Author platform – what is it, why is it so important, and how you do you create one? Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation and/or incomplete information online (and in books) about this topic.
That’s because author platform
isn’t just one thing.
It’s two.
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Author Platform – Simple Definition
Most authors understand that getting a top literary agent and publisher isn’t possible unless you have a good book. What they don’t realize is that’s only half of what you’re selling.
You’re also selling… you.
In publishing terms, it’s called your author platform.
Author platform is one of my favorite things to talk about during interviews and events, because it’s so important… and misunderstood. Even publishing professionals have difficulty agreeing with each other, coming up with a comprehensive (yet concise), definition.
So, I created one.
Here it is…
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Author Platform – Detailed Definition
Author platform is:
1) Credibility
2) “Sales” Ability
Now, don’t panic. You don’t have to be an extrovert, a world-famous expert, or a top-performing salesperson to get a book deal. That’s not what author platform is about. Any author, in any genre, with any background, can do things to improve his or her author platform. That’s what I’m about to show you.
As a consultant I help authors improve their author platform
every day, in three different ways:
- Sharing individualized strategies that authors can implement to get stronger in one or both of the areas above
- Helping authors see their “Hidden Promotional Assets” – things they might not realize are important
- Showing shy and/or humble authors how to make themselves look better without appearing arrogant
Author platform boils down to one thing…
Learning how to “position” yourself in the best way possible when you pitch your book. Now let’s dive a little deeper into how you can do that.
Remember, author platform is two parts.
The first part is…
* * *
Author Platform – Credibility
There are more than 7 billion people in the world. Why are you the best person on the planet to write your book? Why are you the most logical choice? Why are you the most qualified?
I know, tough questions… but your answers are part of your author platform.
Don’t try to tell me that credibility isn’t important for your type of book, either. Credibility is important for every book category, although credibility is certainly more important for some genres than others.
For example, you probably know that your author platform is more important if you’re the author of a how-to book on important topic like how to cure your kid of ADHD. Your instincts will tell you that an author like that better explain why he or she is an expert.
Common sense, right?
Literary agents, publishers, the media, health care practitioners, and parents are skeptical. And that’s healthy, especially when it comes to the well-being of children. So, if you’re writing a book about how to cure ADHD, everyone’s going to wonder:
- Are you a doctor?
- What kind of research have you done?
- Is there something unusual and/or new about your treatment?
- Why hasn’t someone done what you’re doing before?
- What’s the closest thing out there to what you’re doing?
- How established are your techniques?
- Who endorses your work that’s a credible reference?
- Are the treatments you suggest safe, and do you have data to support it?
- How many kids have been cured using the techniques you propose?
- Are other doctors using your techniques?
- Have you trained parents to use these techniques?
- Do you have testimonials?
- What inspired you to start your work in this field?
- Do you have family members or close friends with ADHD?
- Do you have ADHD yourself?
- What’s your long-term vision for your work in the field of ADHD?
Like I said, you probably realize that you need credibility and a solid author platform if you’re writing a prescriptive book on a topic like medicine.
But…
You might not think credibility is important if you’re writing quirky gift books, cookbooks, poetry, steamy romance novels, science fiction, young adult fiction, etc.
And that’s a problem.
You need a strong author platform for those, too.
Sort of.
Yes, you can get published as… let’s say, a fiction author (any genre) if you’re simply a good storyteller. It happens every day (J.K. Rowling wasn’t that much different than you or me – until she became a billionaire). That’s because a good story is a fiction writer’s most important asset.
But imagine you’re a literary agent for a moment…
Your assistant tells you about two queries she got that week from aspiring young adult fiction authors. One is a mystery and one is a thriller, but they both revolve around the world of Voodoo. Your assistant likes the pitch for both books, but you only have time to read one manuscript this coming weekend.
How will you decide which one to request?
You’ll probably read the queries.
Author A uses 95% of the query letter to explain what happens in the book (the plot). Then he writes a sentence or two about how he’s always been fascinated by Voodoo.
Author B includes a much shorter story synopsis or plot summary in his query. Then he uses the rest of the query (about half) to explain, indirectly, why he might be the best person in the world to write a young adult novel with Voodoo as a backdrop.
He says things like:
- Did you know that Voodoo is now eighth amongst the most practiced religions in the world, at 100 million followers (Judaism is 23 million)? And, many believe that Ogoun (the warrior god) inspired the Haitian slaves to fight for their freedom in the 1700s? Those are just a couple things young readers will learn in my novel.
- Growing up in Haiti, I saw naked people bathing themselves in hot peppers and rum… walking through the dirt streets blindfolded, their bare feet painted with shoe polish… banging drums, chanting, singing, and dancing… trying to swallow fire. You see, my neighbors were a high priest and priestess living in a paristyle (Voodoo temple). My parents wouldn’t let us eat food from practitioners, for fear of what might happen to us. And, on Halloween, groups of the possessed (or, Ra Ra, as they were called) attempted to recruit children in the street.
- For the most part, books with Voodoo backdrops are boringly predictable. The Voodoo religion is the antagonist. The story revolves around “the evils of witchcraft.” And they only explore the most widely known parts of the religion (like Voodoo dolls, zombies, witchcraft, etc.) My book is the first young adult novel to explore the dramatic world of the many Voodoo gods.
- I’m not a Voodoo practitioner myself, but my firsthand knowledge of the religion (combined with the extensive research I’ve done), has made me something of an expert.
Which author feels most credible or has the best author platform to you? Which author communicated more passion, experience, and knowledge about Voodoo? If you had to bet your valuable time and money as an agent on one of these authors, which one would it be?
That’s credibility (author platform), in fiction.
Now, don’t feel bad if this article is somewhat intimidating to you. I have good news. I can almost guarantee you that you’re much more credible than you realize. In other words, your author platform probably isn’t nearly as bad as you think.
How can I be so sure?
Because none of the Voodoo information that you read above, by Author B, was in his original query letter. I know, because Author B was one of my 1-on-1 coaching clients. I pulled all of that information out of him. I simply asked him smart questions, to discover his “Hidden Promotional Assets.” Plus, I made him do a bit of online research.
The end result?
I helped him drastically improve his author platform.
He looks like a rock star, don’t you think?
Agents will trust him because he sounds credible.
Yes, I know… not everyone has the “benefit” of growing up next door to a Voodoo temple. But again, I assure you, you have credibility that you’re not communicating right now… or even thinking about communicating.
You just have to figure out what it is.
If you really don’t have any credibility (or not much) when it comes to the topics and/or themes in your book, it’s easy to become an expert. You can still create a solid author platform.
You don’t have to be a genius.
You simply have to know how to use Google.
By the way, that’s what top literary agents do to sell books. Do you really think agents are world-class experts on every single genre they represent? They’re not. They simply do a bit of research before they pitch a project to make sure they sound like experts. In the process, they end up becoming a bit of an expert.
You can do the same thing.
Like this article? Post a comment or question below… and make sure you click here to read Author Platform – Part 2.
For more information about improving your author platform and/or getting published, click here for my free 15-part Guide to Finding a Literary Agent. Then click here to see the 3 different ways you can get 1-on-1 help from me (free to fee) as your Book Marketing Coach. You can ask me questions about your author platform or getting published on my blog, or you can ask me questions 1-on-1 via phone or Skype during an introductory consulting call.
Now, leave a question
or comment below!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
I always find these articles on Mark’s website to be very helpful and tend to provide extra info about authors’ issues and concerns. This one on authors’ platforms is particularly useful.
Thanks for your help Mark. (just publishing on Amazon self-publish).
Thank you Dale!
Have a great day and weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Love the article – I need to be spoon fed right now. This type of guidance gives me the confidence to solidity thoughts and understand various aspects of publishing before I can talk with a coach intelligently.
Thank you Janet, glad to hear it and much appreciated.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hmm. . .
I could only afford to sigh after reading this. Gee Mark, you make me sound way inferior in my previous queries because I never thought a query could carry all this expertise to standout. Like every average querier, all I did was include an opening, a hook and bio to follow the Query Letter Commandment. Now after reading this, I think you’ve just set before me a challenge, a great one to improve my speculative YA with topics dating back to Greek and Norse gods. Although I’m a Christian, but I’ve always been fascinated about that sort of stuffs, and I’m taking the challenge to go viral on researching more on that topic so that I, too, can sound like a ROCK STAR!
Thanks for the hand Mark, you’re supper awesome!
Thank you Tessa, and don’t get intimidated by some of what you’re seeing here. My role is to show authors every possible angle, option, and opportunity to make themselves and their work more marketable. But no one does it all. Just take what’s applicable and do that the best you can. That’s all any of us can do. So keep your enthusiasm and keep going. 😉 Mark
Great explanation of what a platform is!
Hi Allison, I’m posting my response again (what I can remember of it anyway) because your original comment (and my response) were accidentally deleted yesterday… and I want to be sure you got my reply. 🙂
THANK YOU!!!
And…
If I can help you with anything else let me know, but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former agent. Today I’m a coach and consultant helping authors get top agents, publishers, and book deals. To that end, I have several websites devoted to helping authors get a top literary agent, publisher, and book deal. You can see a complete list here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/.
Plus…
Don’t miss out on my upcoming Q&A CALLL that I’ll be doing live with authors on Saturday, Nov. 21st. You can listen online and/or ask questions. See how you can participate here at http://thebestsellingauthor.com/radio-show/. Would love to see you there if you can make it.
Also…
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if you’re serious and believe we’re a good fit, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here (there is a fee for that): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work… and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Love your concise “platform” article re. two query letters on Voodoo. Thanks for your informative emails, audio and PDF materials I’ve downloaded, listened to and/or read. Monday, I was pleased by the book signing with our end-time, prophetic thriller. The newspaper advertising it & our “novel” life was good, as were past interviews on other works. Hope to afford the 1 hr. coaching with you; desire to take this self- to traditionally published novel; and obtain an agent for this and other works.
Hi Glena, thank you… I’m glad you’re finding everything helpful!
Have a wonderful evening,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
Thank you for this very thorough portion of your program. I chose it first because I have been looking for a literary agent for some time now, and this should help tremendously. It’s a great deal to take in, but I intend to keep it close at hand as I continue to work on my next book.
Hi Lois, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Thank you for the kind words and I hope you’re continuing to make progress.
Have a great night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I wish to thank you for the tremendous amount of knowledge you are sharing with all of us. I was not aware how detailed it is to get a book published and marketed. Unfortunately, at this moment I cannot commit to your class because my husband has MS and we live on our disability checks. I am going to find a way to generate some extra income so I can take advantage of your program and valuable experience.I am looking forward to the day you meet THE WARDEN’S DEATH.
Hi Mary, for some reason your comment/question went to my spam folder and I wasn’t notified about it… so my apologies for the delay getting back to you. Now to your comment. THANK YOU. You just made my day. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you take advantage of all the resources (no cost) on our main website here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you have online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
One way or another, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Someone told me that the author platform was the same as market, so I kept saying my platform was young adult/high school students, mostly revolving around girls, but I guess that person was wrong
Hi Phylicia, I’m glad my article helped you figure that out. Be careful who you listen to. 😉 Mark
Hi Mark from what I’m reading throughout your website I’m learning that if I want my book to be successful I have to put a lot of time, effort and research into the ways to accomplish this. This is my first book but I want it to be successful and from what I’m understanding this website is the best place to find the information I need in building not only a successful platform, but also in taking the time needed to do it right. Again many thanks. I am learning a lot. | Author Platform
Thank you for actually reading everything, and, on top of that, taking time to post your appreciation. Many authors don’t take the time to do either one of those things. 😉 You really can increase the odds of you getting a top agent, publisher, and book deal… by simply reading and applying the info on my site. Mark | Author Platform
The word author stems from authority, automatically you assume a position by design or
abstraction that you should be taken seriously.Stand and deliver show your worth on paper not
Just word count, readership is king and platform the altar, minister your product with conviction and
the World may become your choir .You are right got platform? | Author Platform
Hi Godwin, I appreciate you following up. So often someone posts a question and I recommend an article or two… then never hear back! I like your thought about showing your worth not just on paper. That’s a great line. Thanks for posting and have a great day. Mark | Author Platform
It’ll take me at least a week to wrap myself all-up into Part One. It is more constructive than the few sentences we shared in our hour. That is to say; I get your point. I’ll do a good bit of work this week, and look forward to part two. Thanks Ken | Author Platform
Hi Ken, here’s a link to Part 2: https://literary-agents.com/author-platform-part-2/. I know it’s a lot to take in. Developing or improving one’s author platform can be just as daunting (and time-consuming) as writing a book. It’s probably the hardest thing for me to talk about with an author for that reason. Well, it’s also difficult to tell someone that their writing needs serious work. Fortunately I didn’t have to tell you that. Your writing pops and pulls the reader in. Stay in touch. Mark
Platform!! Urghh! Credibility I feel like I am having to rethink my resume. I have heard you say this before. I KNOW ITS TRUE! Time to get back to work understanding it, explaining it – to myself, then receiving your wise counsel to get things crafted to give myself the BEST OPPORTUNITY for success.
It’s amazing when I read your articles how painful or rattling or passionate or simplistic they can be…
THANKS! You style keeps me hopeful & inspired –
C-Ya. I gotta go push myself! | Author Platform
Hi Tarone, I know. This is the unsexiest topic there is for me to talk about. Because it takes a LOT of work to improve one’s platform. The trick is finding things to do that you enjoy and you’re good at it. Then it’s more fun and the time flies. Thanks for being positive and supportive, even when I know it’s not always easy. Stay in touch, and thanks for posting. Mark | Author Platform
Good stuff, I liked what I read. Selling, promoting, PR….all is much needed. And you describe it very well. My Thanks
Bob Iosue | Author Platform
Thank you Bob, appreciate the feedback. Let me know if I can help you in any way. And here’s a link to part two of this article in case you missed it: https://literary-agents.com/author-platform-part-2/. Mark | Author Platform
Hi Mark,
Thank you for preventing me from making a rookie mistake. I wanted to apologize in my query for not having a large platform, since my presence on social media is not yet substantial. Then I read your article and went back and read my query. There was my platform, the whole time asserting credibility, establishing me as an expert for the project. I’d put it all in without even knowing what I was doing!
Best Regards,
–JEN | Author Platform
Hi Jen, I’m happy to hear that. Authors often put themselves down and/or downplay their strengths. Instead of coming off humble, they come across as not confident. So blow your own horn in this case. It’s appropriate. And have a great week! Mark | Author Platform
As always, spot on.your weekly tutorials are a wealth of information. Not only are you helping me be a successful writer, but I have learned so much about myself as a writer and a person.Thanks so much, lynn | Author Platform
Thank you Lynn, you are always so kind. Mark | Author Platform
Hi Mark
It answers my questions on author platform and gives a clearer picture of what’s expected of me as an author. Would it matter much if in the book proposal you only say you have twitter and facebook following and you don’t mention a blog because you don’t have one? | Author Platform
Hi Saw Lian, you might say that you’re active on social media and not make a big deal of it… unless you have “big deal” numbers. And you can’t say that you have a website or blog if you don’t, so it is what it is. Don’t worry about the things you don’t have. Spend more energy trying to think of, and emphasize, the things that you do have. Then, consider the possibility of doing those other things like setting up a blog or website, etc. But no author platform is perfect. Mark | Author Platform
Having been in public relations I was familiar with building credibility for my clients. However, this article simplifies the process of creating my own platform. It reminds me that I must package myself, as if I were the client. Thank you Mark for this information. | Author Platform
Hi Pat, I love that you’re making that connection for yourself. Sometimes, as I’m sure you know, when you work inside a particular industry, it’s challenging to apply the rules and principles we so often use for others… to our own work and/or ourselves. But it sounds like you just became your own public relations client. Good luck, and thanks for posting. Mark | Author Platform
Author Platform | good write.think this is one of basic elements that shapes a book as it often reveals reason and provides target of the book. When there is stable ground beneath you, it is easier to build the house. I think of H. D.Thoreau, Walden
“I will go into business; I will weave baskets; it is a thing which I can do. Thinking that when he had made the baskets he would have done his part, and then it would be the white man’s to buy them. He had not discovered that it was necessary for him to make it worth the other’s while to buy them, or at least make him think that it was so, or to make something else which it would be worth his while to buy.”
the opening few question
“When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, ”
yet he went home to mom’s house for dinner and bed. we are convinced of his statement. he sold us. | Author Platform
hi pogo, i guess that’s why all the writing teachers advise aspiring authors to “write what you know.” it’s much easier to sell people something that you know something about. without all the important details, things fall flat. sending you well wishes this night. Mark | Author Platform
many thanks… | Author Platform
Hi Mark!
I enjoyed your article on the author platform. I see the value of marketing. I will bear this in mind as I do my editing and rewrites. At this point my book begins with a research project in a bank. I worked in banking for 21 years and I know about currency reporting, money laundering and intimidating characters. Like the day I waited on a gentleman, only to be told he was a hit man for one of the local unsavory characters.
Thank you,
Jan O’Kane
janokane13@aol.com | Author Platform
Hi Jan, glad to hear it. This is such an important topic and most authors don’t spend nearly enough time thinking about it… or positioning themselves properly. You’ll gain the trust of agents if you let them know about your background in banking. It will makes agents believe that your book is both accurate and believable. Thanks for posting! Mark | Author Platform
Thanks for another really helpful blog post. I’m looking forward to Part 2. I have a question. Do you consider the author’s number of Facebook friends, twitter followers, etc., part of a good platform? I’m not thinking of that as part of credibility but as a potential audience for the author’s books and a way to promote the books. | Author Platform
Hi Darlene – I’m an expert and present myself like that — but some agents I spoke to seemed very concerned about Twitter and FB following as well as other social media stuff. I think they are pushing for both very strongly now — they want you to be able to do 90% of the marketing of your own book. | Author Platform
Thanks for your input. I had a sense of the same thing and have been dancing as fast as I can. | Author Platform
Hi Darlene, great question. The short answer is yes. I’ll be talking about that more in part two of this article. Stay tuned, and thanks for posting. 🙂 Mark | Author Platform