Build a Professional Writer Platform

My own focus most often is on the craft side of writing and the business side of a writing life can seem distracting to the "art".  Now that I consider it, much of my daily time is spent building the business of my writing in many small ways.  Before your writing project is ready for publication, there are things you can be doing now to prepare your audience to receive your work.

Your platform as a writer includes all the different ways you can be present in the lives of your audience.  First, you need to figure out who is your audience - and to do this you need to figure out what you have to give them.  What do you have to offer?  What do you have to sell?  What needs does it fulfill?  Spend some time writing on these questions.

Think of your platform as having planks.  Each plank is a way of putting yourself out there.

Internet:
Blog
Social Media
Email lists
Website
Newsletter

Media:
Articles and reviews you publish in magazines and newspapers
Other publications
Radio
TV

In Person:
Readings and book signings
Other writers' readings and book signings
Literary festivals, workshops, retreats and conferences
Talks you give
Classes you teach
Giving back to your community - volunteering
Supporting other writers - brainstorm what do you have to give?

Read writer Angela Render's blog for more great ideas to build your platform.

To get the brainstorming juices flowing, answer these questions for yourself:

1. Why do you write?
2. What do you write about?
3. What is your unique perspective?
4. What needs and emotions do you cater to or go after?
5. What is your message?
6. Who is your audience?
7. Which planks do you currently have and which ones would you like to add to your platform as a professional writer?

Now set your goals for this year: