WORKSHOP: Building An Author's Platform

Building an Author Platform
by Cheryl Donavan

Intro to workshop

What is your platform? Well, if you don't know the answer to this questions this workshop will help you to identify not only your platform but ways in which to build it.

Every author needs a platform Building it takes time, but in the long run it pays off. Why, because many editors, publishers, and readers look for the author's platform first.

This platform is the author's reputation and public visibility; their ability, willingness, and experience to promote themselves in the marketplace.Building a platform is crucial not only for selling a book, but in building a professional career as an , entrepreneur, public speaker, trainer, workshop leader, or corporate spokesperson. The networks you build, when done correctly, can assure your book(s) long shelf life and back list life as well.

The information in the workshop will help you establish the foundation for your platform. Build on it regularly and watch your career soar.

Are you writing or have you written a book?

If your response is yes, then you need a platform.

You platform includes but is not limited to all of the following, your way of attracting readers, the people who follow you currently, your expertise, and your skills related to your topic. Your author platform is your way of becoming visible and known in your field or genre.

It is important to note that you should start building your platform well before you book is published, But, if you haven’t no worries. Just understand that you have a lot of work ahead of you.

So, how do your build your author platform? Well, there are many things you can do, but in this lesson, we’ve listed some of the most successful ways to get your name in people’s mouths. This lesson is interactive so you will also be provided with questions as you go to help you develop your platform


1.) Build promotion into your book. Set your book in a location that is interesting. (i.e. New York, New Orleans) Involve your characters in current issues. (i.e. domestic violence, gang activity, teen pregnancy, etc)


a. Is my book set in an interesting location?


b. Does my book cover any current issues?


c. Current issues covered


1. _____________________
2. _____________________
3. _____________________


2.) Establish a website: You can do this yourself or you can hire someone to do it for you. Nevertheless, make sure you include the basics such as your book cover, book synopsis, a book excerpt, your bio and a picture of you for starters.

a. What will the name of my website be, my name or the Books Title?

b. What will my website look like?

c. What type of content will I post to my website?

d. Will I link to other sites to drive traffic to my site?


3.) Develop your public speaking skills


4.) Establish a blog

a. What will my blog look like

b. What type of content will I post to my blog

c. Will I allow others to post content related to my subject matter?

d. Will I host blog tours?


5.) Create one or more speaking topics or events related to your book


a. Potential titles of speaking topics

b. Events


6.) Get involved in appropriate social networking groups and organizations


a. Social networking organizations


i. Ning


ii. Connect Platform


iii. MySpace


iv. Facebook


b. Online groups


i. Yahoo

ii. Social Service

iii. Professional


c. Local groups/organizations

i. Professional

ii. Social Service

iii. Social

7.) Write articles on your topic or stories in your genre


a. Possible titles for articles related to my book

i. _____________________________


ii. _____________________________


iii. _____________________________


iv. _____________________________


8.) Establish a newsletter


a. What will I name the Newsletter?


b. What types of content will I use?


c. How often will I send out the newsletter?


d. What service will I use to produce the newsletter?


e. Will readers have to subscribe?