So you have published your manuscript, had it evaluated, run over it with a fine-toothed comb, and put everything into it. But apparently, no one will take it on. Why?Your story is captivating, your framework is well structured, your style is unique, and your writing is clear. What more do these publishers want?
Well, the buzzword lately in the world of publishing seems to be 'platform'. The author platform.
Nearly all established authors have a platform. Most new writers have one. Even the publishing team themselves have them. So what can it do for you and why is it so important? Its important because its the way you can elevate yourself to get noticed in a busy world. It is a way of establishing yourself as a sort of authority in your niche area.
By promoting your work in a particular area you can gain some experience and get known out there by the people who may be interested in buying your work. This can mostly be done through online sources such as weblogs, websites, podcasts and creating Facebook and Twitter pages, but it can also be achieved through physical means such as speeches and training courses.
I'll provide you with an example. I have a buddy who is composing the first draft of her first novel and knows she would have next to no chance of having it published, simply because she is unknown. She has come to realise that the conventional methods of submitting a manuscript have become obsolete. So she is developing herself an author platform.
She is taking it upon herself to be noticed in this noisy world.
She is a medical expert by trade, and the central idea to her book revolves around mental illness. She has therefore set herself up on a web page which is dedicated to mental illnesses. She blogs about all kinds of topics appropriate to mental illness, and has reached out to the community affected by the disease. Many of these people follow her blog regularly, and have 'gotten to know' her, and what she is about. She has now began to market her novel (which isn't yet complete) on her blog, and through her website.Those who are passionate about the topic and follow her are already showing interest in purchasing this book when it is finished.
So now when she takes her finished manuscript to a publisher, along with a list of potential customers, the risk of the publisher taking her on is reduced and her work suddenly becomes so much more appealing to them!
Well, the buzzword lately in the world of publishing seems to be 'platform'. The author platform.
Nearly all established authors have a platform. Most new writers have one. Even the publishing team themselves have them. So what can it do for you and why is it so important? Its important because its the way you can elevate yourself to get noticed in a busy world. It is a way of establishing yourself as a sort of authority in your niche area.
By promoting your work in a particular area you can gain some experience and get known out there by the people who may be interested in buying your work. This can mostly be done through online sources such as weblogs, websites, podcasts and creating Facebook and Twitter pages, but it can also be achieved through physical means such as speeches and training courses.
I'll provide you with an example. I have a buddy who is composing the first draft of her first novel and knows she would have next to no chance of having it published, simply because she is unknown. She has come to realise that the conventional methods of submitting a manuscript have become obsolete. So she is developing herself an author platform.
She is taking it upon herself to be noticed in this noisy world.
She is a medical expert by trade, and the central idea to her book revolves around mental illness. She has therefore set herself up on a web page which is dedicated to mental illnesses. She blogs about all kinds of topics appropriate to mental illness, and has reached out to the community affected by the disease. Many of these people follow her blog regularly, and have 'gotten to know' her, and what she is about. She has now began to market her novel (which isn't yet complete) on her blog, and through her website.Those who are passionate about the topic and follow her are already showing interest in purchasing this book when it is finished.
So now when she takes her finished manuscript to a publisher, along with a list of potential customers, the risk of the publisher taking her on is reduced and her work suddenly becomes so much more appealing to them!
About the Author:
If you would like to learn more about creating an author platform or even novel writing go to http://www.howtowriteabookadvice.net
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