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…
* * *
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 
Hi Mark,
I know nothing about promoting myself or my book to a publisher. It is already published. My problem is I got nothing out of it. My hard work of eight years was just given over to be published and I even had to buy my own copy. I don’t know if it is selling or not. All I know is that it is sold on Amazon. I am very frustrated. This is my first novel and I am very discouraged.
Florence
Hi Florence, I’m sorry to hear that…
The good news is that it’s never too late for a previously published author to get a literary agent, traditional publisher, and book deal… but it can be tricky. Read this article which talks about that, and a few other things you might find interesting and helpful: https://literary-agents.com/its-not-what-you-say/.
As a next step…
If you haven’t already done so, you should click here to access to all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. You can also register for an introductory coaching call with me here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
All my best, and have a good day,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have been waiting for an opportunity to respond to your clear, sometimes, overwhelming with info, sharing of your expertise. I must say, as a Psychonanlyst I am accustomed to reacting to the motives of others and I find a great deal of value in your honesty of presentation. As a new writer who doesn’t mind learning new skills (I built my own Ferro-Cement house, learning by doing) while sleeping in a tent. So, I will try to absorb all that you offer in person. Fred Lipschitz, Ph.D.
Thank you Fred, you just made my evening. And I’m happy to help if possible… now or in the future… if/when you’re ready… but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former literary agent turned author coach. Now I help authors get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a good weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This article has been very helpful. I recently upgraded my “author brand”, but it is nothing as powerful as this. I am going to upgrade it again right away.
Thank you Mandel!
Glad to hear and, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you also click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
Have a great day!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
As always, your article is well-placed and relevant, sir. I am, for instance, the leading authority on all members of Sciurus Vulgaris who have flight training; my sincerest hope is that some noble agent will see that qualification as sufficient expertise to represent my novel(s). I look forward to your next posting!
Thank you Jeff, and I hope it works out for you sooner rather than later! If you want help with anything else, as you know, you can post more questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And, if/when the time is right and you think it would be worthwhile, you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Have a great day, and week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Social media platforms are key these days. I am struggling to get a following on twitter…. very hard to do. Everyone with big accounts is already really famous or have been “collecting” followers for years. I just started on Twitter this year.*sigh* It’s a good thing I do well enough on FB… for now anyway. And my daughter says you need to have an Instagram account to be worth anything on social media these days, but it just seems to me like a big selfie circus. *sigh* Oh, the struggle…
Hi Nikki, the type of account doesn’t matter… just the number of fans/followers. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have written two novellas that take place in the Caribbean. One is 37,000 words, and the other is 42,000 words. I am thinking of putting the two together in one volume. Would this be a better way to pitch them than sending them out to agents separately? As for a platform, I have been to the islands on several cruises and an all-inclusive resort. These are the backdrops of the two books.
Hi JB, I’m afraid it’s still trying to get a novella(s) published… unless the two books were connected as in part one and part two of one story. As you likely already know… it’s extremely difficult to get an agent or publisher for a novella… short story… or collection of short stories… unless you’re already a well-published and/or award-winning author. I usually recommend that authors expand one of their shorter stories into a novel, while seeking publication and awards for some of their individual stories. Glad that you’re writing what you know though, that’s a plus. 😉
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’m one of those introverts and this makes total sense to me. I can do this!
Hi Hanna,
I love it.
Yes, you can!
Have a great weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My book “The Cuban Sanction” is about drug smuggling. I spent over three years importing marijuana into the U.S. and as a result spent three and a half years in Federal Prison.
Obviously, this gives me credibility, but I don’t want my friends and the public to know this. It’s a dilemma!
You can always use a penname…. change your name to write the book, but still reap the benefits and get your foot in the door of the literary world. Even if you don’t want your friends or the public to know, literary agents can still know you wrote a successful book under a penname and want more from you.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Tom, you can publish using a pseudonym… or just not share that part of your past.
Not much else you can do,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
Defining “platform” in abstract terms is one thing. Giving palpable examples is quite another. You have offered both clearly and concisely, for which I thank you.
Thank you Ben… you just made my day.
Much appreciated and happy to help!
Have a great day, and weekend,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I love this article! Although I am not a doctor, a social worker nor a anthropologist, I have done researches for more than 15 years about different themes in those fields and I have always wanted to help others with good information, but there was the fact of “credibility.” Until I decided to begin writing novels, my real passion, abd I saw in this an opportunity to put information between lines, along with a great story.
Thanks a lot. This was useful!
Sara H. J.
Hi Sara, I love it… thank you… and I’m glad you found the article helpful.
Have a great day, and weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My book involves a lot of highly fictionalized accounts of events from Central America. How can I establish credibility without mentioning my former employer? I doubt saying I went there on vacation would do it.
Can’t you mention your former employer without saying his name? And why not mention him? What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, and agents don’t bother themselves with calling previous employers to check you out. You can even add in half-jokingly (Sssshhh, don’t tell him I told you!)LOL
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi William, not sure what you mean. I don’t see why you can’t mention your former employer. So tell me more if you think it might help.
And have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
They make you sign stuff.
Ah, okay, now I know what you meant… maybe you can just talk about it without naming the company. Read the fine print and talk with a lawyer if needed!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
It always makes perfect sense the way you explain it! 🙂
Hi Gil, thank you and have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Oh yes. I do find this very helpful. I’m always so cautious about putting myself forward as someone uniquely qualified to write my stories, but I do have those qualifications.
Hi Lee,
You’re a rockstar.
Don’t think twice about it. 😉
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
The information you share is priceless. I am so very impressed with your knowledge and your ability to e plain it in such a logical and enjoyable way. You are simply the best at what you do!
Dr. Ronald L. Rosenthal
Thank you Ron, much appreciated.
Have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com