If you’re a writer dreaming of getting your memoir or nonfiction book published, you’ve probably heard the word “platform” thrown around—but what does it actually mean, and why do publishers care so much about it? In this video, I break down the mystery behind author platforms and share some important considerations when it comes to determining what really matters when it comes to your ability to reach readers and sell more books.
Hello, Jane Cleland here.
To sell a memoir or other kinds of nonfiction, typically, you need a platform. What’s a platform?
A platform refers to a realistic way of reaching readers.
And now for some people who do in-person seminars or workshops, you have a built-in audience.
It could be social media. How many followers do you have?
And the last I heard, publishers, agents, editors in general, they’re looking at a hundred thousand or more.
But that isn’t always necessarily true, because if the 1000 followers that you have are themselves influencers. Well then word will spread organically.
And that’s, that’s the best word of mouth, is one of the most powerful marketing tools.
So you have to write a wonderful book and you have to have means to reach readers. That’s platform.
I have a new book coming out, Beat the Bots: A Writer’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI. I’d love it if you pre-order it. It’s coming out in August, 2025. So if you’re seeing this video after then, please buy it.
Ask your library to get it in stock and put it on the shelf. That would be great.
Give it as a gift.
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