Author Platform

The author’s platform is her established audience following and the way to reach readers through a large database, syndicated radio show, national television show, magazine column, large and well-known company—in other words, name recognition on a large scale. The larger your platform, the easier to find a publisher and sell larger quantities of books. You now have an avenue for getting yourself recognized as a author. Further, you have a way of influencing people to buy your book because they already listen to you.

Publishers are interested in a writer if she has already had national media exposure, her own database of at least 5,000 names, and/or has already sold a product or has a reputation as an expert.

The publisher expects that the nationally known author’s platform will include relationships with companies or organizations willing to buy or give away large quantities of the book.

Publishers will also want to be positive that the author is articulate, is impressive in front of a camera, and preferably already has both national media experience and media training. They want someone with an edge, with a personality that will make her stand out above the crowd.

Publishers will also look for a way to connect the author’s topic and expertise with what is happening in the world. If the subject is topical or can be connected with something newsworthy, it has a better shot.