Author: Vidya Prabhakar
As you settle down to type your pitch for a book idea or an article in a popular magazine, do you wonder if the publisher will buy your idea? More importantly, will he choose you over so many others to present the piece?
A publisher typically wants to know “why you are qualified” to write. This is why having a platform determines if your work will sell. It also forms the basis of your query letter.
What is a writer’s platform?
Simply put, a writer’s platform is the “name recognition” and “background” that markets your work. It is the “why me” factor in writing. It is the assurance that your work will sell. How do you establish your credentials to a publisher? Let us look at some examples:
- Okay, so I want to write a book on “going green” – why should a publisher accept my book proposal over others? Do I have relevant knowledge? Any community involvement? Any projects that I have launched? Any products that I have endorsed? It is not sufficient if all I do is recycle plastic at home!
- Next, I want to write about spirituality – what is the backing I have? What qualifies me to write like an authority on the subject? Clearly, being God fearing does not cut it with the publisher – I will need a co-author to back me up.
- Finally, I plan to write about parenting – do I have experience raising children? Alternatively, is it going to be a researched article with inputs from experts or parents?
Ideas to build a writer’s platform
It is clear from the above examples that you need a platform or a tool to promote yourself and sell your writing. Here are some ideas to help you build a platform to be a successful writer.
Blog: Blogging is creative way to build a brand. The movie “Julie & Julia” is a fine example of how blogging can lead to successful book deals! Think of the numerous mommy bloggers who have been invited to write for parenting magazines. Blog or write for established websites to create a name for yourself in a chosen field – parenting, health and wellness, finance etc. Encourage people to follow your blogs and interact with fellow writers on social networking sites.
Writing contests: Participate in as many writing contests as you can. This gives you significant visibility and chances of being published online, in magazines and in journals. You can create a brand for yourself by choosing the subject you are most comfortable with – it could be travel writing, short stories or poetry!
Essays & short articles: Build name recognition by contributing to calls for essays or short snippets. Newspapers and magazines often call for entries from new and aspiring writers as fillers. Publishers of anthologies and compilations like the Chicken Soup Series also invite essays and short articles on specific subjects like travel, romance, sports and even relationships.
Website: Create a website to highlight your work. Make sure you have enough content for a website. It could be a collection of blogs, a showcase of your published work, awards, certifications and even endorsements from clients. It will give readers a fair idea of the genre that you specialize in.
Put on your business hat – create a platform to promote and sell your writing. March ahead and make yourself known – publishers are scouring the internet for potential authors. With technology by your side, it is possible to answer the “why me” question!
About the author:
Full Name: Vidya Prabhakar – Vidya is a Chartered Accountant and a Psychology postgraduate. She has worked in finance, banking and the content development industry. Reading, writing, baking and needle crafting are among her many pursuits.
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