“Does building a platform really increase chances of publication?”
This is a question many beginning authors ask when they are told to focus on building a platform—even before they receive a book contract.
“What’s the big deal?” they ask. “Shouldn’t I spend time working on my book instead of blogging? Won’t I gain a readership when my book is published?”
In the past, aspiring authors did not have to worry about building a brand, blog, or platform. They simply wrote a book, landed an agent, and received a publishing contract.
This is not the case with today’s writing industry.
If an aspiring author wants to gain interest from an agent/publisher, they must try to build a platform. When a publisher receives a proposal from an author, they often do an online search of the author. They want to see how many books the writer will be able to sell based on the number of potential readers they can reach through their blog and social media.
So, how can you, an aspiring author, build a platform—even as a teen?
Here’s how:
It’s pretty tough for an aspiring author to build a platform without writing a blog. Is it possible? Maybe.
But if you really want to impress an agent or publisher, don’t skip this. Blogging is a great tool to brand yourself as an author, build a readership, and build your platform—even before your book is published.
As a teen, you especially have the advantage of beginning to grow a platform early. Since it usually takes a long time to build one, you can try to begin growing it now before you completely dive completely into the writing industry.
But remember: A platform isn’t built overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency.
However, I still advise that aspiring authors spend the majority of their time writing. Because if you don’t have anything to pitch to an agent/publisher—then, well, the time you devote into establishing a readership will be fruitless.
How has building a platform paid off in your writing career? Do you enjoy blogging, or do you consider it to be a waste of time? I’d love to hear what you think!
Should aspiring authors build a platform? via @tessaemilyhall Share on X
Build a Platform & Increase Chances of Publication via @tessaemilyhall Share on X
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3 Comments
When I started writing 2-1/2 years ago, it was suggested that I start a blog. “What is a blog?”, I asked. I literally had no clue. I started my journey of blog writing soon after learning what one was, and although I don’t have a large following, my readers are steady and love what they read. I am getting ready to launch my second blog in the next coming month.
Another important part to building my platform was to attend a writing conference. Since my attendance at the Write-to-Publish conference in 2014, I have now written for 3 different devotion publications, had articles/stories published in two books, earned a finalist position in two categories in the Fresh Voices contest, written endorsements for a published book, and have had many other opportunities to connect with authors, editors, agents, and publishers. I would never have imagined it when I think back to the beginning of my journey. Now, as I begin my book journey, I have several contacts that I have made along the way that will aid me when the time comes to launch my first book. Platform. Is it work? Yes. Is it vital? Most definitely. But as you go, you will enjoy the ride and visit places you never would have imagined along the way.
If you’re writing fiction–and don’t want to give away the plot before the fiction is published–what is there to write about?
Wonderful post, Tessa :). Do you have any tips for people who are new to blogging or would like to start?