The Importance of an Author Platform and Resilience
So much of publishing is based on trial and error. Books may arrive with a thud upon publication, while others that seemed kind of ‘iffy’ go on to major bestseller status. You just never know what’s going to stick.
As an author, you’ll have some ups and you’ll definitely have some downs. But each experience you have should be viewed as another learning opportunity.
If your first book doesn’t reach the bestseller list or sell 10,000 copies in its first year, there could be any number of reasons for this, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you as an author are a failure. More often than not, what contributes to a book’s success is based off of what’s going on in the marketplace at the time of its release, especially in these topsy-turvy political and economic times.
You hear a lot of agents and publishers talking about the importance of an author’s “Marketing Platform.” (I’ll be devoting an upcoming blog to this very subject.) Think of the platform as your perch from which you can help the publisher market and promote your book. Some questions to consider:
- How robust is your social media presence?
- Have you created an author or book website?
- Do you blog?
- Are you affiliated with any organizations that could purchase bulk copies of your book or invite you to speak?
It is never too early to start thinking about and proactively building your marketing platform. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on your publisher to do all of this for you. A book is a great way to establish your credentials as an expert, but you still need the support behind it before the book launches. And remember, the cold hard truth is that as with anything, luck plays a big part.
Think of it this way: your first book is what gets your foot in the door. It lays the foundation for any books you subsequently write and publish. The important thing is to get your name out there, to build and solidly establish your brand as an author, and keep the positive momentum going. Just as with anything in life, the greater your resilience and determination, the greater the chances of your success as an author.
–Jon Malysiak is the founder and president of JFM Editorial, a literary services agency based in Chicago. Follow him on Twitter: @JonMalysiak
Note: Jon also works with us at Networlding and has been a wonderful partner on many great book projects.
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