by Jennifer Arnold

Created on: July 21, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

As a key step in getting noticed as a writer and eventually published, today's authors must have a platform. What exactly is a platform and how can a new writer create one? The basic concept of a platform is something that helps you stand out in crowd. It is your stage to gain visibility. It is your chance to show editors, agents and publishers that you are indeed marketable, talented and ultimately publishable.

So what qualifies as a platform? Ultimately it is anything that promotes interest in your writing and accentuates your credibility. It can be a blog or a social networking page like MySpace or Facebook. It can be a website or content provider like Helium or Associated Content. It simply is somewhere you are posting writing and gathering readers. A platform should allow the readers as well as publishing professionals to gain perspective into your specialties or niche. It should present not only your style but your expertise as well.

So now that you have a platform just how do you gather readers? To create a successful writers platform you cannot just subscribe to the build it and they will come philosophy. You must have an entrepreneurial focus and a marketing spirit. This will be a key component of your success and also further proves to publishing professionals that you will be able to successfully promote your work, should they indeed agree to publish you. By teaching classes and workshops or participating in forums and focus groups you are drawing attention to yourself and you will soon be gathering an audience to your stage.

Other ways to build your writers platform is to connect with professionals and organizations that are closely related to your topic and focus. By gaining their endorsement you will be further enhancing your creditability and introducing yourself up to all of their respective connections. Don't forget to include your local media contacts. Networking is a key part of any kind of marketing. Don't be afraid to talk about yourself, your expertise, passions and your writing. If your shrink into the background with the other wall flowers your will go unnoticed as wall flowers usually do. By speaking up and exuding confidence in yourself you will cause people to stop and see what all the commotion is about. If you believe in yourself you give them a reason to believe in you too. If you are timid and unsure it will be felt and effect the readers view, not only of you but of your potential as well.

Join writing

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>