Writers everywhere seem to dread the platform side of writing. We’d all rather cocoon ourselves and write, right? Here’s a different way to look at this oft-postponed task.
Writing Tip for Today: Three ways to build your readership:
Before You Write
Ideally, even before you have a marketable book or short piece, you’ll think about your audience. Who’s going to read your work? No fair saying, “everyone.” Even if your writing is for a general market, get familiar with genres. Spend time online or in a bookstore, learning the different categories and what sets them apart. Fiction and Nonfiction. Memoir and Biography. Religious and Secular.
Every genre has subcategories. For fiction, (all novels are fiction), pinpoint the main thrust of your work: Romance or Thriller; Literary or Commercial, Inspirational and Fantasy or Sci-fi. Each of these has further breakdowns: Rom-Coms, Action/adventure, even Book Club fiction. Locate recent novels and determine which category yours fits best.
In non-fiction, the same guidelines apply. Many times arranged topically, decide what topic describes your book best. Study key words on Amazon, the better to pinpoint what your readers might search for. Narrow your topic as much as you can.
As You Write
Think about your readers as you write. What are they interested in? In today’s info age, many readers silo into narrow categories. While you work on your book, keep in mind those readers. Is your work overly broad? Does it try to include too many ideas? Try writing a single sentence that describes your book.
It’s never too early to start building readerships. You know you’ll need a robust social media presence, so commit to building that identity online. Do what’s necessary to start a simple website. You can own a domain for a small yearly fee or sign onto WordPress or Substack to begin with. You don’t need an expensive techie guy, at least not at first. Check in with your social media often, and build a community there.
Choose which outlets you feel most comfortable with—don’t try to juggle them all. Pick one or two that suit you and that contain members who are most likely to become devoted readers of your work. Post regularly. Unless you’re writing about how to write, avoid only gathering a list of other writers—they all want your readers too.
Write one sentence that describes your book.
After You Write
When your work is revised and polished, perhaps vetted by an editor, you’ll already have the framework in place to recruit readers. Instead of sitting on your manuscript while you query agents, write smaller, shorter pieces and submit to periodicals or newspapers. Enter legit contests. You’ll be able to cite any published pieces as proof of your skill and readers’ interest in your work.
The surest way to grow your platform is not through social media, where you advertise or repeat “Buy my book!” Email addresses are still the gold standard for reaching potential readers. Offer these sign-ups a gift of a free excerpt or other writing you have. Run a contest and recruit influencers. An email address gives you unparalleled access to each reader.
Growing a readership platform isn’t easy. It takes time and dedication. At the heart of every platform is your ability to give readers something they want and value. Whether it’s your unique take on the world or a can’t-put-it-down story, you want to pinpoint your potential readers and then bring them something that no one else can give. The essence of platform is your ideas in a skillful form together with readers who search for writing like yours.
