I just returned from speaking and working as a “book doctor” at the San Francisco Writers Conference. I’ve attended or worked as a volunteer at this particular conference for six years! This was my first year as a presenter.
If I could pass along just one bit of information I heard stressed over and over again at this conference I’d offer this one: BUILD YOUR PLATFORM NOW!
This tip isn’t a new one by any means, but each year the state of the publishing industry makes the need for platform more and more important. And this remains true whether you want to publish your book traditionally or independently. However, each year writers have more and more ways to build that coveted platform without even setting foot outside the door.
That’s right. You can actually remain at home in your lonely garret simply writing and still build a platform…but…and this is a BIG BUT…you must get out into Cyberspace. You must become a social creature–even if you do this only via social networking. You must blog, tweet, comment, post, update, link, etc.
Of course, getting out and speaking helps, too. You’ll find, though, that participating in social media increases your odds of getting speaking gigs.
And then you must put the information about your platform in a truly great proposal that has been preceded by a truly phenomenal query–both of which have to contain the most outstanding pitch ever.
That’s not too much to ask of a writer, is it?
I know this task feels overwhelming, but every writer can accomplish the “feat” of building a great platform. I’ve been whittling away at a platform for quite a while myself, and now I actually have one big enough to attract an agent and, hopefully, a publisher. I know a lot about pitching and writing proposals as well. Some of you may have even been at the conference’s pitch contest, which I helped judge, or come to talk to me about your proposal during the book doctor sessions.
I’d like to help you get your writing projects and career off and running this year. Please visit my website to see the range of services I offer, including writing coaching, publishing mentoring, workshops and teleseminars–and help building your platform.
Don’t wait to build your platform. If you want to write your book and get it published, start building your platform today.
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