Understanding an author platform

For authors, understanding author platform is crucial. Anyone who writes should have an appropriate way to ‘show case’, display or present his or her writing to others. Building an author platform is one way that authors can do that and increase their chances for success, at the same time.

What is an author platform?

The article entitled “What is a Writer/Author Platform?” uses a simple definition suggesting, “Platform, simply put, is your visibility as an author”.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/build-a-platform-start-blogging/building-a-writers-platform

In other words, the author platform will reveal “who you are”, “the personal and professional connections you have” and “any media outlets”.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/build-a-platform-start-blogging/building-a-writers-platform

Ask yourself this question. 

What is the image that you would like to present to the writer’s world on the Internet?

While not every author understands what an author platform is, others recognize it as a place where they can present their collective works for others to read. An author platform is not a writer’s market in itself, but it can prove to be beneficial as a potential marketing tool. For example, when a publisher asks for the portfolio of an author’s writing, the writer can direct him or her to his author platform.  

Consider these aspects of understanding an author platform.

Author profile and identification:

Keeping an updated writer’s profile on an author platform is important, as it allows the author a way to identify him or herself, so that others can relate to him or her immediately, regardless of the genre in which he or she presents his or her work. Many freelance writers use different genres and ‘show case’ them on the same author platform.

Professionalism:

Professionalism is a key to building a successful author platform, as well as for success as a writer. Publishers are not likely to seek non-professional writing. Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the keys to professional and successful writing on the Internet. Networking with other professionals is also a good idea. 

Internet footprint:

The Internet footprint that an author creates when building an author platform will help to determine his or her success as a writer. In other words, what a freelance writer writes and publishes on the Internet is important in terms of how others perceive it. Many of the writer’s works will be from specific timeframes and a potential publisher will be able to see the changes in his or her work over time, as the first foot print leads to another and then to others.

Do the footprints on an author platform reveal steps or miss-steps by an author?     

Being aware of how valuable an author platform can be or become, will result in authors appreciating the merit of this kind of a website. They will take more pride in their writing when they see it in terms of their work is being ‘show cased’ on a website.  

Of course, the success of any author platform is dependent on the individual author, the time and energy he or she puts into writing and how he or she chooses to display his or her work. Anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of one’s ability and building an author platform is worth doing well.