Sharon Goldfinger of PeopleSpeak headed the discussion for our last meeting. Marketing was the topic, and Sharon focused on what it takes to create an author platform. Her advice:
Develop a strategy and a system (a plan!).
1. Start by defining your audience. Find 4-10 comps (comparable books, books similar to yours) and determine how they're positioned.
2. What do you do (or will do) within your space to get noticed? Do you:
a. Have a website
b. Blog
c. Speak
d. Write guest blogs, online articles, or print mag articles
e. Offer consulting services in your area of expertise
f. Have a media/PR plan
g. Partner with organizations (profit or nonprofit)
h. Participate in social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Pinterest, etc.)
Of course, a book can be written about each of these strategies, but if you plan for each area, you should have a solid start on creating your author platform and successfully selling your books.
Develop a strategy and a system (a plan!).
1. Start by defining your audience. Find 4-10 comps (comparable books, books similar to yours) and determine how they're positioned.
2. What do you do (or will do) within your space to get noticed? Do you:
a. Have a website
b. Blog
c. Speak
d. Write guest blogs, online articles, or print mag articles
e. Offer consulting services in your area of expertise
f. Have a media/PR plan
g. Partner with organizations (profit or nonprofit)
h. Participate in social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Pinterest, etc.)
Of course, a book can be written about each of these strategies, but if you plan for each area, you should have a solid start on creating your author platform and successfully selling your books.