What’s An Author Platform Anyway? A Quick Overview
Authors come to me many times frustrated and confused over this concept of ‘author platform.’ I felt the same way before I learned to market my books, so I’ll break it down here with a brief explanation. In future articles, I’ll discuss each component in much more detail.
Before your book ever hits the shelves—or even lands in an agent’s inbox—it’s crucial to have an organized author platform in place. Think of it like laying a solid foundation before you build a house. When you have an email list, a well-structured website, and an engaging social media presence all set up ahead of time, you’re giving agents, publishers, and readers confidence that you’re serious about your writing career—and that your book will find an eager audience. It also means that once your manuscript is ready to share, you can hit the ground running with promotions, newsletters, and social posts that already reach people who care about what you’re doing. In short, getting your platform organized early shows you’re not just creating a story—you’re creating a sustainable ecosystem that will help your book thrive.
1. Brand Identity
- Why it’s #1: Your brand is the cohesive “voice” and visual style that ties everything together. It helps readers instantly recognize you—whether they land on your website, see your posts on social media, or come across your Amazon author page. Even if you just start with something like a great photo and a nice color palette you can extend over all of your website and socials, something is better than nothing here. You just want to look like you’re together and are taking your writing career seriously.
2. Email List & Newsletter
- The Direct Line: Having a mailing list lets you bypass social media algorithms. You can share announcements, book previews, or behind-the-scenes goodies with people who genuinely want to hear from you. A reader magnet (like a free short story) can be a great way to entice signups. Read more (so, so much more) about that here.
3. Author Website/Blog
- Your Home Base: This is where you showcase your books, author bio, and news—often the first place readers will visit to learn more about you.
4. Social Media Profiles
- Community Building: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or LinkedIn give you a way to interact with readers and fellow writers in real-time. See my article about my “all, then one” strategy before you get overwhelmed and send me a message that there’s “NO POSSIBLE WAY YOU CAN DO ALL OF THIS AND STILL WRITE BOOKS OMG.”
5. Presence on Book Sites
- Key Platforms:
- Amazon Author Central: Make sure your profile is up-to-date with a bio, photos, and links to your titles.
- Goodreads: Engage with the reading community, collect reviews, and run giveaways.
- BookBub: Build a following so readers get notifications about deals and new releases.
- Other platforms like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo, depending on your distribution.
6. Published Work & Guest Appearances
- Proving Expertise: Articles, interviews, or guest posts on other websites, podcasts, or blogs boost your visibility and credibility.
7. Events & Speaking Engagements
- Face-to-Face Connections: Book signings, readings (in-person or virtual), and workshops let you connect with readers on a personal level.
8. Networking & Collaborations
- Cross-Promotion: Building relationships with other authors, industry pros, and influencers opens doors to new audiences.
9. Media & Publicity
- Getting the Word Out: Podcast interviews, news features, and press releases introduce you to readers who might not have heard of you otherwise.
10. Consistent Engagement
- Staying Top-of-Mind: Regularly interact with your audience—whether through social media updates, blog posts, or newsletters—so your name and work remain fresh in their minds.