You’re beginning to understand how necessary an author platform is, and after last month’s post, you realize it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to build one. But what now?
At this week’s Wordsowers meeting (that’s tomorrow night, September 11), I will present Foundations for a Great Author Platform. We will explore 5 tools you need to get started. In the meantime, here are 7 things to keep in mind as you get to work:
Start. Don’t put it off or you may find yourself in a pinch.
Simple action plan. The more complex it is, the more overwhelming it can be.
Salient message. Don’t muddy your message with a bunch of peripherals.
Stick to it. Keep accounts active. Keep going, don’t lose momentum.
Synergy. Connect and cross-promote with others.
Savory. Make your message “tasty” and attractive.
Satiate. You cannot give out of an empty cup. Take care of the asset (that’s you).
And if you missed it, here is a short summary from my August post.
Start early and work slowly to make it happen.
Learn from the experts, then make your own way.
Formula for Building Your Platform:
Audience (know who they are and where they are) + message(content) + style (voice) + social media platforms (and there are tons!!!) + technique = Platform
When things don’t work exactly like we want after following an expert’s book marketing advice, we can easily become discouraged.
Don’t get me wrong, we need to listen to what they say and watch what they do. We need to read and grow and improve our social media skills. If we want to sell our books.
A lot of what they have to say is on target and has broad principles that can easily be applied to multiple brands. However, there are a couple of things I have heard and seen implied by marketing techniques that can lead to quick discouragement.
#1 “If you’re spending more than 30 minutes a day on social media you’re doing something wrong.”
I actually read this one somewhere, but it is not a true statement across the board. It depends on your goals. If you are simply using it as a tool to make announcements or already have a large platform (or an assistant) then, yes.
HOWEVER, if your goal is to build relationships, then I have another version of the story. It takes time. Either a tiny bit at a time over a longer period or more time in a shorter period. It all depends on where you are in your platform building.
This is a good reason to start building your platform early. You CAN spend just a little bit of time each day and make it happen. But if you wait…and need that platform “yesterday”…then I hate to tell you, it will take more time than 30 minutes a day. It does not happen overnight.
Bad news: It takes time to build a platform.
Good news: A little bit every day can work if you have time to spread out your platform building, and start before you need it to be in place.
#2 “It worked for me and if you follow this formula you will have success.”
This one is more implied by all the ads for methods and classes and seminars out there. After a while all the blogs about building a platform start sounding alike. Really. But one size does not fit all. If it did – EVERYONE would have a quickly built, huge online platform. Granted, one size will fit a lot of people, but if you’re the one it doesn’t fit, it can be discouraging!
There is so much more to building a platform than someone else’s technique. Yes, there are principles that work across the board that you should keep in mind, but you have to personalize it. Make it fit your audience, your message and your style.
Here is a formula for you:
Audience (know who they are and where they are) + message(content) +style (voice) + social media platforms (and there are tons!!!) + technique = building a platform
Each element has multiple variables. And there are certainly variables I haven’t mentioned! This creates multiple ways to build your online presence. See how un-one-size-fits-all it is?
Bad news: you have to figure your own way to some degree.
Good news: this means you don’t have to be discouraged when someone else’s way doesn’t work for you.
What does this mean for you and me? It’s kind of like writing. You have to learn how social media works before you can make your own rules. Find your own voice in the world of social media so you aren’t drowned out because you sound like everyone else. I hope that encourages you like it does me.
Have you ever been discouraged be a piece of platform building advice you heard then applied to only find it didn’t work for you?
Have you found a way to truly connect with your readers that gets around the above two myths? I would love to hear from you.
Only 2 people showed up at my book signing. At the craft fair, only a handful stopped by my table. At my first book signing at a store I sold 7 books.
It’s easy to wonder if it was worth my time. Did it really make a dent in my marketing?
At the first event I mentioned I shared chocolates and chit chat. I gave away free homemade beaded bookmarks. I shared about my writing journey and answered questions. We laughed and created some memories. I connected with my readers.
I arrived early and met the author who had an event prior to mine. She bought my book and I bought hers. We traded contact information for a possible future guest blog post.
One of my other guests took a stack of bookmarks to place in her church library. She also planned to check with them about carrying my book. She took my contact info because she is part of a group that occasionally needs speakers.
The third guest was a friend and fellow writer. She had already read my book, but bought another one for someone else and talked to me about my donating a copy of my book for a worthy cause.
Before the event started, I passed out invitations to around 100 people. I invited everyone I knew through my social media. The bookstore had it up on their FB page as well as a listing in the local book news spot of our Sunday paper.
My 2 new friends signed up for my newsletter. One was already signed up.
Even with only 2 guests, was my event a success? You bet. Here are 5 questions I use to determine if an event was worth my time.
·Did I connect with my readers? Was I generous and kind to them? Did we have fun and make memories?
·Have more people heard about me and my book through this event and the advertising for it?
·Did I sell anything? Even if it’s only one person who likes my book, they can make a big difference sharing with their friends.
·Did my email list grow?
·Did my contact information make it into more hands?
It’s important in the process of building our platform,that we don’t forget the face to face moments.
Have you had a successful author event?
How did you determine if your event was worth your time?
Angela D. Meyer, author of Where Hope Starts, lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of more than 23 years. She homeschools their daughter and recently graduated their son, who is now a Marine. She loves God and her family. She enjoys good stories and connecting with friends. Someday she wants to ride in a hot air balloon and vacation by the sea.
Connect with Angela on her website or on Facebook. Sign up for her newsletter here.
When the term POV comes up in the critique group I cringe. At least I did until recently. Last fall when I attended Heart of America Christian Writers Conference in Kansas City, Angela Hunt talked about POV—Point of View.
There is First Person POV. The “I” person is sharing their personal story. This is often used in memoirs.
The Second Person POV: you, yours, yourself is used in letter writing or possibly a speech.
In the Third Person Omniscient POV an all-knowing narrator not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character.Charlotte’s Web by EB White is a good example.
Much of what I read is written in Third Person Limited POV. My problem—my fiction work often has talking heads or someone sticking in their thoughts where they shouldn’t be.
I’ll admit I’m not the best teacher on POV, but I’m beginning to recognize when I’ve interjected words where they can’t be if the material is written correctly.
There is a new novel buzzing around in my brain. Sometimes I fall asleep thinking about which character said what. I’ve decided the story is told by the ex-wife and her teenage son. Two people using third person limited POV.
Sound asleep I woke up, sat up in bed with a blazing revelation. “They can’t say that. No one can know what happens in the hall. The wife is in the restroom and the son in a hospital bed.” Wow!
Today I picked up a book, I’m assuming should be third person limited POV. The stilted dialogue might not bug me if I could figure out who is where and when. A young single woman is sharing her story. When a young single man comes along she thinks he couldn’t possibly like her for more than a friend, he’s good looking and she’s homely.
The single story teller gives lots of back story before she meets the guy. While they are talking we get his thoughts. “Wow, her smile is gorgeous and she doesn’t wear a ring.” Then back to her sharing her life history with him—much of what we know from the back story.
He thinks, “Wow, maybe God sent me here to marry this woman.” (Hallmark I understand—at least they give a few days instead of minutes.)
When the young lady suggests he have lunch with her family he accepts. When the two young people walk out of the restaurant, we have the dialogue from the parents. “They’re going to get married aren’t they?”
Okay, so maybe the author is writing in Third Person Omniscient—but I don’t get it. Think I’ll try and learn the Third Person Limited well before I put my novel in the computer.
You’ve worked hard to build your online presence. You also have to step outside and meet your future readers face to face. Enter author events. These range from speaking engagements to craft fairs, library events and everything in between. Be creative. Go where your readers are.
At your event, you need to set up a display that gives your readers an opportunity to meet you, buy your book, and sends them home with something in hand that will tell them how to connect with you afterwards even if they don’t buy your book. You also want to use this event to build your contact list.
Your display should convey something about you and your book(s). If your writing is humorous or playful, let your display have that same feel. If it’s a Victorian or fantasy setting, your display should have that feel. It should be professional and well organized in its appearance. Make it something they will remember.
I didn’t know what to expect at my first event and took too much stuff. Afterwards, I decided I needed to carry everything I needed by myself in one trip. After the second event, I decided I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel every time I needed to pull together supplies for an event.
I created my event-in-a-box. One plastic tub filled with everything I’ll need except my books, banner and poster. These are too big to fit. The week before my event, I double check my supplies for anything I need to buy then load up my large bag and my box on wheels and I’m good to go.
Here are 10 things you need to take with you to your author event:
Table coverings. I have had large spaces and small spaces to cover, so I have more than one table cloth to choose from. I like to have a more elegant look and my table covering reflects that.
Decorations. A poster of my book with a stand to sit it in. I like to add my Willow Tree figurine of husband and wife standing together. (these are things I have displayed in my home so although I could add these to the box, I don’t). The poster stand I use is a display stand for a plate or some other decoration. Add touches that give people an idea about who your are and what your writing is about.
Informational posters and stands. I have an informational poster that nicely displays the cost of my book. I also have one with information about my newsletter. I slide these into a plastic display stand. They look so much better if you type them on your computer instead of handwriting them. You may have different posters you use for different events. If you make a new one, keep it, you may use it again. I keep these in a folder so they won’t bend.
Sign up forms and clip board. Events are a great place to have people sign up for your newsletter. Maybe you’re having a giveaway and need entry forms. This helps to build your contact list so have something to offer in exchange for their information.
Pens. Be prepared for people to walk off with these – bring plenty of extras.
Contact information and marketing material. People like to take something with them. Have plenty of bookmarks and business cards. I have been to book events where other authors have NO contact info. Don’t even think about going to an event without some way of letting people know how to contact you/follow you.
Your book(s) and pens to sign. It’s hard to tell with books how many you will need. Be prepared with a few more than you think you will need and a way for people to order one if you run out. Don’t put too many up on your table at once. It will make it look cluttered. If you have a special color pen you like to sign with – I use purple-have more than one on hand.
Giveaway. I like to give a nice handmade bookmark to everyone who buys a book. If it is a small event, I will give one to everyone who comes. I also have chocolates to offer my future readers when they stop by my table. After using a glass dish several times, I have landed on using a basket to put mine in.Readers will remember your generosity and helpfulness. Is there something small you can give to your readers?
Cash to give change and (if possible) a way to take credit card payment. I also like to keep receipts for myself for tax purposes.
Snacks and water. I always add these to my bag– especially if I’m going to be by myself and don’t have any idea what will be available. Also gum or mints: I don’t want to visit with new readers with stinky breath.
Not everything goes with me every time, but I’m ready if I need it.
When I load up, I use a fabric hobby tote to keep my small items- pens, candy, bookmarks, business cards, and such – organized inside my bag. I have a large bag if I need more than will fit in my box on wheels and it sits nicely on top. If you use a box on wheels, you need a liner of sorts to protect your things from whatever may splash up from the ground.
As you do your face to face marketing, have you discovered a tip or useful item to have at events?
Write a fun story using the two sheep photos. You can add your story to the comments here, or on WordSowers facebook page.
Happy Dreams drawn by Savannah Wilkes
Robert McKee says, “A STORY must build to a final action beyond which the audience cannot imagine another.”
When you finish your story for the newspaper, an article for magazine or a novel, all problems are resolved.
“We’re supposed to be better writers than they.The audience wants to be taken to the limit, to where all questions are answered, all emotions satisfied—the end of the line.” McKee suggests, “The audience’s emotional involvement is held by the glue of empathy.”
How do authors determine if the path they are traveling is their way or God’s way? Janet will share her insights and tips and participants will assess their own journeys through fun-analytical handouts and discussions.
Janet Syas Nitsick, lives in Springfield, Nebraska. She is the author of Seasons of the Soul, the story of life with her two autistic sons, Lockets and Lanterns, and historical western romantic anthology, Bride by Arrangement.
Interview by the Lionhearted Kat: When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
Janet’s book Seasons of the Soul is a heart touching story about being the parent of two autistic sons. While we visited that day, Janet shared even more about the challenges of their family life, their travels and how God has blessed them because of their sons.
In years past I kept in touch with writers on TWV2. I posted, asked questions and learned from the well-seasoned authors that served as moderators.
Many of you know Sally Stuart published The Christian Writer’s Market Guide for years. Then a few years ago she sold her business to Jerry Jenkins. Side note: In my opinion, the market guide is a must for every author.
One day on TWV2 Sally posed the question: If an editor rejects a manuscript with a form rejection, is it OK to ask them to explain why?
My response: A month ago I sent two articles to an Adult SS handout editor. The same day the editor rejected both of them with a form letter stating, “These do not fit our needs.”
I replied by email. First I thanked him for the quick response and then I wrote, “I realize my articles didn’t fit your needs. Do you have a particular topic you are seeking? A hole that needs to be filled?”
Next day the editor replied, “Need Easter story for next year.”
Every Author Needs One
I found an old article I’d written years before and never submitted. Sent it. Sold it. Celebrated.
What did I learn? Form rejection letters say nothing more than ‘can’t use that manuscript at this particular time.’ They don’t say your writing is junk or the article isn’t good. I became bolder after such a great response to my email and have continued to write for this editor—more than once I’ve asked, “What hole do you have that needs filled?”
A few years ago I received a note from Jeannette Littleton, “Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers will be released April 10th with your two stories.”
Then the Publisher’s Assistant wrote, “We need your help. Every author is paid to help market.”
Lord, we could use the money, but I don’t know how to market. In the past, you placed someone in my world that wanted to use his or her spiritual gifts. Please, Father, give me that person now.
A few moments later, I heard the answer. “You have more expertise than you think. Hire yourself. You knock, I’ll open.”
“Is that you, Lord?”
“You said you planned to ditch your fears. Get serious about my plans for you. Spend more time talking to me about your needs and allow me the honor and glory.”
I prayed on the way to work. I felt giddy when I arrived at the office. My non-believing co-workers laughed at me when I announced, “I just hired myself as my promotional manager.”
The laughter ceased when I ditched my fear and marched to the cubicle of our company social committee chairperson.
“Nanci, I have two stories in this Cup of Comfort anthology,” I handed her my copy. “Is it possible the social committee will host a book signing?”
Five Devotions by Kat
My stories in Cup of Comfort unleashed a dynamo in action. Every day I spent more time in prayer–kneeology production. Every day another door opened. My co-workers saw God in action.
One day I announced, “I have scheduled 6 book signings, 4 newspaper interviews, and 2 radio interviews.” An hour later I reported, “A patient just called about her bill and guess what? She is in marketing. She gave me tons of leads.”
Later, Peg, the host of my first book signing called. Before we hung up she said, “I have a degree in marketing, lets meet. I’ll coach and you’ll sell.”
What have I learned?
Pay your dues. I didn’t miraculously have the ‘know how’. I spent three years in study on FCW, Wordsowers, TWV2, and HACWN. I set goals, journaled praises, and wrote daily. I attended writer’s conferences, studied grammar, asked questions and accepted critiques.
Pray. “Kneeology” is promised production. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Ephesians 4:6 (NIV).
Pitch your product. In the past, I mumbled to my co-workers about my sales. Now I email my progress to friends and family. I have also become more vocal about my freelance status. I hand out my business card or a flier I just happen to have in my purse. My card says freelance author, but I know God calls me Freelance Missionary.
Praise Him. Allow the Lord to receive the glory. Being vocal about the answers to prayer has been an ongoing witness to others.
Follow my lead, hire yourself, tackle new ideas and brainstorm often. Then when you look in the mirror say, “Look out world. I’m a dedicated go-getter with my bosses highest good in mind. I might be untrained, but I’m willing and I have a great attitude.”
My stories in “Cup of Comfort” helped build my marketing skills. Who knows with the continual writing and the promise of another book coming out, I might end up on Oprah or Joyce Meyer. With the Lord, all things are possible.
To finish the story: Yes, I published in each Cup of Comfort until the publisher decided not to publish another one.
My stories have been published in many more anthologies also. What I learned with marketing Cup of Comfort became my stepping stone into real sales. I’m still an inspired go-getter.
When developing your online presence, it is important to be professional if you want to be taken seriously. Here are a few tips ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
When you create your online ID make sure they are the same on all sites. It’s easier to find you and establishes a stronger presence. Use similar colors and publicity picture on every site. This creates a cohesiveness for your brand.
Update all profiles for all social media sites you are on. DO NOT leave them blank. Put contact information into each one. You are leaving bread trail for people to follow back to you.
Have your pictures taken professionally. If a friend takes your pictures, make sure they are professional quality.
Be active if you are on social media sites. An inactive site is worse than not having an account on that site. So, don’t bite off more than you can chew. You don’t have to post, share or Tweet every hour, as long as you post regularly. You can schedule your posts if you choose. There are various sites you can use for this.
Keep it simple. An uncluttered website is more inviting to linger on.
Write an interesting bio. Make sure it shows your personality while remaining professional. Write it in 3rd person to give it a more professional tone. If you like, you can write two with one more casual.
If you use pictures on your blog posts, give the appropriate attribution. Just as you wouldn’t want someone to use your writing without permission, don’t use someone’s photo without permission. You can’t just grab any picture you see out there and use it. Check the rules of the sight you go to for permissions necessary.
Have a way for people to keep up with you. Make it easy to find the links on your website. At the very least, you need to have a newsletter for people to sign up for. But many people would rather just follow you on Facebook or Twitter.
Make your blog stand out. Templates are great for beginners, but if are able, upload your own picture. Some of the pictures provided with the templates get used in multiple places and start looking like worn out repeats. If you upload your own picture, google the size necessary for the particular social media site. Otherwise, the pictures may look stretched out or out of proportion.Fotoflexer is on online editor that is easy to use without downloading any software.
As you post, remember how you want people to see you. For instance, I care a lot about politics, but rarely post about them, because that is not my “banner”. Represent yourself intentionally the way you want people to see your brand. Some things I will post to my personal Facebook profile, but not to my fan page.
In everything you do to build your platform, do it right. Don’t just make do. Google it. Ask a friend. Watch a tutorial. Pay someone to do it for you. At the end of the day, you may just attract someone’s attention because your presence stands out from the rest.
From the dashboard, click on the Lists button (#1).
When this screen comes up, click on the “Signup Forms” button (#2)
Slide #2
When this screen opens,
click on the General Forms button.
Slide #3
This screen is where you will design the look of your sign up form.
From the drop down menu (#1) you can choose which form to design: sign up, confirmation, unsubscribe, etc. The bottom half of the page has all the design elements you need. Under build it, you will choose which fields you want. Under design it, you will choose the colors and overall look. If you need more explanation after exploring this portion, go HERE.
Once it is designed and you’re ready to share the sign up form, the box labeled #2 has the link you can share to take people to your form.
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If you want to embed the form onto your website, go back to the screen shown in slide #2 and click on Embedded Forms.
Slide #4
This screen will come up. In the #1 line, type in the title of the form as you want it to show up. Then copy and paste the code from box #2 to the location you want your sign up form.
If you want to integrate a sign up form into your Facebook page. Go HERE.
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slide 5
Send it. Go back to the campaign tab and choose your campaign (slide 5).
From the design screen below (slide 6) if you have done all the steps, choose the confirm button at the bottom of the screen. From here you can preview the newsletter as well as send a test email to verify the newsletter comes through looking just the way you want it. Test all the links.You are only allowed a few test emails, so be sure you are ready with all your content and buttons. For tips on sending out your test email, go HERE.
slide 6
With the free service, you will have to check back for new subscribers to send out the welcome edition to them. If you have a paid service you can use an auto-respond and not worry about it.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comments below. Or visit the wonderful tutorials that Mail Chimp provides.
Give yourself a pat on the back. You now have a newsletter and can start building your email list.
I hope you’ve started to design your newsletter and worked on your incentive for sign ups. If you missed last week’s post, catch it HERE. Today, we’ll pick up where we left off after we hear from Jeanie. Jeanie is a fellow Wordsower and newly published author with a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles Happen. Released February 4, 2014. Every week, she shares her journey experience of building a platform.
Connect with Jeanie: website (you can sign up for her newsletter here as well) Facebook
Jeanie tell us about your WIP: King Elyon. The first chapter is one of your freebies and the book is the reason you’re building your platform. Tell us what your book is about.
Orphaned twins Asher and Zadok slave in a nightmare world ruled by the brutal Overlord. A mysterious Voice in the night propels the teens on a daring escape. Pursued by vicious Watchers and other savage creatures, the brothers seek out the forbidden Wise Woman. Her startling revelations point them toward refuge with King Elyon, the powerful ruler of Galya.
Along the way lies and deceptions drive the brothers apart. With danger pressing on every side, each must decided who to trust. Will their journey lead to freedom…or destruction?
Who is your audience?
I originally envisioned King Elyon for 5th-6th graders. Based on input I received from several authors, I have expanded it to a young adult fantasy novel applicable for both the CBA and ABA markets. I’m writing it as an alternative to the Harry Potter and Twilight type books.
Why this book?
I’m praying that people who don’t know God will be drawn to him through it. At the same time, I shy away from being “preachy.”
You are going the indie route with self-publishing. Why not look for a traditional publisher?
Julie Christensen’s self-publishing class struck a chord with me. The market is changing. Bookstores are closing. A traditional publisher may be less likely to publish my work, given the wide range of established authors they already have. Self-publishing gets manuscripts to market quicker, and I have more control over my content.
Are you looking forward to Lee’s presentation at our monthly meeting next week?
Lee has years of experience in the market, both as an author and as an editor, so I’m eager to hear what he’s sharing. I hope he touches on the editing aspect of self-publishing. I’ve seen self-published books that would have been great had they been edited. Even the most beautiful gems need to be cut and polished to make them shine.
How-to Link your freebie to your newsletter.
1. Have your document in PDF form. 2. Open the text box where you want the link to your freebie to appear. Within the text in your text box, highlight the word(s) you want to link your document to.
3. Click on the link button.
4. When this box appears, click on the arrow for the drop down menu. Choose “file”.
5. When the file manager box appears you can now upload the PDF document you have ready. Click on browse for a file then upload. For future issues, if you already have the file uploaded, you can choose “files” on the bar across the top and choose it from there.
6. Once you have chosen the file you want uploaded, this box will appear. Click “insert”. Your document is now inserted into your text.
7. At the top right of the design frame click on the preview and test button. On the drop down menu, click on “enter preview mode” (NOT send test email). From here you can make sure it looks right and test the links.
I do not recommend sending a test email until you go back and check all your text, pictures and design. You can preview and test links at any time through the design process. Next week, we will cover sign up forms, scheduling your newsletter and sending out a test email.
If you have any questions, please leave them below.
You’re beginning to understand how necessary an author platform is, and after last month’s post, you realize it doesn’t have to be overwhelming to build one. But what now? 
When developing your online presence, it is important to be professional if you want to be taken seriously. Here are a few tips ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
