In a recent blog post, Kirsten Lesko wrote about platform. She said, in part, that she learned at a recent conference that writers should spend 50% of their time building a platform. My first thought was this does not really apply to fiction writers. Then yesterday, I read this post by editor Helen Ginger in which she said:
Another way the meaning of the term platform has morphed is that it now applies to fiction, as well as nonfiction. Agents and editors now look to see if fiction writers have a platform. They want good writing, a genre that will sell, and a new and interesting twist to the book – all the things they’ve always wanted. But now they also expect the author to have that third part of the equation – a ready-made audience.
She goes on to say that in order to get published nowadays, you need to be a national celebrity or, at least, a local one; or be giving speeches and directing workshops; or have daily blog hits in the hundreds, if not thousands; or be involved in enough organizations and groups that you’re certain of big sales.
She adds:
Agents will tell you they only care about the writing. They say they look at the pages and whether it hooks them. The hard truth is publishers – and agents – look at the bottom line – will this book sell.
Wow! And wow! I’m trying hard not to panic. This time, I can’t tell myself Ms. Ginger is not referring to fiction writers. She is. And I am one—without any sort of platform!
I’m not a celebrity, past or present, national or local. I’m not qualified to give speeches or direct workshops. This blog, on its absolute best days, gets 100-plus hits. And I, being the hermit I am, belong to NO, zero, zilch groups or organizations. I don’t work outside the home, so I can’t even hawk my book to coworkers. I think I could guilt a few relatives and badger my fellow writer friends into buying a copy. Do you think the prospect of fifty sales will get me an agent?
What shall I do? What are you doing to build your platform, fellow fiction writers?
Please excuse the rant. This is going to be a long one.
I’m just sick to my tummy after reading this. I have no platform. I have readers, but not to the tune of thousands or even hundreds of hits a day.
But I’m not going to throw in the towel just yet. If my final product is a excellent, thought provoking, well-written story and an agent will not accept my work because I have no said platform for sales, I’ll go the route of self-publishing and pay my agent fees to a marketing company instead. The internet has provided alternate routes in lieu of traditional publishing. Maybe for writers like me this will end up being the way to go.
Fortunately, I’m a long way from publishing. Maybe my “status” as a marketable writer will change before then. I could solve world hunger, create a self-renewing energy source, start posting my political opinions and tick a few people off.
As writers, I believe we should stand firm and not recreate ourselves to fit these “desired” norms. Becoming a novelist is about the freedom of self-expression, discovery, finding the probable in improbabilities. If we all have to resort to being political figureheads, shock jocks, and economic or environmental guru’s, or resort to writing only nonfiction as a means to support our work through civic and social standing, isn’t that a form of social censorship?
I’m going to have to write a post about this. Thank you for such a thought provoking post. The Orwellian in me has been set on fire.
It sickened me too. To be honest, I don’t think I can let myself believe it. My first thoughts were similar to yours … there are other ways to be published. Small presses are another option. If our statuses don’t change, we’ll just all have to band together to create a buzz for one each others’ books.
I’ll make that commitment either way it should go.
Sounds good!
Wow, darksculptures, nice response. Another thing to remember is how much easier it is to build a platform than ever before. Social networks and blogs do allow us to reach a larger audience. And I’ve found two writing opportunities through connections I’ve made on Twitter.
I totally agree with Darksculptures that it has to be about the writing first. (Something I have to remind myself of everyday.) And I absolutely think that the publishing industry is in the midst of a huge a shakedown. More and more, writers are finding their way to publication by means other than the big houses.
Like darksculptures, I think it’s too early to give up.
I won’t give up, Judy, I just hate these dire pronouncements that make me quake. If an opportunity presents itself, I would gladly build a platform, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of writing. Otherwise, I’ll have to work harder at finding an agent/editor who’s willing to take a chance.
I’m still reluctant to believe that platform is imperative. It’s undeniable that it’s helpful. But I still hear stories about people who have been published without it.
If you’re open to platform and want to get serious about it, Christine Katz wrote “Getting Known Before the Book Deal.” She writes nonfiction, so not everything applies. But most of her ideas are transferable.
On the other hand, if you’re vehemently opposed, or if you’re knee deep in figuring out your novel, I think you should listen to your gut.
The most important thing is that novel.
I have a completed novel, Kirsten, so I’m at the querying stage. I just didn’t realize that my query efforts may be in vain with my non-existent platform. I’ll look for that book.
I absolutely DO NOT think your query efforts would be in vain.
Even though writer’s conferences & all kinds of writer publications tell us we have to have a platform in order to sell our first book, I think it’s optional. I have plenty of friends who have been published with no platform at all.
I like promotion because it’s fun for me & I hope to teach & write nonfiction in addition to fiction one day. In no way did I mean to make other writers feel like they had to do it, too. I’m just trying to share the things I learn along the way for people who want to do it, too.
Well, Kirsten, I already have queries out, so we’ll see. I’m so glad to hear tales of published writers who had no platform. You know, my blog post concerns are being nullified left and right lately, which is good, but I’m beginning to look a little dumb.
And I think we all understood your post to be a suggestion not a law … or actually just sharing what you’re doing and why. Loved it.
I don’t think you look dumb at all. We’ve all had these thoughts and I think a lot of people are feeling relieved that you brought them to light today.
Thank you, Kirsten. And you’re right, if I hadn’t brought it up, I would still be wondering how I could get my name on the national news.
UPDATE: The books is “Get Known Before the Book Deal” (not getting)
And her name is ChristinA.
Aren’t you building your platform here? Blogs and social networking are opportunity writers never had before and I think we ignore them at our cost. Being known will never compensate for good writing but being unknown can lead to good writing being overlooked. I think quite possibly, and with the increase in wannabe writers (me included) able to access the same outlets, competent, persistent, quality presence might be the loss-leader we will all need to work at for our product to get a chance. Good or bad, blogs give you a portfolio of work to which you can direct (or to which agents/publishers will direct themselves) interested parties. Artists carry theirs in a huge, arm-crippling case. At least we don’t have to do that!
Yes, in my own little way, I’m building a platform by writing this blog (and being on Twitter) but a blog is only considered a platform asset when it’s “popular” and that means it has GOBS more traffic than mine. Gee, maybe I should sink to using sex-related tags in my posts.
First, I LOVE the illustration you used for this, Linda! I’m still laughing.
I’m with DS, and I think Suzanne nailed it with this sentence: Being known will never compensate for good writing but being unknown can lead to good writing being overlooked.
And with Kirsten: The most important thing is that novel.
So I’m gonna get back to it….
Unfortunately, Natasha, some of those “knowns” get some bad writing published. Yes, go back to work. This will all be sorted out.”
Now that I’m sick to my stomach…
I’m not sure how to respond. I did not need this today.
How much time do you have to devote to social networks and blogging to get hundreds or THOUSANDS of hits a day. Blogging doesn’t pay and I have a freaking mortgage! UGH!!
I’ll come back later and post my “They can’t get me down” comment, right now I just need to throw up.
Sorry to be the bearer of this upset, Dayner. It’s true the publishing industry is in flux and so is the future of publishing options. So what can we do, but keep on writing our little hearts out? We’re writing the future of writing.
Dayner – I don’t think you need to worry about this at all. I’m doing a little research for a blog post tomorrow and am finding lots of authors that have been published recently but didn’t do a lick of platform building before the book deal. I stick to my point that it can help, but is not necessary. And either way, the great book is the crucial element here.
Linda – I don’t think you should be sorry for bearing this news. It’s such a relevant discussion right now! It’s everywhere we turn. I think no matter what debut authors decide on this topic, it’s important to be informed when making that decision.
I’m looking forward to your post tomorrow, Kirsten. So, it appears the consensus is to use whatever opportunities present themselves toward building a platform and don’t stress about it. But I think spending 50% of your writing time working on platform is excessive.
Yes, yes, yes!
Okay, here’s my “They can’t bring me down comment”.
I know this is mostly BS. If a story is written well, it will/should get the attention of the right people. I think it’s also important to be seen. Going to conferences and events gets your name–and face out there. I just don’t have the time or the funds to travel like that. I looked into the Mendocino Writer’s Conference coming up. It’s fairly close to where I live and it’s a smaller conference. I thought this would be a great first conference but it’s $500 to attend, not including the accommodations. I just can’t pay that right now.
I can blog for free, and I can keep submitting my writing to the regional mag I mentioned on my blog. That will have to be good enough for now. My blog is no major attraction. But it’s a work in progress. I’ll work on improvements slowly since I don’t have anything ready to query yet anyway.
Linda, maybe you should look into attending a conference since you’re ready to query. There are a couple in CA. San Francisco and Mendocino I know about for sure. I’m sure there’s something in LA too, and Las Vegas it’s too far.
Never having attended one, I can’t attest to how effective conferences are in platform building. I’m sure it would depend on the conference. And I assume you get what you pay for. Right now, it’s not financially possible for me to attend any conference I think might be worth it. Maybe someday.
Do the best you can with what you’ve got. Eventually, you’ll be noticed. Believe.
That’s the spirit, Tricia. Best platform does NOT equal best book, right?
I think everyone already said what I would say about platform building/networking, so…
In response to what you said to Suzanne:
Naked Nathan Fillion, See Nathan Fillion Naked, Nathan Fillion totally NUDE!, Nathan Fillion tattoo? Nathan Fillion married? Nathan Fillion dating? How tall is Nathan Fillion?
There. That should garner some hits……
[just doing my small part for the cause]
hugs darlin.
:0)
And for the Brits: Prof Brian Cox gets high, Arctic Monkeys are really Gorillaz, and Lily Allan can actually sing. Oh, and the Eurovision Song Contest is the best music show on the planet.
Brother, am I going to pay for that little lot!
Oh Suzanne, you forgot: Eddie Izzard talks about squirrels with nuts, monkeys with guns and action transvestites.
Otherwise? Job well done I must say. huzzah.
I tip my hat to thee m’lady.
Damn! And the celebrated Mr Izzard having just run 40-odd marathons in 40-odd+ days. All that opportunistic chafing!
Okay, special dispensation for Karen and Suzanne, I’m writing a reply to my own post!
Very funny ladies. But one of these just might eclipse “ugly baby” as my top search term.
Love Eddie Izzard, btw.
Oh, and after I read your blog post yesterday, Karen, I had to google Nathan Fillion. These days, if they’re not a character in my writing or on LOST, I don’t know them … ha ha … imagine my surprise to see that he WAS on a LOST episode!
That’s gotta be the best reason I’ve heard for watching LOST. But, my dear, it’s time for you to watch Castle on Hulu.com. I would recommend Firefly, too, if I thought space cowboys and interplanetary politics interested you.
Castle? I’ll have to look it up. Space cowboys and interplanetary politics … eh, I don’t know.
*picks self up off floor*
You had to google Nathan Fillion? Well did you at least click on the link I provided in the post of him sitting in the desert naked?
[and no I'm not kidding]
Thank you for introducing me to Suzanne. She’s fun to play with.
Maybe you could get Eddie to come in as a guest blogger. THAT would certainly build your platform. Don’t know what it would build it WITH, but he’d at least probably LOVE the shoes you have in the opening of this piece.
Now there’s a thought!
Did you hear about Conan O’Brien randomly picking one of his followers to tell everyone to follow? She got her 15 minutes and more!
Thought Nathan Fillion was made-up totty or some form of sexual practice I haven’t seen on CSI. Comforting to find I won’t need to purge my hard drive if I look him up!
Oh, my, what was my blog topic today? I’ve totally lost track.
I don’t think this is going to be accurate. A LOT of first-time published authors aren’t going to have a platform in fiction. I read a lot of agent blogs — hey, I have to make sure I get my daily dose of aggravation and discouragement, right? — and this person you’ve mentioned is the very first one I’ve ever seen say this.
Critical to non-fiction, non-factor for fiction. Yes, will the book sell is the first criterion used to measure the risk factor. The fact is, unless you have tens of thousands of people standing in line for your book, you don’t have a platform.
I don’t agree with this person’s assessment, not on my own merit, but on the merit of other agents and editors whose advice and insight differs from this by 180 degrees.
Then again, I’m never one to miss the opportunity to panic.
Don’t worry too much about what you can’t control, Linda. Do the best you can to produce a terrific product and let the rest take care of itself. You’ll know the validity of the statement if and when you get rejections because you DON’T have a platform.
Until then, just keep banging the keys.
You can do it. I believe in you. And me.
Thanks for weighing in, Darc. I’ve seen several agents lately blog about platform, but they do mostly refer to writers of non-fiction, and I’ve never seen any of them advocate devoting 50% of your time to building platform. It’s not something I feel I need to put that much time into at this stage, so I won’t worry about it.
You believe in yourself again?
No idea. I have thought about it of course…..
For now I figure if I have a few published pieces roaming out there and they can google my name and have a few things come up it’ll have to do.
After all the writing has to be good first and foremost. without that I have no chance.
Are previous publications considered platform, then? Not that I have any of those either.
Linda, I don’t think anything is cut and dry and you should never let these things discourage you for long. And I know it won’t. You’re much too determined for that!
Before my novel came out, I never even thought about building a platform. I guess I took the same attitude as Jennifer. Maybe I wouldn’t have even considered trying to get published if I had thought about it in those terms.
Hopefully an agent will look at what’s really important— your writing. Being a celebrity doesn’t necessarily mean you can tell a good story.
And for the record, when your novel comes out, I’ll buy a copy…See you didn’t even have to badger me!
Your first line made me laugh, Laura, because I know you’ve been around here long enough to recognize my mercurial ways.
Can I add your pre-order to my platform? Hear that, all you literary agents, my book is already selling!
Amazon tells me I should receive your book on or about April 5th, looking forward to it.
Hi, Linda. I’ve been one of your silent readers for awhile now, and just wanted to come out of the shadows to say two things:
1) More people probably read your blog than you think. I read it through Google Reader, and others probably do the same or use another RSS feed aggregator. This means your site statistics may be artificially low. (Although if we get technical, the photos you post may be showing as hits on your website because those do appear in Google Reader. It depends on whether your site statistic software looks at hits on every file, which would include images, or if it requires a web page to be loaded. I suspect yours is doing the latter, which would mean that I’m right and your stats are artificially low.)
2) From what I can tell about this whole business of writing and getting published, there is no right answer. The important thing is to write for you. Write something that you are very, very proud of, and chances are, it will take you somewhere pretty awesome.
OK, back to the shadows. Happy Spring!
Oh, Rebecca, don’t go back to the shadows; stay out here and play. Welcome and thank you for letting me know you’ve been following my blog. Yes, WP only counts a hit when a page is loaded, so it doesn’t count when someone reads my posts on a reader or email. Now I’m dying to know how many other “secret” readers are out there. Hmmm … I’m thinking poll.
I agree that absolutes are absolutely wrong in this business. Sometimes it just takes me a bit to realize that. If I want to continue writing, I can only write my way. If that leads to publication, so be it. Don’t sweat the small stuff; don’t compromise the big stuff.
And there was I thinking my readership was in single figures when, in all probability, I have a hidden fanbase using readers and feeders. What? Who said ‘delusional’? C’mon, we’re all entitled to dream!
Well, due to my new poll, I’m about to have my delusions shattered. Probably better to keep dreaming.
For my marketing platform, I have (in no particular order) my less popular blog; my friends and family; authors and editors I’ve met at conferences or online who might one day put in a good word for me; local writers’ groups; and the bookstore owners, booksellers, and librarians I like to talk with. Some might help with convincing a publisher to buy my first novel while others might help spread the word about my future releases.
Now think about this: We are *your* platform, and you share a bit of ours.
Ann, your platform sounds great for a fiction writer. I need to leave the house more.
And I certainly didn’t intend to demean you all. I do consider you as part of my platform, as I am part of yours. Now if we could just assure an agent that we also have thousands of silent blog readers …
Indeed. And very happy and grateful to be such. I’ve beneftied enormously from the discussions here – more power to the collective elbow!
“Collective elbow”?
Or collective knee, either way, we make an impact. Just one’s more excruciating than the other for the recipient!
The elbow is stronger, Cathryn. Let’s stick with that. Unless we do boot to the head.
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