"Author Platform” – it seems to be the new buzzword within the publishing industry, and a quick Google search can leave even the most tech-savvy author feeling confused and overwhelmed.  So just what is it, exactly?

“Very simply, a platform is the thing you have to stand on to get heard. It’s your stage. But unlike a stage in the theatre, today’s platform is built of people. Contacts. Connections. Followers” - Michael Hyatt, Platform: How to Get Noticed in a Noisy World
In layman’s terms, an “author platform” refers to your visibility as an author. That is – “the state of being able to see or be seen.”

The stronger your author platform, the more visible you are. The more visible you are, the more likely you are to sell more books.

Writers often are, by nature, introverts. The idea of “selling oneself” can seem like an alien concept to most. However, in a world where tens of millions of new books are published each year, it’s more important than ever to get your voice heard.
Building a successful author platform takes time, effort and dedication. However, having written a novel in the first place you’ve already proven that these are skills you have at your disposal!

Below are our top 10 ways to begin building your author platform. This list is by no means exhaustive, however if you follow our guide, you’ll be well on your way. 

​1) CREATE YOUR OWN WEBSITE 

These days it’s easy to create a website for your author brand – there are many online tools and services online that enable you to do so without the need to hire professionals, like Squarespace for example. Your website needn’t be a complicated affair, but it should at the very least include contact details, title information (cover image, blurb, ISBN, links to online retailers such as Amazon etc.), a brief author biography, details of any press coverage you may have had, and links to any other online platforms where you have a presence. 

2) BLOG

Set up a blog, and be sure to post regularly. There’s plenty you could write about – your experiences as a published author, for example. The trick is to make your content useful. What advice could you offer other budding writers? Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your writing – your posts should be as engaging as possible. Many of your favourite authors within your genre will have blogs themselves – follow them to get a feel for the kind of things they post.  

3) TWEET

Twitter is perhaps one of the easiest ways to build an online following. Follow like-minded individuals, and pay attention to trending hashtags, incorporating them into your own Tweets where relevant. 

4) SET UP A FACEBOOK PAGE

You may already be on Facebook, but it’s important to create a dedicated ‘page’ for your author persona for two reasons. 1) Nobody really wants to see photographs of your (delete where appropriate) cat / baby / Friday night shenanigans – and 2) Facebook offers ‘page insights’ – through this tool you’ll be able to gauge which of your posts are successful, and those that aren’t. 

5) ORGANISE BOOK SIGNING EVENTS

Whilst there’s a great deal you can do online to build your author platform, it’s important to network in the real world too! Try organising a signing event at your local bookshop or library – your publisher will help you with this. It is worthwhile to pay potential venues a visit beforehand in order to introduce yourself, as they will generally be more receptive to authors they are familiar with. 

6) ATTEND LITERARY FESTIVALS

Every year hundreds of literary festivals take place throughout the U.K, so there’s a high chance there’ll be something taking place in your area. One great resource is http://www.literaryfestivals.co.uk/ - the website contains a comprehensive list of events. Once you’ve found an event you’re interested in participating with, contact the organisers (these details will often be listed online).  It’s important to bear in mind that you have to get in there early – event programmes are often confirmed many months in advance. 

7) BUILD AN EMAIL LIST

As an author, it’s essential to start building your email list if you’re looking to get your message heard. Mail Chimp is a fantastic service for sending attractive emails, managing your contacts and tracking results, and it’s free as long as you have fewer than 2,000 subscribers. Use your email list to broadcast every time you publish a new blog post, and you’ll see your traffic surge! 

8) WIN AN AWARD

From The People’s Book Prize to The Costa Book Awards, the literary world is saturated with awards, both big and small. Wining an award guarantees media attention, and is a brilliant accolade for both you and your book. As the old adage goes, “you have to be in it to win it” – so get submitting your entries! 

9) JOIN A WRITER'S GROUP

Joining a writer’s group enables you to build a support network of fellow authors – you can read and review each other’s work, attend each other’s events, not to mention it’s a great way to make friends! If you can’t find a group locally, there are plenty online – or why not start your own? 

10) CONTRIBUTE!

Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between self-promotion. Give back to the community, and you will reap the rewards.