What is and How to Build a Writer's Platform

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 groups and go to conferences. Make connections by going to local readings and meet ups with other writers and authors. Do not presume to know it all. Taking an academic approach will leave no stone unturned in your publishing journey. It will not only help you gain valuable perspective on the climate of the industry, it will also allow you to introduce yourself to the publishing community.

While your platform should in essence be your chance to brand yourself publically it shouldn't become something that is too narcissistic. By over glorifying oneself you may do just the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish. You are trying to draw people to you and your passions. Your ultimate objective is showing your talent as well as your marketability. If your readers are ultimately turned off by you or your methods they will go elsewhere and so will the publishing professionals. Become a contributing member to the organizations you a line yourself with and the forums your write in. Stay far away from the "what's in it for me" thought process. By adding as much as you take from the process you will gain the trust of your audience. People rarely recommend someone that they do not care for or trust. That will hold true for you as a writer and it will make or break your platform.

Lastly be patient. Building a qualified writers platform will not happen overnight. Much like a garden you will need to tend to the soil, plant seeds and water often before you will reap a harvest. It is not just about an online presence. It is also about the relationships you build in the writing community and within your focus of expertise. Authentic connections and associations take time to garner. Trust is rarely built overnight. No one becomes an expert in minutes. Start building your platform, focusing first on your passions and goals. Then contribute often in as many ways as you can: web presence, conferences, classes you teach, publish speaking, group affiliations and media contact. Think of it as the foundation for your writings success not an afterthought. Through careful and thoughtful construction you will not only become a credible writer but you will build a viable audience.