It’s a dirty word to aspiring writers. It is even unpopular among many agents and editors. It elicits snarls and sneers from people who just want to write great stuff and get their writing published.
I’m talking, of course, about the word “Platform.”
It refers to the extent of a writer’s influence. It answers the questions, “How big is your audience? How many people are already reading what you write? How many people are in your sphere of influence?” It helps a prospective publisher weigh not only on the quality of a person’s writing but also whether that person is capable of partnering with a publisher in the Herculean task of getting recognition and readers for a new book.
In one of my first blog posts as an agent, I wrote:
I am looking for people who are already having an impact. They are writing blog posts that a lot of people read, share, and subscribe to. They are connecting and engaging with large numbers of people on social media. They are speaking at events large and small, far and wide. They are not waiting for readers, listeners, and followers to come to them, they are already engaging with people about their genre and topic.
To some people, however, that’s an unfair standard. Numerous aspiring authors have expressed dismay at my insistence on a healthy and growing platform. One replied to my coaching efforts by saying, “I am not a ‘celebrity’ and have no desire to be. My sole goal is to be faithful, not famous.”
What kind of commercial publisher—who has a responsibility to owners, board members, shareholders, employees, and future customers—would be anxious to sign and publish someone who doesn’t understand that obscurity is not a selling point? That “A good name is better than fine perfume” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, NIV)? That a worthwhile message doesn’t have to wait until a book release to start having an impact?
If you owned a publishing house, would you look for writers who are waiting for their books to be published before building a following? Or would you want someone who is clearly passionate about a message and already networking with people, gathering a tribe, honing a message, experimenting with new technology, and using every resource available to say important things in impactful ways?
I think the question answers itself. As an agent, I’m willing to wait for a writer to demonstrate the willingness to learn, the desire to improve, and the ability to communicate well that will inspire blog or email newsletter subscribers, Facebook and Twitter followers, seminar audiences, radio listeners, and whatever else will say to an editor and publisher, “My sole goal is to reach people, even if that means I end up being famous.”
That is why I use the word platform. And why I look for writers who are building one.
God Does Not Need Your Book
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Everyone thinks being demanded to have a platform is unfair.
Until you try to publish your first book without one.
You don’t need a book published to start a platform. Just start building relationships with people wherever and whenever you can.
Thanks for the comment, Brennan. I often say, “Cynics say, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’ I say, ‘Christian publishing, like the rest of life, is about relationships–building, nurturing, and expanding them any way you can.'”
Don’t know if this will help anyone, but here’s how I see platform – in a positive light.
– It’s a place to stand, where I can be seen from afar…and can myself see further.
– It’s sturdy, so it doesn’t shake in the wind.
– Its foundations go deep into the bedrock of faith, so the storm will not break it.
– And it is wide enough to provide shelter to any who seek it.
Having a platform where people have found some measure of comfort, and a strengthening of their own courage and faith has been the greatest privilege of my life.
Platform is, quite simply, why I write.
Andrew, what an inspiring POV. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank YOU, Tisha, for taking the time to read my comment, and reply! 🙂
Thank you. I will post your words next to my computer to remind me.
This is the clearest explanation I’ve read of the necessity of platform. Thank you for helping me understand why I have permission – and a duty – to pursue excellence in reaching people. Really appreciate this post!
Thank you for the kind words, Pearl.
Not sure if “day late” comments are seen by anyone, but I’ve been thinking about this string since yesterday. Lots and lots of energy here (86 comments), too much for it to fade completely with the day.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I must decide two things: What do I really, REALLY want from my writing? and What am I willing to do to get it?
Elizabeth Strout once told an interviewer that she doesn’t know anything about marketing because her publisher handles that. Another lawyer turned writer is Kristin Hannah, who probably doesn’t worry much about building a platform either. It seems to me that platforms have sprung up like dandelions since the publication of Mr. Hyatt’s book. But the truth remains that a few – perhaps very few, percentage-wise – writers will stand out from their peers, whether the seascape behind them is flat grey anonymity or spotted with platforms like rigs in the Gulf.
I’m asking myself those two questions over and over and over. What do I want from my writing? What am I willing to do to get it? It seems to me the answers will direct me toward my path. Maybe I’ll be willing to hang out – perhaps for years – in that drugstore (slush pile) at the corner of Hollywood and Vine in the hope against hope some influential dealmaker discovers me. Or maybe I’ll strike out on my own and sell, sell, sell myself and my work. Or maybe I’ll choose a hybrid of the two. The only option I think I’ll leave off the table is quitting. I don’t think I’ll quit writing, come what may.
All that said, don’t underestimate the power of your ministry through your websites. I was ministered to by a post from one of the writers who commented here. Something about not eating a corn dog when a steak is one the way. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Rachel. And thank you, Bob.
LK,
Glad you commented!
I love the ministry aspect through website. I think Dan Balow had mentioned this in a previous blog post. You bring such insight to this post. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Tisha!
“Day late” isn’t too late at all. Thanks for commenting, LK. Like any ministry, the ministry of writing demands the kind of examination you’ve described, and a whole lot of work besides. So glad “quitting” is off the table.
LK,
This blessed me so much to read that my blog post ministered to you. 🙂 That’s what I love about the Christian fiction network – we support and encourage one another. I pray that His grace overwhelms you and your writing endeavors.
Right back at you, sister! Thank you so very much.
Thank you for such an honest post on a topic that is so important. Social media has completely changed the world of writers and readers. More pressure on the authors to attract and maintain true followers, but also the reward of connecting with people who support and enrich the writing experience.
Rebekah, thank you. I was trying to be honest, mostly with myself. I don’t know my answers to those questions, but honesty is a big piece of it. So your comment meant much more than you might know. Surely the Spirit of the Lord is in this place.
Thanks, Bob. You’re right. Platform does strike fear into the hearts of many Christian communicators. The driving force for me is one you mention, connection. After all, that’s why I speak and write. God’s given me a message to inform, affirm, and inspire, and I darn well intend to get it to the audience He intends it for.
By His grace I’m making good headway.
Sandra, you’re absolutely right. Great point. If my goal, or “driving force,” as you put it, is to be a “published author,” then platform is an obstacle. But if my goal is to inform, affirm, and inspire people, then platform fits right into my purpose.
How strange is it, that we Christian writers, who claim to write in order to touch hearts and lives rail against platform, which is about gathering an audience of hearts and lives?
This is the heart of platform…
Do you mind if I quote this and attribute you on my blog, Bob? I’m putting together an informative bite-sized post about Platform for beginning writers … trying to spread the word and encourage.
Tisha, feel free. Just send me all the royalties.
Royalties? What royalties? Unless this will end up in a book contract … okay, sure, all of 30%. You got it, boss. I’ll send a contract agreement. 😉
I’m sure many of you have already found this handy tool but I hadn’t known about it until a few weeks ago. Awesome stuff!
http://www.justunfollow.com is a site that helps you find content for a list of keywords that you can set up for your brand, clients, or yourself. I’m already using it and love it!
(Compliments of Bob Hostetler at Taylor University’s Professional Writing conference 2017.)
Thanks for remembering….and crediting….and sharing.
I’d like to know if I am shooting myself in the foot before I’ve even gotten my boots on.
I have split interests for my career:
1) I love to write christian romance stories. I believe I’m good at it and those who have read my work have been encouraged and touched by it. I’d love to be able to share my tales with others, so I don’t want to give that up. However…
2) I also love to encourage christian women in their individual well-being as well as the relationships with their families. My ability to build this platform is stronger, since I already teach these concepts at the university level. I also have a lot more avenues for growth (like getting a PhD) or collaborating with friends’ successful ministries.
I would think that these two genres share a good chunk of their audience, as I regularly have a fiction book and non-fiction Women’s Interest book on my nightstand. Sometimes I think that if I can make this work, I will have a more dynamic career. Other times I think I’m like a hopeful singer on a reality show trying to sing country and pop. I can hear Simon Cowell telling me to figure out who I want to be.
Any advice?
What do you think? Sometimes I feel
Whoops. Sorry about the weird fragment at the end there!
Janine, I encourage you to pursue “all of the above” (see my post on this site titled “Write Like Baseball”). In general, of course, nonfiction writing lends itself more to platform building, but you would not shoot yourself in the foot to pursue platform in either area, nor to keep developing in both fiction and nonfiction. You never know which might “click,” so to speak.