How New Authors Can Build a Strong Author Platform to Impress Publishers
How New Authors Can Build a Strong Author Platform to Impress Publishers
Blog Article
Of all the things one can do as a new author to help oneself before even starting to submit their manuscript, perhaps the most important thing is to establish a solid author platform. The world of publishing is rapidly changing, and for book publishers, new authors are sought who have not only a fantastic story but also an engaged audience ready to read said story.
An author platform essentially is the presence and influence an author has in people's perception. This is a mixture of online and offline presence, personal brand, and connecting ability with potential readers. And it is this solid author platform that helps you get published, not to sell books after getting published.
But how do you actually go about building such a platform that would impress publishers and set you up for success? In this blog, we show, in a step-by-step manner, a practical strategy and tips on building a robust platform as a new author.
What is an Author Platform?
So, before we dive into the "how," let's explain what an author platform even is. Just to put it in simple terms, it involves your visibility as a writer and your potential ability to reach prospective readers and engage them.
It is not just about having a following on social media or maintaining a blog; it is being able to make real connections with people and, in effect, demonstrating to publishers that you arrive with a ready-made cheering section to coincide with the launch of your book.
What book publishers would always want to see is that one is not just another hopeful writer sending in one's manuscript, but the job of building up one's career and connecting with one's readers is being done proactively. An author platform demonstrates that one is seriously committed to the publication of their writing and has already laid down the foundation for future success.
Why Publishers Care About Author Platforms
Publishers of books for new authors look for writers who will view the publication of their books as merely the beginning in helping to promote those books. Why? In today's world, readers are bombarded with options, and such an established author platform can make all the difference.
Audience Reach:
All publishers need to know that your book is ready for the audience. If you have an audience in store, then it is a big plus. Publishers know an engaged audience is more likely to add to sales and even share books with others.
Marketing Potential:
A strong platform is an indicator that you will be involved in the promotion of your book. Publishers are looking for authors who will be aggressive with their marketing, whether through social media, book signings, or interviews.
Future Growth:
Even if you are a beginning writer, houses consider long-term potential. A growing author platform assumes you don't just want to write one book but that you are in it for the long haul.
Step 1: Create an Online Presence
In today's digital world, every author needs an online presence. This is where most of your readers will find you, and it's also the first-place book publishers for new authors will check when considering whether to take you on board. Areas you need to focus:
1.1 LMS How to Create a Professional Author Website
Your website is your digital "home." That's where readers will go to learn about you, about your books, about your blog, and how to get in touch with you. A nice, easy-to-navigate website makes you appear professional and puts you in control of your online presence.
What to include on your website:
About Page: This is where you will share your story and writing journey. This will serve to make your audience know you a little better.
Books Page: If you have published anything, then be sure to include a page about each book, giving a synopsis and links where they can be bought.
Blog: The blog is a great medium for engaging your audience through informing them about your steps within writing, sharing views on topics that touch on the themes of the book.
Contact Information: Provide the reader and publishers, if desired, with your contact information for questions, speaking engagements, or media appearances.
It also tells publishers, because you have a website, that you are serious, or dead serious, about your writing career. It gives them one place where they can observe that you are dedicated and serious to an art degree.
1.2 Create a Blog
Blogging is one of the most ideal ways to engage your target audience and build an email list. While your website will be the home for your work, your blog is the place where you get to connect with the readers on a regular basis. Whether you blog about writing tips, book recommendations, or personal stories that relate to the themes in your book, blogging gives readers a reason to visit your site and interact with you.
Blogging tips:
Post consistently (once a week, once every two weeks, etc.).
Offer value—teach your readers something they can use.
Share snippets of your writing journey or behind-the-scenes peeks into your book.
In time, your blog will build up and become a strong community of readers who will be eager to know what is coming up next from you.
1.3 Using Social Media to Engage Your Audience
Social media is probably one of the easiest ways you can build your author platform and start engaging with potential readers. You don't need to be on every platform; just focus on those that suit your style and where your target readers hang out.
Best Platforms for Authors:
Instagram: Especially great for the visual component of showing one's writing process, book covers, and snippets of manuscripts. This is particularly useful in connecting with readers in the Young Adult and Fiction categories.
Twitter: This is best used for updates in brief, networking with readers and other authors, and even for joining in on a given writing community or book chat.
Facebook: Good for longer posts, creating an author page, or a reader group.
TikTok: Over the past two years, Book Tosk has blown up. Well, it has become an increasingly significant powerhouse for the authors to promote their work and reach a younger audience.
Don't just post about your books; interact with your followers. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and share valuable content related to the genre or themes of your book. It's here that consistency and authenticity are important.
Step 2: Engage Your Audience
The author platform is not about gathering as many followers as one can get; it's all about building a relation with your audience. The more involved and engaged your followers are, the better chance these will turn into loyal readers once the book is published.
2.1 Building Your Email List
Actually, one of the biggest, most valuable possessions one can have as an author is to have an email list. As great as social media platforms are, algorithms change, and your posts don't always reach your audience. You have direct access with an email list to your readers.
This is how to build an email list:
Offer a freebie (e.g., a free chapter, writing guide, or short story) in exchange for email signups.
Use your website and social media accounts to drive subscriptions to your email list.
Keep your subscribers in the know from time to time with regular updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive content.
An excellent email list is one thing that would not only help you sell books but also make you more attractive to book publishers in regard to new authors.
2.2 Engage with Other Authors and Influencers
Collaboration will extend your reach. Connect with other writers, influencers, and bloggers in your genre. You can guest post on each other's blogs, do mutual interviews of each other, or even profile each other on social media. Building a supportive community around you and your writing will help you grow your platform even more quickly
Also, try engaging with communities of writers or forums, like Goodreads or writing groups on Reddit. The more you network, the greater exposure you will get.
Step 3: Show publishers you're serious about marketing it:
Publishers for new authors want writers that will be partners in promoting their books. In other words, you need to be able to demonstrate that you are not just looking for a free ride; you are willing to work some in promoting your book.
3.1 Design Book Launch Plan
An insightful book launch plan shows the publisher how keen you are about marketing. Your plan should therefore include, among others: Pre-launch publicity: Tease your book on Facebook, have early reviews go out there, and offer discounts. Launch day activities: webinars, virtual book reads, and/or social media challenges.
Other post-launch marketing activities will also include ongoing reader engagement, outreach to book bloggers for reviews, interviews or guest posts. The more energy you put towards launching your book, the more publishers will seem to think that you are an author who is serious about promoting yourself.
3.2 Show Your Professionalism Lastly
publishers of new authors are looking for professionals. That means responding promptly, being organized, and taking your writing career seriously. If you ever contact publishers or agents, your pitch should shine, your query letter professional, and your manuscript ready to be considered.
If you have built a good platform, it will show publishers that you are a serious candidate for publication. You will have proved that you are not a fly-by-night writer but one that understands the business of writing and how to market the same.
Conclusion
Building a Platform that Gets You Published Building a strong author platform does take some time, but it tends to be one of the best investments you can make in your writing career. No matter when you start-just beginning or well into your manuscript-you can start today by building your online presence, connecting with readers, and showing that you will be a dedicated marketer for your book.
This means that, if you do it this way, you will be in much better shape when you go to book publishers for new authors, since you're coming in with a built-in audience for people who want to purchase your book. You will show the publishers that you are ready to work with them and make your book a success.
So, start small-build a website, build your social media platforms, and start engaging with your audience. As you do, you'll watch your platform grow, along with your chances of getting published. The more work now, the more payoff later. Are you ready to build your author platform? Start building it today, and watch how your writing career soars! Report this page