An aspiring author hears a lot about creating a platform. But what is a platform? And why do you need to create one? In Make yourself known before the book deal, Christina Katz describes what a platform is and how you can create a strong one.

With ever-tightening publishing budgets, writing a book isn’t enough to get it published, even if it’s a great book. Publishers need to be convinced that your book is marketable, and you increase your marketability by creating a strong platform.

What is a platform?

Most of the articles and blog posts about authoring platforms talk about web presence. But Katz argues that the platform is much more than a website. In fact, he doesn’t talk about websites in depth until chapter 34.

A platform, he says, is “all the ways you are visible and attractive to your future readers, potential or actual.” Have you written articles on your topic? Have you presented your topic at workshops or conferences? Do you teach a class on your topic? These activities are key elements of your platform, but they are not even the starting point.

Find your niche

Building your authoring platform starts with some introspective activities. Readers may be tempted to skim through these initial exercises, but they are valuable even if you have already engaged in some platform-building activities. They can help you refine your strategies and your goals to make your work even more effective in increasing your visibility.

build your platform 

Katz discusses many different ways to gain the visibility you need to be a viable candidate for a book deal. His suggestions seem primarily aimed at nonfiction writers, but he pays some attention to the needs of fiction authors. Some of his top suggestions are writing articles, teaching in-person and online classes, and volunteering for local writing organizations and content areas.

overcome your fear 

Many authors fear selling themselves and networking. These pursuits aren’t natural to Katz either, so the lessons she provides can help all but the most introverted authors come out of their shells and market their book effectively.

She reminds her readers that no matter how scared they may be, they are responsible for the level of success they have as writers. Therefore, it is they who have the responsibility to market their work and themselves. The key is to do it with integrity and integrate the passion you feel for your subject and your work.

Make it known to the public 

Katz closes with the public face of his platform. She walks you through building her identity, providing related services, and yes, creating her website and blog. She touches on social media and other trends in book marketing.

This book is the only one to look at deck building before a writer has been published, and for that reason alone, it’s a must read. Copycats are likely to follow, but you’ll be at least one step ahead by reading this book, completing the exercises, and applying what you learn to your platform.