This is one of the most confusing subjects that most writers face today. It is also embarrassing when asked "So what's your platform?" and one does not know how to answer. I have read a lot about this subject, but to be honest, I still find myself wondering what my own personal platform really is even now after several years of writing, blogging, and helping lead other writers along the path of publication. But rather than concentrating on the ethereal wonderment of what platform means, I think a better approach is to take a look at the more practical and tangible ways to build platform.
When I think of platform, I think about standing on a stage. So I look around and see I am actually standing on carpet at this very moment. But carpet does not a platform make or mean. Perhaps a better way of stating this is "What is your stage?" That's a lot easier to visualize and understand. In other words, where are you most likely to be seen? And what kind of activities are you involved with that make up who you are as a writer?
First of all, my stage is made up of several venues included within the social media arena: Facebook, Twitter, maintaining two blogs on two different websites, guest blogging on other websites, maintaining an online column on Examiner.com, and networking with other writers online through writers association websites and any place else I may find. All this helps me find my place in this world by broadening my Internet presence on the world wide web.
Another part of my stage involves leading a local writers group, conducting monthly meetings, and organizing local writers retreats and workshops. I also contribute articles and interviews as a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine.
Still more aspects of my stage involves marketing my current projects and promoting my non-fiction book "Date, Pray, Wait" by setting up small study groups with local youth organizations and churches.
And I'm sure I could come up with a longer list, if I really think about it. Your platform is developed as you continue in your passion for writing. So what are you doing right now that can help you build your stage? Just because you have a facebook page or Twitter account doesn't mean they have anything to do with your writing stage either. But you can start to infuse aspects of your writing into these venues to begin developing a stronger writing platform with your Internet presence. I would suggest you start building your platform by working on your online presence first because the world wide web offers such high visibility and provides the strongest link to social networking.
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When I think of platform, I think about standing on a stage. So I look around and see I am actually standing on carpet at this very moment. But carpet does not a platform make or mean. Perhaps a better way of stating this is "What is your stage?" That's a lot easier to visualize and understand. In other words, where are you most likely to be seen? And what kind of activities are you involved with that make up who you are as a writer?
First of all, my stage is made up of several venues included within the social media arena: Facebook, Twitter, maintaining two blogs on two different websites, guest blogging on other websites, maintaining an online column on Examiner.com, and networking with other writers online through writers association websites and any place else I may find. All this helps me find my place in this world by broadening my Internet presence on the world wide web.
Another part of my stage involves leading a local writers group, conducting monthly meetings, and organizing local writers retreats and workshops. I also contribute articles and interviews as a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine.
Still more aspects of my stage involves marketing my current projects and promoting my non-fiction book "Date, Pray, Wait" by setting up small study groups with local youth organizations and churches.
And I'm sure I could come up with a longer list, if I really think about it. Your platform is developed as you continue in your passion for writing. So what are you doing right now that can help you build your stage? Just because you have a facebook page or Twitter account doesn't mean they have anything to do with your writing stage either. But you can start to infuse aspects of your writing into these venues to begin developing a stronger writing platform with your Internet presence. I would suggest you start building your platform by working on your online presence first because the world wide web offers such high visibility and provides the strongest link to social networking.
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