For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
What is an Author Platform?
On January 28, 2009 I posted this article on our blog at http://norlightspressdotcom.blogspot.com
An author platform is so important to the success and substantial sales of a book that this information bears repeating:
Your platform conveys to others why you are qualified to write your book. It includes your web presence (website, blog, etc.), relevant articles you’ve published on the subject, classes you teach, and anything else you’re doing to get your name and your books in front of the target audience.
A resume is what you’ve done previously; an author platform is what you’re doing now, with a special focus on expertise in the subject matter of your book. If you’re a known expert on the subject or with a particular audience, that’s your platform. What is it about your experience and expertise that will set you apart from all the other authors out there? What makes you and your book unique?
Establish your niche identity and be able to state that identity in one sentence. A reader won’t be able to find you if you can’t define your niche.
Who is your target audience? Imagine someone in a bookstore or surfing online through the Amazon bookstore. S/he grabs your book for a closer look. Why? Who is that person and why would s/he be interested in your book? Ideally, you’ve written your book with a target audience in mind. If not, spend some time now to focus on this target audience. It will bring structure and perspective to your marketing plan.
Building an author platform takes time. Don’t try to rush the development. During the buildup to the release of your book, work each day to expand your platform through writing articles, blogging, and social networking. And remember to stay focused on the outcome you want.
As all these things come together, the momentum they build will eventually become self-sustaining. If you continually look for ways to bring together your area of expertise and your target audience, the natural outgrowth will be a unique identity for you and your books. Readers will come to know what they can expect from you, the author.
http://www.norlightspress.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile (norlightspress.com)
An author platform is so important to the success and substantial sales of a book that this information bears repeating:
Your platform conveys to others why you are qualified to write your book. It includes your web presence (website, blog, etc.), relevant articles you’ve published on the subject, classes you teach, and anything else you’re doing to get your name and your books in front of the target audience.
A resume is what you’ve done previously; an author platform is what you’re doing now, with a special focus on expertise in the subject matter of your book. If you’re a known expert on the subject or with a particular audience, that’s your platform. What is it about your experience and expertise that will set you apart from all the other authors out there? What makes you and your book unique?
Establish your niche identity and be able to state that identity in one sentence. A reader won’t be able to find you if you can’t define your niche.
Who is your target audience? Imagine someone in a bookstore or surfing online through the Amazon bookstore. S/he grabs your book for a closer look. Why? Who is that person and why would s/he be interested in your book? Ideally, you’ve written your book with a target audience in mind. If not, spend some time now to focus on this target audience. It will bring structure and perspective to your marketing plan.
Building an author platform takes time. Don’t try to rush the development. During the buildup to the release of your book, work each day to expand your platform through writing articles, blogging, and social networking. And remember to stay focused on the outcome you want.
As all these things come together, the momentum they build will eventually become self-sustaining. If you continually look for ways to bring together your area of expertise and your target audience, the natural outgrowth will be a unique identity for you and your books. Readers will come to know what they can expect from you, the author.
http://www.norlightspress.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile (norlightspress.com)
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Comment
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Comment by Nadene Carter on April 29, 2009 at 9:27am
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I appreciate your comment, Anastasia, and I appologize for being slow in getting back to this forum. My computer monitor took a hike. My computer tech brought a loaner and when we found my receipt for the monitor in my SAVE file, it was 2 weeks out of warranty. I've only had it a year! Not a happy camper.
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