The road to publication can be long and winding… and filled with rejection. So, what do you do while you’re submitting your manuscript and waiting patiently? Okay, maybe not patiently, but waiting nonetheless.
That’s easy. And, it’s very important – create visibility. I don’t mean standing on the street corner singing at the top of your lungs, I mean creating an online presence that depicts who and what you are. In other words, you need to create your platform.
As manager of a marketing group, I meet a number of writers who are reluctant to begin promoting themselves because they haven’t landed a publisher yet. Or, they’re still learning the craft. This mentality won’t cut it today. You need to begin establishing your visibility and platform now.
First step in your platform journey is to create a blog. Obviously, you will want to create your platform right from the beginning by posting to your blog with content that is in the genre you are writing.
But wait a minute, let me backtrack. For those who aren’t sure what a platform is, it is a means to let readers know what your area of expertise is. Yes, I know, you might be shaking your head and thinking that you don’t have an area of expertise, but this is how you create it.
The next step in your journey is to create your platform and online visibility. Learn your craft and as your learning, write about what you learn. In other words, if your book is about cooking, blog about cooking – you will be creating your area of expertise.
Once you feel comfortable adding content to your blog, start writing articles and submitting them to ezines. Again, keep them focused on the area of expertise you are trying to create. You may not get paid for them, but they will establish an online presence. And, if your articles are beneficial or interesting to others, it will bring traffic to your site.
The publishing and marketing industry has changed. In today’s writing market publishing houses, big and small, expect you to:
1. Have and online presence (website or blog)
2. Have a platform
3. Have a following
4. Have the potential to increase that following
5. Have a marketing strategy
6. Be able to sell your book
Selling books today is a joint effort between the publishing house and the author. And, if you’re venturing into the self-publishing arena, promoting yourself is even more important. Don’t procrastinate. Start creating your online presence and platform today.
If you need help getting started, or aren’t sure about how to create a blog, there are a number of online services that can help with this. Ask fellow writers and marketers for recommendations. Be sure to use a company with professional recommendations and experience.
Karen Cioffi is an author and freelance writer. Stop by her blog, Karen and Robyn Writing for Children ( http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com ), and sign up for the FREE monthly newsletter. It offers writing and marketing tips, book reviews, resources and much more. While there, you can also download up two free e-books about writing for children.
And, stop by DKV Writing 4 U ( http://dkvwriting4u.com ); we offer a number of affordable and professional writing services.
