Let's Talk About Book Promotion!
Most authors groan when they hear the word “platform.”
It’s a word that elicits feelings of guilt, shame, and perhaps anger.
“A necessary evil,” I’ve heard more than one author say.
But without it, the
chances of you selling books are slim to none…and Slim just left this dusty old cow town.
Last week at a writers group I help lead, I asked everyone, “What are the
biggest needs you face as a writer?”
“Platform,” someone answered.
“Yeah, platform,” another voice echoed.
Soon, I was inundated with a chorus of voices singing “Platform.”
Actually, they weren't singing—that would be weird—but you get the idea.
Today, we’re going to talk about the biggest mistake authors make in building their
platform.
Welcome to the Power
Writers Report, our weekly update, packed full of powerful writing tips, productivity tools, platform-building strategies, author best practices, resources, and free stuff.
If you find this useful, forward it to a friend.
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Power Writers Report.
Click here to schedule an author strategy session with me.
On October 15, Illumify Media is
hosting a platform-building intensive at the Illumify offices in Littleton Colorado.
The date has changed. It is now October 15 (not September 17).
Click HERE for more
information.
Don't Make the Same Mistake That I Made
Okay, I speak from the voice of (in)experience regarding platform.
When Bethany House released my book Strange Fire, Holy Fire years ago, I made this mistake and I totally own it. However, I made this mistake because I just didn’t know.
Today, I’m giving you some important information because I don’t want you making the same mistake as me.
You ready?
The mistake I made in 2008?
I started building my platform too late.
Read that again.
The year 2008 brought cataclysmic changes in the publishing industry. That was the year traditional publishers shifted the responsibility of promotion to the authors. And that’s when “platform” started becoming a thing.
As I waited for my traditional publisher to release and promote my book, I dreamed of book tours and
speaking engagements.
Then, one month before my book was released, I
received a packet in the mail, basically telling me that I was on my own promoting my book.
I called my publisher, asking them if they could at least create a website.
"Nope."
At that point, I realized I was running out of time.
Desperate, I started looking for any living, breathing website developer I could find. I found one who was awful, but after a series of delays, it was finally ready to go.
By that point, I knew it was too late.
Please read this closely.
If you wait until your book is released before you begin promoting it, it’s too late.
I realize that writing your manuscript and building your platform is tough—especially if you’re working full-time.
But the first six weeks after your book is released is crucial. If you can’t strike while iron is hot, you simply won’t sell as many books.
At Illumify’s upcoming Platform-Building Intensive, one of our sessions is going to take this topic head-on: “How to Write Your Manuscript and
Build Your Platform at the Same Time.” Bestselling authors Karen Bouchard and Lisa Hawker will show you the way.
You don’t need to sacrifice your sanity or your family to pull it off.
Trust me—you're going to walk away from this day with renewed confidence in promoting your book.
Plus the free headshots.
You're investing hundreds, even thousands of hours into your life-changing book. Don't use an iPhone to take your headshots. Let a professional do it.
Click HERE to register today.
Due to the limited time slots with the photographers, seating is limited to the first 60 people to register.
Don’t just circle the date. Register NOW so you don’t miss out.
Illumify Media Global
Platform-Building Intensive
October 15
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
The Real Factory Events Center
10488 W. Centennial Rd
Littleton, CO 80127
