Author platforms? What are they and do authors need them?
The general consensus is yes, we do, in fact, need a platform. But that leads me to question what on earth is a platform, and how do I create/maintain one. Last night, I participated in the #asmwrite chat on Twitter (for those who do not know, #asmwrite is a group/twitter hashtag of authors who are trying to figure out the publishing world without inundating the same people constantly--something I think we would all appreciate). We discussed platforms. Now this is something I have heard about ad nauseam and have generally avoided because it seems fake to me.
However, after last night and some further research, I am willing to take my stance under review. I now understand that building a platform is more than collecting as many nameless faceless followers as possible and trying to shove your book down their throats. Despite what my mother thinks, my book isn't for everyone, I get that, so I don't want or need to market it to everyone. The idea is to build a network of people who hold the same interests and reading tastes as you and get to know them. This is an excellent thought, but how does one do this? (I don't have the answer I am asking.)
In my research on platforms in today's global community, this is the most clear definition I found of what goes into it.
- How many people are on your email list or subscribe to your blog?
- How many followers do you have on twitter?
- How many Facebook friends or fans do you have?
- How much monthly traffic do you get?
Pay close attention to this last bullet point. You can have tons of followers and friends, but if they aren't checking out your stuff and participating in your life then they really don't count. You need the people who are actually interested. So that begs the question, what do we have to do to interest them. Twitter is sort of like speed dating. You get 140 characters to find, talk to, and connect with complete strangers. While blindly following (something I am so guilty of) will get you followers it doesn't get you connections. Those you have to forge on your own. Facebook is a little easier to get to know people. There is more information and an easier forum for a relaxed conversation, however how many of us really talk a lot to the people we don't already know well? Goodreads is definitely a source I think I under use. The groups would be a great way to meet people who are into your genre and talk to them (not sell your book to them).
Once you make these connections, how do you keep them interested? This is where the content comes in. There seem to be two types of strategies people have taken.
The first is the author persona-centric platform. This is the idea that you should use your blog/web site/social media persona etc. to talk about your book, your writing, and things that have to do with you book.
The second is the human-centric platform. This is the idea that the reader wants to get to know the person behind the book. They want to feel like you could be their bff and hear about your daily life and struggles.
I don't love either of these strategies. First off no one will keep coming back to your blog to have your books shoved at the constantly. That is no fun. Second, no one wants to hear about what you had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner unless they are a stalker. I think the middle ground has to be the key here. I think you have to talk about your book, but not too much. I also think you have to talk about your life, but not too much. Somehow we have to find a middle ground that will be interesting and engaging.
I will try to implement what I have learned here (wish me luck). Until next time,
Liz
I was asked in an interview question, what song fits Dark Corners. Well this wasn’t an easy question. The truth is there isn’t one song that really spoke to me while writing Dark Corners. I didn’t listen to a song and think this is so Ella’s story. While writing the book I did listen to the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack a lot. Not that Dark Corners is at all Phantom like, but it put me in a dark mood which was what I needed. With the Guardian Trilogy I have a lot more defined musical inspiration. I can pinpoint one song for each book’s emotional journey.
Posts
