Why write a book no one will read?
I have a theory that a book has no impact unless the book is read. But a book won’t be read until it is purchased. Even if it was given to you, someone bought it.
Thus the power of your words begin at the point of sale. In today’s world, that means the book has to be discovered. No matter how good your book is, if someone doesn’t know about it, they won’t buy and won’t read it. Getting the word out about your book doesn’t just happen. If you want to reap, you must first sow; and if you want to get the word out, you need a way to do that.
Industry veterans use the word “platform” to describe the size of an audience the author brings to the table. How many potential readers can your platform reach? Your platform is your ability to get the word out about your book.
The bigger your platform, the more people you can get to read (and talk!) about your book.
These days, authors need larger platforms to attract an agent and publisher. Many agents and editors will reject a project because of the author’s lack of platform.
Even independent (indie) authors need large platforms to get the word out about their books. There is just no getting around the need to get the word out about your book. Writing a great book isn’t the only factor.
Each day hundreds of new books enter a market already crowded by millions of existing books. Authors without a platform often get lost in the noise. Don’t let that be you!
Building a platform doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
If learning how to build a platform feels like an Internet-wide scavenger hunt, I have some good news!
Thomas Umstattd Jr. and I are hosting a free webinar this Friday all about how to start building your author platform. For the first half hour or so, Thomas will debunk the myths about platform building and share some key strategies. Then he and I will answer your platform building questions.
We did several of these type of Q&A webinars earlier this year and they were a big hit.
Webinar Details:
- Topic: How to Build a Rejection-Proof Author Platform
- Cost: Free
- Time: 4 pm Central Friday, Oct 23, 2020 (See the time in your timezone)
- Signup link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/how-to-start-building-an-author-platform-laube
- Replay? Yes! Just sign up for the webinar to view the replay.
Be sure to sign up today and mark your calendar! We look forward to “seeing” you on Friday.
Fun Fridays – October 16, 2020
I just shared this on my FB page, Steve, and thanks. You and I met several times at CBA, though you won’t know me. But your reputation precedes you. All good, I promise. 🙂
Lynn Morrissey
PS How does one submit questions for your blogpost which features Q & A?
On the right hand column of this blog page you’ll see a big red button with the words “Ask a Question”. Just click that and send your question to the email address provided.
Well, I could have looked! Thanks so much, Steve.
L
PS I’ve met you a couple times at CBA. My favorite was your Jan Karon story. 🙂
I think I’ve signed up for the building your platform webinar, but I’m not sure.
Also is it at 4pm on Friday 23rd October or 12am Saturday 24th October.
The link converts to your time zone automatically:
https://www.crowdcast.io/e/how-to-start-building-an-author-platform-laube
It should have a countdown clock on the screen.
It’s at 4pm Central time on Friday October 23rd.
Count me in, Steve!
Looking forward to it! You and Thomas are an awesome team in webinars. 🙂
Would love to attend, but will be out of town. How can I get access to the session?
Just sign up now. Then when it has completed all registered users can access the video at a later time.
Ooooh, that looks awesome! Will he tell me how to fix my Instagram if I accidentally reported myself as a hacker on my own account? Even if not, I look forward to learning new tips!
Sorry Kristen, we can’t be your tech support. LOL!
Although I already have a platform, it’s always a good idea to hear more ideas for increasing it. Thank you for this opportunity, Steve.
As of 12:30 Central time today we already have 98 people signed up for the event. Be sure to tell your friends and join.
Thank you very much Mr Laube. I will definitely sign up to listen to the webinar.
God bless you.