Michelle Kaderly WelshWhile you’re writing your novel, you can be busy laying the foundation for building your platform. Here are a few ways to get started. I gleaned these tips from some sessions at the online Northwestern Christian Writers Conference last summer.
Build your credentials
The first tip is to build your credentials by writing short stories and articles for in print and online magazines. A growing portfolio of clippings will help you when it is time to write that proposal. Check out Steve Laube’s The Christian Writer’s Market Guide and the Writer’s Digest market guides for markets and contests to submit your work. Writer’s Digest has several guides so you can be as general or as narrow in your search as you want. Up-to-date online guides are available for these, as well.
Start speaking at schools and libraries
The second tip involves getting to know librarians and teachers. Offer to speak at schools and libraries. Speak about topics covered in your novel. This will help you get known and allow you to meet potential readers. Share book marks and newsletters at your speaking events. Ask attendees to sign up for your newsletter to build your newsletter list for when it is time to promote your book.
Start networking
The third tip is to begin networking with other professionals and writers. Begin by networking with authors who write in the same genre. Join professional organizations also to meet people.
Try some of these networking suggestions:
- Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), acfw.com.
- Join SCBWI.org (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
- Visit or join the YA Library Association, ala.org/yalsa. (This is a part of the American Library Association, ala.org.)
- Get involved with Teen Read Week. (This is a part of the YA Library Association also.)
- Join Goodreads, post reviews, and friend others with your interests.
- Read writing magazines, such as Writer’s Digest, and visit their websites.
- Read book publishing websites.
- Read articles by novelists. Follow your favorites on social media.
- Visit Amazon and look up lists such as top sellers. See what these authors do on their pages. Look at reviews, websites, book pages, sales, and more. What are these writers doing to get your attention? Read their blurbs.
It’s impossible to do everything, so start small and add as time permits. I hope these suggestions encourage you. Every little step helps build your platform.
Are you involved with any of these ways of building a platform? What’s a tip you would add?
Photo Credit: Burton Cole.
Laurie Germaine
Carol Eaton
These are all helpful suggestions. Starting small works for me. One way for me to build credibility is to blog. For many years, I posted on Blogspot, but currently, I’m switching over to WordPress and I’m finding that a bit daunting. However, blogging has been for me a way to connect with readers and other writers.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I’m glad these suggestions are helpful to you. You are right. Blogging is another great way to build a platform and connect. Getting used to a new program can be daunting, for sure. Good luck. I like WordPress, and I’m still learning. 🙂 Know you’re not alone in tackling these challenges. Often when you ask questions, someone with more experience will offer help. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I am self published and do not have a newsletter but do have a web page. I am not consistent in writing on it so that may be the key.
You’re welcome, Debra. It’s a slow process, but be persistent. All we can do is our best. Every step forward is progress. It can get overwhelming, that’s for sure. You’ll definitely want to get your newsletter or blog started. I understand traditional publishers like to see those. Since you have your books, I’d reach out to your schools and libraries. Getting featured in the newspaper is good too. We’re cheering you on!
I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. Recently, I acquired my domain page where I plan to blog, among other things. On the bio page, should my introduction be written in first person or third person?
I wrote mine in first person.