Get Known Before the Book Deal

The Writerpreneur: Tap the Power of Sound

By Gregory A. Kompes    

Sound is powerful. We often stop what we're doing to listen. It's virtually impossible to read or write anything when another is speaking. It's how our brains are wired. Harnessing the power of sound to build and brand your writing career just makes sense. If done correctly, you may even open up a new readership and expand your following with sound.
 
There are many ways to take advantage of sound and we'll look at just a few of them here, including: trailers, audio books, podcasting and Internet radio.
 
Trailers are one of the smartest and easiest ways to start using sound to reach your readers. By digitally recording your book's introduction or first chapter and making those available to readers on your website, you increase the possibility of sales of your book. Having your full work available in audio format (think books on tape) is another positive way to spread your words with sound. Companies like Books in Motion http://www.booksinmotion.com are always looking for new products to add to their catalog of audio books available for sales and rental.
 
To create sound files for your website or podcast, you'll need a digital recorder that allows you to create digital format audio files (.wav, MP3, .aiff, etc.). You don't need to spend a lot for quality these days. I'm rarely without my plug and play Olympia WS100 (retail: $79). While there are many generations of recorders that have followed, this powerful (and affordable) little recorder remains my favorite.
 
For high-end recording capabilities, check out Tech Smith's Camtasia Studio. This software allows you to record, edit, and post online audio, video, and screenshot recordings. How many ideas popped into your head with those possibilities?
 
As you discover how easy it is to create digital sound files, it might be time to explore podcasting & Internet radio. If you're investigating teleconferences, remember to record the events. These make excellent downloadable sound files for your website or for use through RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Creating audio newsletters (podcasts) that include interviews and discussions of your expert topic will draw a larger audience for your work. When done as a regular feature, you begin to create a body of sound files that can be listened to by your readers at any time. If you podcast on a regular schedule (i.e., weekly or monthly) your listeners will return over and over. Additionally, you can make these regular podcasts available through distribution sites like iTunes.
 
Giving your audience a meaningful way to tune in to your platform over time can help keep them coming back for more. 

 

Gregory A. Kompes, The Writerpreneur, is an Internet self-promotion expert. Gregory is the author of the bestselling 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live and the Writer's eBook Series that includes Endorsement Quest, Should You Write an eBook, and Your Online Media Kit. He is co-founder of the Patchwork Path anthology series, Presenters & Programs, the Writer's Pen & Grill, and Laudably Tarnished: A Poetry Workshop. Gregory is editor of The Fabulist Flash, an informative newsletter for writers, and the award winning Eighteen Questions, a Q&A series that collects and shares the experiences of published authors.

Know Thy Self, Know They Audience: How to Overcome Reader Objections

By Sage Cohen

Last month you clarified your book's key audiences -- both the general readership and niche groups within that audience. This month, we're going to explore how to best reach these folks and help them see why your book is a fit for their needs.

You can start by answering these questions:

1. What emotion/reaction do I want to evoke when people think about my book?
2. What barriers do I need to overcome to get people to purchase my book?
3. What is my strategy for overcoming these barriers?

For example, following are my answers to these questions for my book, Writing the Life Poetic:
 
1. I want people who read Writing the Life Poetic to feel inspired, excited and energized about writing poems.
 
2. Writing the Life Poetic will have to overcome the following barriers for each audience:
 
People already writing poetry: Belief that they know enough already and/or don't need a creative companion.
 
People who want to write poetry: Fear that they don't have what it takes to write poetry.
 
Teachers of writing: Concern that they'd need to be poetry experts themselves to teach poetry. Resistance to using a resource that is time-consuming or cumbersome to learn and/or prepare lessons.
 
Active creatives: Don't see the link between their current craft/art and poetry.
 
Individuals using the book on their own and students of all ages: Lack of tools, knowledge and support to dive into a poetry practice.
 
3. Writing the Life Poetic will overcome these barriers as follows:
 
People already writing poetry: Offer them information and inspiration that presents a new way of approaching their poetry practice.
 
People who want to write poetry: Send a blast of optimism and fun through people's fear blinders. It will need to penetrate their beliefs that poetry is not for them and invite them into the adventure.
 
Teachers of writing: Provide a plug-and-play instructional resource. In other words, all a teacher needs to do is assign a chapter; students can easily follow the lessons on their own.
 
Active creatives: Remind them that anyone who is excited about creating art, crafts, music or theatre can also enjoy creating poems.
 
Individuals using the book on their own and students of all ages: Give them everything they need to tune into the poetry of their lives -- and get it down on the page.
 
Your turn! Start with your audience list from last month, and try to get inside of the needs, desires, fears and aspiration of each group. The more clearly you can envision who they are, the better you'll be able to articulate how your book makes a meaningful connection to each segment of your audience.

 

 

Sage Cohen is the author of Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry, forthcoming from Writer's Digest Books, and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World. Her poetry and essays appear in journals and anthologies including Cup of Comfort for Writers, Oregon Literary Review, Greater Good and VoiceCatcher. Sage holds an MA in creative writing from New York University and teaches the email class Poetry for the People. For more than a decade, she has run the marketing communications firm Sage Communications.

Friday, June 26th #Platformchat Transcript with Guests Jane Friedman and Therese Walsh

Special thanks to Meryl K. Evans for supplying the edited transcript of today's #platformchat.

Hope to see everyone at the next #platformchat on Friday, July 10th at 11 a.m. PT!

#Platform Chat 26 June 2006 11am PT / 1pm CT

@thewritermama Once #platformchat starts, no linking until the last five minutes. But if you need a def of platform. Here's mine: http://bit.ly/wIkXN

@thewritermama Welcome to #platformchat. I’m the host and one of the moderators, Christina Katz, author of Get Known Before the Book Deal & Writer Mama.

@thewritermama I’m a teacher, speaker and author, so this chat is more like an educational spotlight on our two expert guests. #platformchat

@thewritermama My co-moderator is @merylkevans, who is queen of the Internet, as far as I’m concerned. You’ll soon see for yourself. #platformchat

@thewritermama Format of #platformchat: I ask 2 guests 7 questions in 35 minutes, then we have 20 minutes for Q&A, then five minutes to wrap it all up.

@thewritermama #platformchat rules: Listen to guests, then ask questions, be responsive, avoid dominating, self-promotion, or hijacking chat.

@thewritermama #platformchat feedback: We love it. Please wait until the chat is over. Send to [email protected] or DM.

@thewritermama Intros: Our guests today are Publisher & Editor, Jane Friedman & novelist, freelancer & blogger Therese Walsh. #platformchat

@thewritermama Jane Friedman was my Writer Mama acquisitions editor & editor of Get Known. She has been a great friend and mentor. #platformchat

@thewritermama @JaneFriedman is Publisher & Editorial Director at Writer’s Digest & not to be confused with the “other” Jane Friedman. #platformchat

@thewritermama Therese Walsh was a freelance health writer. Her novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, debuts in Oct 2009. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of genre fiction. #platformchat

thewritermama Definition: A platform-strong writer is one with influence. It’s what you DO with your expertise (write, teach, speak, etc). #platformchat

thewritermama All caps: when guests want to give an example of a person with a strong platform, they can put info in all caps. Google later. #platformchat

thewritermama Now for 7 Qs (Q1, Q2…). Plz allow guests time to answer in several tweets. (Save long Qs for Q&A. We’ll tell you when.) #platformchat

thewritermama Q1. How is platform development different for fiction/memoir/children’s writers vs. nonfiction writers? #platformchat

WritingSpirit RT @thewritermama A platform-strong writer is one with influence. It’s what u DO w/your expertise (write, teach, speak, etc) #platformchat

ThereseWalsh First off thanks for having me, Christina and Meryl #platformchat

JaneFriedman Q1 For nonfiction writers platform is the ticket required for entry into the publishing game. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh Regardless of fiction or non, you have to attract your target audience. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh The similarity btwn nonfic and fiction is that you’re building a reputation. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh What do you want to be known for? Does your public face reflect that? #platformchat

thewritermama Q2. How important is a specialty/focus/niche to writer platform development? #platformchat

ThereseWalsh Finding a niche for yourself is critical. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh Nonfic authors should focus on expertise. At Prevention, I was the “expert” on allergy and sleep issues. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh As a freelancer, I wrote a lot of pieces on nutrition and diabetes. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh It matters, b/c expertise=reputation, and nonfiction editors share info w/ one another. You'll get more work. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh -- unless you’re Nora Roberts--you’ll be lost in the sea of Other, for sure. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh (A nonfic author wouldn’t want to be known only as a nonfic author, after all.) #platformchat

ThereseWalsh What sets you apart from the crowd? Do whatever you can to reflect your unique identity as you’re marketing your work. #platformchat

ThereseWalsh And if you’re writing crossgenre works, does your site reflect that mix? #platformchat

JaneFriedman (Apologies for lag. President stepped into my office asking urgent questions!) #platformchat

thewritermama Q3. What steps can writers new to platform development take to get started on their platforms? #platformchat

JaneFriedman Q1. Correx, sorry - For fiction writers, platform is often key to success AFTER publication - storytelling matters first #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Make sure you’re not settling for merely a genre tag like “romance” or “mystery”—it's not enough. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh A few thoughts on question 3: steps you can take to get started... #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh 1.Re: fiction, know what you’re writing & what makes you unique. Don’t rely on only your own judgment, either; ask your cp’s! #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh 2.Think about ways you can display elements of your unique writerly self—on your blog, your website, etc... Be known! #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q2 - I think developing a niche/focus/specialty can help a new writer get started. Focus your efforts, then broaden circle. #platformchat

@thewritermama Q4. Exceptions aside, is blogging the best path to landing a book deal today? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh And let me add that being shy isn't an excuse. I'm shy. Seriously! Own your spotlight and try not to wiggle too much! #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh 3.Identify yourself with others who are doing the same. Get to know people writing in your genre and niche… #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh 4.Visit the right blogs, leave comments, develop relationships, take chances***. Take BIG chances! #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @ThereseWalsh That's what my aim is. Finding other published authors whose focus is on my niche. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q3 Getting visible online & in local community is key. If Google doesn't know you exist then you don't exist for big audience. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh We'd love to hear more about taking big chances. Yours? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Q4 on blogging importance: I don’t think blogging has anything to do with landing a book deal. You must write a great book. #platformchat

@thewritermama @JaneFriedman So true. Platform builders, also try SPEZIFY. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @ficwriter Yes, start before you're finished. Mainstream media can lead to agent/editor interest and lead to book deal #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh That said, I think blogging can be incredibly helpful in promoting your work—and yourself--and getting used to that spotlight. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh But what about bloggers getting deals? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh (Unless, of course, the book deal is about the blog itself. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh I'm speaking more about fiction at this point. Nonfiction writers may be able to earn themselves notice with a blog -- Jane? #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q4 - Blogging by itself isn't really a good way to get a book deal. It can help you figure out what works, test market. #platformchat

@thewritermama My advice: start blogging after you turn in the book (or during final drafts), if you haven't yet. #platformchat

@thewritermama Q5. How long does it take a writer to develop a sturdy platform and get established enough to garner editor/agent attention? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Christina asked about my experience with taking big chances. We asked Donald Maass to blog with us? #platformchat

@thewritermama Yes! @janefriedman Blogging as market-testing makes tons of sense. :) #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Kathleen and I have been brave in interviewing big names like Audrey Niffenegger and Diana Gabaldon and Cornelia Funke. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh Very nice example. I noticed that. He didn't used to be blogging with you, yes? #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q4 - @ThereseWalsh - Blogging works GREAT for many NF authors, but must be service/content driven. Look to @copyblogger #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh ...and Christina Katz ;) #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh While these interviews aren't about us, per se, they reveal something about us - and our blog - and self expectations. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh Can you think of examples and provide names in all caps? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh No, Donald agreed to be interviewed first. We developed a connection. Then he agreed to come over to blog. #platformchat

@merylkevans @thewritermama Several authors have posted drafts in their blogs and received feedback from readers (Scoble and Shel Israel) #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q5 - According to @chrisguillebeau, 279 Days. :-) At least that long. Depends on what network you already have. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh It's important to take chances w/ fiction, too. If you follow Writer Unboxed at all, you know we advocate avoiding "the box." #platformchat

@thewritermama We are almost to Q6, and I know folks have their Qs ready. Try to keep them addressing the group, please. :) #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @merylkevans But what about the issue of posting on a blog is considered already 'published'? #platformchat

@thewritermama Q6. Talk about time and platform development: how do you juggle it? How do other writers manage time well? #platformchat

@NovelFriend #platformchat @merylkevans Doesn't posting drafts in blogs have a negative effect on one's 1st North American publishing rights??

@JaneFriedman @NovelFriend Not relevant anymore. Can stop worrying if online publication prevents print pub. Complimentary, not substitutes. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q6 - I heard recently that it's not about work/life balance any more, it's about work/life blend. So true. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q6. The ZEN HABITS guy has wonderful advice on being productive, saving time. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Absolutely, CHRISTINA KATZ, and JK ROWLING, and ERIN HUNTER, and DIANA GABALDON... a few who know something about platform! #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Q5: Not sure, but I can tell you that when my deal was announced at PM, my role as co-mama for Writer Unboxed was highlighted. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q6 - Speaking for myself, I use tech tools to streamline information to me, so I don't have to go looking for it. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh And so you have a timeframe for that, @KathleenBolton and I founded Writer Unboxed in January of 2006. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh I’ll say this: The # of people who keep up a blog, with relevant and updated content is smaller than you think. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Editors & agents who follow blogs probably know about your blog, if you’re one of those that survives. Make your posts count. #platformchat

@KFZuzulo #platformchat @ThereseWalsh You already may have covered local angle for authors: Where do you come from? Claim it! Approach local media

@ThereseWalsh KFZuzulo makes a great point: are you known locally? I have invaluable connections w/ my local press. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Q6 Blogs, websites, et al can be a serious time suck, so you have to set limits or risk losing too much of your writing time. #platformchat

@thewritermama Q7. What’s the role of social networking in platform development? When does it become crucial? #platformchat

@KFZuzulo #platformchat @JaneFriedman I think a blog or website is a great place to share your research, too; since ur branding yourself as an expert.

@JaneFriedman RT @ThereseWalsh: The # of people who keep up a blog, with relevant and updated content is smaller than you think. #platformchat (YES!!)

@ThereseWalsh Q7 I was suspicious of social networking, but once the deal came through, I joined Facebook & Twitter. #platformchat

@Evilgenius333 @janefriedman ...my platform includes - website, blog, and characters from the book on twitter interacting w/ audience... #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @Evilgenius333 Focus on writing, storytelling - if a fiction writer - but keep reaching out via Twitter etc #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh (@awriterafoot talked me into them, and I love them both!) #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh My publicity team also wanted to be sure I had a presence on GoodReads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, etc… #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Now that I’m here, I would say it’s crucial to be involved once you have a deal, for sure. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh You still have to set limits, though. Easier to do with FB! #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q7 - Tricky question. You should have a strong social network before you "need" it (e.g., when you have a book). #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Q7 Often your platform brings opportunities that lead to publication or make for successful publication #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @ThereseWalsh Twitter can be time consuming esp when you follow lots of people. But I get so much valuable info. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @journalwriter7 Twitter can be time consuming. Do you use TweetDeck? It can help you stay on top of "unmissable" tweets. #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @ThereseWalsh No, I've been reluctant to download the software, and I heard other writers having problems with it ;) #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @journalwriter7 Really? I think if you toss the question to Twitter-land, you'll hear from more who love TweetDeck than not. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @journalwriter7 It'll make it easier to turn away from the social stuff to write if you know the good stuff waits for you. #platformchat

@thewritermama @ThereseWalsh Limits is a great topic. Can you say more? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @KFZuzulo "a blog or website is a great place to share your research, too; since ur branding yourself as an expert." YES. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @KFZuzulo Absolutely agree sharing research/dev/progress on a blog can be invaluble #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh On limits: an author friend advised me to check Facebook and Twitter in the a.m. and then get OFF and WRITE. #platformchat

@LisaRomeo I'm not a fan of "balance." Sometimes, we must concentrate far too much on one thing to achieve goal. Then, throttle back. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @LisaRomeo I hear what you're saying. Sometimes immersion is right for me, too. Again, the key is to know yourself. #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @JaneFriedman So you're saying that posting on my blog would be seen as a compliment to publication. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @journalwriter7 Correct! A blog should be complimentary to what's in print. #platformchat

@thewritermama @journalwriter7 Yes, and yet blogs are great places to develop material, to draw upon later in more polished forms. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh It's harder for some to balance social aspects with writing, and for others, it's not such a problem. The key? Know yourself! #platformchat

@thewritermama Chiming in: Don't forget that all writers find their writing/platform rhythm. These are meant to be guides. Synergy rules! #platformchat

@jessrosenbooks #platformchat When you say "share your research" do you mean peppering your entry w/the links you used to write it?

@Thandelike @jessrosenbooks #platformchat i think she means her findings, conclusions, developing thoughts

@thewritermama Again: I always like to remind writers of four career aspects: craft, pitching, prof dev & platform dev. All are key. #platformchat

@whin @JaneFriedman Would you suggest writing while networking? Should I work on my platform tho I don't have a book yet? #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @Whin Never a wrong time to develop network/platform. Like @thewritermama says it's about connecting; be open to opportunities #platformchat

@rebeccawoodhead rebeccawoodhead@ThereseWalsh can a really successful platform replace face time for chronically ill writers? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @rebeccawoodhead Great question. Yes, I think it can. And it can help an ill person feel connected to their writing community. #platformchat

@jessrosenbooks @rebeccawoodhead It's been a remarkable tool for me and I fit that category as well. #platformchat

@writerchickmc What if you currently have blogs about non-fiction subjects, and have also written your first Inspirational Romance novel? #platformchat

@Thandelike @writerchickmc #platformchat sounds like opportunity to transition your readers *gently* to your new topic?

@JaneFriedman @writerchickmc It's fine for writers to have blogs on topics not connected to their books. Yet another circle of influence! #platformchat

@DebraMarrs @JaneFriedman can you say a little more about the tech tools you use? #platformchat

@thewritermama Best two tools for Twitter in my book: TWEETDECK and TWEETCHAT. Don't be rules by fear. :) #platformchat

@JaneFriedman As a timesaver, I use Yahoo Pipes to create RSS feeds of my favorite people on Twitter. #platformchat

@WritingSpirit Do publishers look for a balanced online/offline platform? #PlatformChat

@JaneFriedman @WritingSpirit I think they look for a platform that connects w/audience, fits writers' strengths, and fits the content! #platformchat

@WritingSpirit Do awards for an anthology ur in have meaning? Won a prestigious award but only wrote 5 pages of book. Do I mention or not? #PlatformChat

@JaneFriedman @WritingSpirit If the editor/agent is going to have awareness of the award/anthology, mention it! #platformchat

@AngelaCaperton @WritingSpirit Absolutely! It might have been your five pages that made the difference! #PlatformChat

@glecharles #platformchat My $.02: Focus on what you're passionate about and make connections with PEOPLE. Shared interests = likely readers.

@ThereseWalsh @glecharles That's what Twitter is best for. Absolutely, and I think it is unmatchable in that regard. #platformchat

@journalwriter7 @JaneFriedman I've read in PW's mag from an editor who said he wouldn't publish a piece in a lit journal if it was prev posted #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @journalwriter7 No doubt you'll find varying opinions. When it comes to BOOK publication tho, little to no danger. #platformchat

@Thandelike @journalwriter7 #platformchat (good topic for another chat? the "DRM aspect of pre-pubbing your work") i've changed my mind to more openness

@thewritermama You do your thang on social media regularly, writers, but don't forget to do your paying work! #platformchat

@MarieDevers @ThereseWalsh Is it beneficial for my main char to tweet, blog (as character) when my book isn't published yet? #PlatformChat

@MarieDevers @ThereseWalsh @JaneFriedman I follow NO fic characters on soc net sites. Do these work BEFORE my char is pubbed? #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @MarieDevers Ahh! I've heard of authors who tweet while in character, and I think it could work, esp w/ quirky character! #platformchat

@thewritermama @MarieDevers Always take your personal strengths into account and go roll with them. Is this your strength? #platformchat

@MarieDevers @thewritermama Voice is my writing strength, so tweeting in character mat work for me. #platformchat

@jloakley I'm working on ways to increase traffic to my blog. Besides twitter and commenting on other blogs what works?

@JaneFriedman @jloakley I think you're in safe territory as long as the projects are clearly delineated/titled. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh @jloakley Write blog content that's going to inspire not only conversation BUT links. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman @jloakley To help w/traffic, offer to guest blog on others' blogs & invite guests to yours. Also follow @copyblogger advice! #platformchat

@Thandelike @jloakley #platformchat follow @problogger for info on increasing traffic to your blog. he's great

@thewritermama Seth Godin says start marketing the book three years in advance. There is widsom there that has not changed. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh BARBARA SAMUEL (O’NEAL) has been writing fabu foodie novels, and her platform reflects that. Lots of recipes, etc… #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Lots of examples earlier, too: JK Rowling, Diana Gabaldon, Erin Hunter, Eoin Colfer, Cornelia Funke, Nora Roberts... #platformchat

@thewritermama 5 Min left: Time to start wrapping up #platformchat. Thank you so much for coming, Jane & Therese. What’s coming up next for you guys?

@ThereseWalsh What's next for me? My debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy will be released October 13th by Random House. #platformchat

@JaneFriedman I'm getting ready to launch the first installment of my newsletter (sign-up: http://www.janefriedman.com) #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Read some early reviews here: http://bit.ly/CEB0j #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh Read an excerpt here (PDF): http://bit.ly/11WSW7 #platformchat

@thewritermama Hear more from Jane Friedman at her blog, There Are No Rules: http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/ #platformchat

@thewritermama Learn more about Therese Walsh at http://www.theresewalsh.com/ & http://writerunboxed.com/ #platformchat

@thewritermama Get or stay Internet-savvy by following @merylkevans’ blog: http://www.meryl.net/section/blog/. #platformchat

@ThereseWalsh See photo journal for the book here: http://bit.ly/AGCwK  #platformchat

@thewritermama I’m Christina Katz, host of #platformchat. Pick my brain & Get Known Before the Book Deal at http://christinakatz.com 

@ThereseWalsh And of course I’ll continue doing my thing at Writer Unboxed. http://WriterUnboxed.com #platformchat

@JaneFriedman Using newsletter as way to show people backgrnd/source material that inspires my online output, creativity, productivity, etc. #platformchat

@thewritermama Thanks for coming to #platformchat. Come on back on July 10th. No chat on July 3rd. Happy long weekend!

thewritermama #platformchat feedback welcome. Please send yours to [email protected] or DM. #platformchat

My Definition of Platform for Aspiring Authors

A platform communicates your expertise to others. It includes your Web presence, any public speaking you do, the classes you teach, the media contacts you’ve established, the articles you’ve published, and any other means you currently have for making your name and your future books known to a viable readership.

Basically, your platform is everything you do with your expertise. A platform-strong writer is a writer with influence. Once you establish a platform, it can work for you 24/7, reaching readers even as you sleep. Of course, this kind of reach takes time. If many others already recognize your expertise on a given topic or for a specific audience or both, then you likely have an active platform.

I find it helpful to define a platform as a promise writers make to not only create something to sell (like a book), but also to promote it to the specific readers who will want to purchase it. This takes both time and effort, not to mention considerable focus.

~ Christina Katz
Author of Get Known Before the Book Deal & Writer Mama
(both from Writer's Digest Books)

Webinar with Christina!

AUTHOR WEBINAR:"SHOULD I SPECIALIZE OR GENERALIZE?

Evaluating your skill set to get published in the new gig economy"

NEW DATE:
October 13th @ 10 a.m. EST

If you want to evaluate your strengths, analyze your skill sets, and answer this question as it pertains to you, this will be a helpful learning experience. I'd say this webinar is about as close as you can get to seeing and hearing me speak at a writer's conference. And everyone who participates will receive a copy of my recently released book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform.

I bet many of you have not done a webinar before but there is really nothing to it. You just show up in front of your computer at the scheduled date and time and watch the images I display on your computer screen while listening to my voice in real time. You can even type in questions for me to answer during the Q&A period. Here's the FAQ's. Register here.

Get Ready for #Platformchat This Friday at 11 Pacific Time!

Here are the all new and improved chat guidelines, if you would like to join us. I hope you will.

My co-moderator, Meryl K. Evans, has written two very helpful blog posts on Twitter Chats (one here and another here). To get the most out of them, read them at least an hour before our chat begins. You might want to test drive some of her suggested online tools. You can check out her list of Twitter Chats here.

Reminder: No #platformchat on Friday, July 3rd. We'll resume, Friday, July 10th. More TBA.

Our two guests for Friday, June 26th at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (12 MT, 1 CT, 2 ET) are:

Jane Friedman is the editor of the nonfiction book, The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book. She is Publisher & Editorial Director at Writer’s Digest. Jane speaks regularly at writing conferences across the country and has been writing and publishing ever since graduating with a BFA in creative writing from the University of Evansville. Her blog is There are no rules.

Therese was a freelance health writer before she turned to fiction. She’s the co-mama of the popular writers’ blog Writer Unboxed and will have her first novel in a two-book deal published with Random House on October 13th. You can learn more about her book, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, at her website: www.ThereseWalsh.com or her blog, www.WriterUnboxed.com.

Moderators are:

Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Build an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (both for Writer’s Digest Books). A platform development coach and consultant, she teaches writing career development, hosts the Northwest Author Series, and is the publisher of several e-zines including Writers on the Rise. Christina blogs at The Writer Mama Riffs and Get Known Before the Book Deal, and speaks at MFA programs, literary events, and conferences around the country.

Meryl K. Evans is the author of Brilliant Outlook Pocketbook, co-author of Adapting to Web Standards: CSS and Ajax for Big Sites and contributor to many others. The long-time blogger and gamer has written and edited for a bunch of places online and off. A native Texan, she lives a heartbeat north of Dallas in Plano, Texas with her husband and three kiddos. Though born in silence, she tries to show that deaf people are just like everyone else. Follow Meryl on Twitter at @merylkevans.

Podcasting 101: Selecting A Host Provider

By Kati Neville                                                                                                    

You've been busy planning and practicing your podcast. Now, it's time to shop for a provider that will host your audio files.
 
Creating a table chart will help you keep track of differences among providers. Start with a plain piece of paper and draw 6-8 columns across the top. List the host's name and website in the first column. Other columns come next: cost per month, bandwidth, storage, statistics, years in business, online help resources, and directory listings.
 
Write your wish list in the first row of your table. Some categories may be obvious, like unmetered bandwidth and robust statistics. But the rest of the categories may take some homework. Here are a few ideas to guide your thinking.
 
Fees. Most hosting providers charge $3.00 to $60.00 monthly. Free hosting is another option. However, they reserve the right to attach paid advertisements to your podcasts. So if you want complete control over your finished audio products, set a monthly budget.
 
Storage. Estimate your space needs by multiplying the average size of your practice podcasts and your publishing frequency. Also, consider the number of podcasts you want available to listeners at any one time and your bitrate. If you find the space you need surpasses your budget, you can revise your publishing schedule, develop an archival system, shorten your show, or reduce your bitrate.
 
Business Experience. Since podcasting is relatively new, most host providers are too. And the younger they are, the more cautious you need to be. Take care to understand your contract, particularly the procedures and costs associated with retrieving your podcasts.
 
Online support. Note the type of online support services offered. Busy user forums and wikis indicate a healthy user community. E-mail support and FAQ pages also are good. Some podcast host providers even publish their own podcast to announce upgrades, answer common technical questions, or feature new shows.
 
Directories. Check to see if the host provider automatically distributes your feed to podcast directories, such as iTunes or Podcast Alley. If not, use your feed address to advertise your podcast in these directories yourself.
 
Your choice of podcast hosting provider is an important, long-term commitment because moving your show could easily disrupt your audience and posting rhythm. Use your one-page table to make the best decision. 
 
 

Kati Neville is coauthor of the best selling cookbook, Fix, Freeze, Feast. She is a contributing editor for The Saver's Kitchen podcast and regularly blogs on The Forklift. Kati teaches cooking classes in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. When not online or teaching, Kati enjoys writing and tasting new recipes in her kitchen.

Get Known Now! You Wanna Start Something?

By Christina Katz

I certainly hope so.
 
Of the thirty-eight chapters in Get Known, one of the most popular as indicated by feedback and questions has clearly been chapter twenty-two, where I discuss steps for starting up a local event.
 
The local event I started, The Northwest Author Series, is a natural extension of what I do to help writers make the most of what they have to offer. At the NAS, we all learn something about professional writing from the best examples I can find.
 
But your event doesn't have to be literary; it can be any kind of experience you can dream up, as long as it's in alignment with the unique services that you offer.
 
In Wilsonville, where I live, I have struck up a partnership with some local organizations that support my work here. How about in your hometown? So long as where you live is not an impediment to what you plan to offer, why not to carve out a presence close to home?
 
Here's some tips that have come up in response to questions I've been asked since Get Known came out:
 
Should you affiliate with others, and if so, with how many others? The less well known you are, the more important it is to affiliate with others. And, even if you are well known, if you are not well known locally, that's another reason to look for local affiliations. So if you are not at all known in your area for the topic your event will promote, then look to affiliate with one or two other organizations that can offer you free publicity and possibly even provide help with the mechanics of planning and promoting your event.
 
Somebody has to steer the ship: No matter how many other individuals or organizations you team up with, somebody has to be in charge of your event or nothing will get done (or it won't get done when it needs to get done). So, if you are planning to be in charge, and you want to make the final call on what's what and who's who, decide that in the beginning and stick to your guns. If that's a deal-breaker for some of your partners, you'll want to partner with the folks who don't mind letting you run the show. Conversely, if you are more collaborative and you want to solicit more input and help in your event, partner with like-minded folks.
 
Consider how to reach your niche audience: If you live in a small town of less than 20,000 people, like me, there's a strong chance you will be inviting people from elsewhere to come on over and enjoy your event. The best way to find your peeps is to advertise in all of the usual media outlets as well as through specific associations or news lists that reach your audience regionally. For example, for the Northwest Author series, we advertise through the local and regional media as well as writing associations like Willamette Writers. As a result, audience members come from as far as an hour away because they can't find anything locally like what we offer.
 
Let it grow: Ideally, you will create a local event that grows into something bigger and better over time. The key is to start somewhere with whatever you've got and grow it from there. If you try to do too much right out of the gate and you don't have enough help and resources, nobody is going to enjoy your event, especially you. Instead, start small and grow the event in accordance with the audience's wants and needs rather than try to start with a bang...and possibly fall flat. Grow your event over time in accordance with audience direction and your event is sure to be a hit!
 
 
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Build an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (both for Writer's Digest Books). A platform development coach and consultant, she teaches writing career development, hosts the Northwest Author Series, and is the publisher of several e-zines including Writers on the Rise. Christina blogs at The Writer Mama Riffs and Get Known Before the Book Deal, and speaks at MFA programs, literary events, and conferences around the country.

Classes with Christina Katz and Jennifer Applin

EARLY FALL CLASSES BEGIN ON AUGUST 12th

Last chance for reduced prices when you register for fall classes by June 30th.
New prices effective on July 1st!

Writing and Publishing The Short Stuff
Especially For Moms (But Not Only for Moms!)
With Christina Katz
Class Begins August 12th
Prerequisites: None
Finally, a writing workshop that fits into the busy lives of moms! You will learn how to create short, easy-to-write articles-a skill that will make it easier to move up to longer, more time-consuming articles when you're ready. Try your pen at tips, fillers, short interviews, list articles, how-tos, and short personal essays-all within six weeks. Now includes markets!
Cost: $199.00.
More/Register at www.christinakatz.com

Platform Building 101: Discover your Specialty
With Christina Katz
Class Begins on August 12th
Prerequisites: None
Identifying your writing specialty is one of the trickiest and most necessary steps in launching a writing career today. This class will help you find your best audiences, cultivate your expertise, manage your ideas, develop marketing skills, claim your path, serve editors and become portfolio-minded. You'll learn how to become the professional you've always wanted to be and, most importantly, how to take your writing career more seriously.
Cost: $199.00.
More/Register at www.christinakatz.com

Writing for the Web
With Jennifer Applin
Class Begins August 12th
Prerequisites: None
These days virtually every business and industry needs to have an online presence. With a growing trend in Internet marketing, e-commerce and online publications, the need for creating well-written web content is more important than ever. If you are looking to make a name for yourself, and a living, writing for the web, then this course can help you. Students will learn how to develop a writing style that is suitable for the web; provide a variety of services (online articles, website content, blogging, editing, etc.); establish a fair rate and avoid scams; find paying assignments and secure steady accounts.
Cost: $199.00.
More/Register at www.christinakatz.com

Invest In Your Writing Career Today
& Reap Greater Rewards Tomorrow.

No #Platformchat this Friday, June 19th, Yes #Platformchat on Friday, June 26th: Happy Summer, Everyone!

I decided to cancel #platformchat this Friday, June 19th, because I'm setting up a killer chat for next week on Friday, June 26 (and I want to take a long weekend to kick summer off!).

While I'm busy canceling things, I may as well go ahead and cancel July 3rd in honor of Fourth of July weekend. Because we writers deserve some time to play!

Here are the all new and improved chat guidelines, if you would like to join us. I hope you will.

Our guests for Friday, June 26th are:

Jane Friedman is the editor of the nonfiction book, The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book. She is Publisher & Editorial Director at Writer’s Digest. Jane speaks regularly at writing conferences across the country and has been writing and publishing ever since graduating with a BFA in creative writing from the University of Evansville. Her blog is There are no rules.

Therese was a freelance health writer before she turned to fiction. She’s the co-mama of the popular writers’ blog Writer Unboxed and will have her first novel in a two-book deal published with Random House on October 13th. You can learn more about her book, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, at her website: www.ThereseWalsh.com or her blog, www.WriterUnboxed.com.

[One more guest TBA]

Moderators are:

Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Build an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (both for Writer’s Digest Books). A platform development coach and consultant, she teaches writing career development, hosts the Northwest Author Series, and is the publisher of several e-zines including Writers on the Rise. Christina blogs at The Writer Mama Riffs and Get Known Before the Book Deal, and speaks at MFA programs, literary events, and conferences around the country.

Meryl K. Evans is the author of Brilliant Outlook Pocketbook, co-author of Adapting to Web Standards: CSS and Ajax for Big Sites and contributor to many others. The long-time blogger and gamer has written and edited for a bunch of places online and off. A native Texan, she lives a heartbeat north of Dallas in Plano, Texas with her husband and three kiddos. Though born in silence, she tries to show that deaf people are just like everyone else. Follow Meryl on Twitter at @merylkevans.

Just wanted everyone to know to take the chat off your calendar this week and put it back on for next week!

Thanks! And happy official first weekend of summer!