whether an author is sending out press kits or participating as a guest blogger, platform promotion is a major commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Some authors may decide to hire a professional to assist them in building their platform. Working with someone who’s knowledgeable and who understands your objectives is essential. An author’s platform is what showcases their accomplishments so take some time when choosing a professional to collaborate with. Ask around and do your homework to make sure that you’ve got the right person in place to cultivate an outstanding platform and help you reach your goals.

When establishing a platform, authors need to set realistic expectations and believe in themselves. The literary field is becoming increasingly more competitive, which is precisely why building a platform is central to the success of any modern author. There’s no time like the present. Putting together a platform strategy and executing it is the first step in rising to the top.

Leili McKinley s a sought-after speaker, social media coach, internet marketing expert and branding specialist. She has been interviewed by CNN and featured on Conversational Marketing. An award winning entrepreneur, Leili has built and sold two multi-million dollar companies and is currently working on a third. The Small Business Administration, The Colbert Foundation, and The Maui Chamber of Commerce have honored her and she is a SBA Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner. An in-demand speaker, Leili travels the world to address audiences on search engine optimization, online marketing, branding, pay per click, web analytics, email marketing, web design, blog design, website usability, ecommerce, social media and more. Leili's dynamic training and coaching sessions-both in groups and one-on-one-transform people, companies, and organizations. develop a solid platform. In essence, a platform is an author’s base of potential readers that view that author as an expert in their field, niche or subject matter. From speaking engagements and networking opportunities to traditional and online media presence, constructing a platform with these components is more important now than ever.