Ep 83: Your Writing Platform: What’s the Definition of Platform (and Do I Really Need One)?

At a writing conference a few years ago, I attended a panel discussion that included acquisitions editors from several publishing houses and a couple of literary agents. I’d been wanting to meet one of the agents, so after the session, I stood in line to introduce myself. I told him I was a writing coach working with several authors who were developing book proposals. These authors had questions about platform. “What kind of numbers are agents and publishers really looking for?” I asked. “And how would I know if I have an author you might be interested in?" He said he couldn’t speak for all agents or publishers, but as an example of the platform size he was looking for, he would only consider authors with a minimum of 10,000 Twitter followers. Platform: Numbers Matter I asked another literary agent the same question recently, especially regarding platform. Though she didn’t commit to 10,000 as the ideal, she said numbers do matter. “It’s not me,” she said. "It’s the publishers. They’re the ones asking for us to bring them authors with significant platforms because they want to guarantee a certain number of sales.” Authors as Business Partners Chad R. Allen, editorial director for Baker Books, said in an interview that when he’s reviewing book proposals, he always has three things in mind: "concept, platform, writing.” After he looks at the book idea to see if it’s a fresh, marketable concept, he then turns to the author bio, to learn about the author "not only in terms of how good a writer they are, but also in terms of what are their connections, what’s their platform, what is their ability to bring exposure to their own book.” He says, "Authors are artists–we all know that–but they are also business partners, particularly when they sign a book contract.” Chad said, "The #1 reason we turn books down is no platform or lack of platform.” Definition of Platform So we can’t ignore the need for platform, but still…what is it? Chad offered a quick definition when he said he wants to learn about a writer’s connections and their ability to bring exposure to their own book. Literary agent Chip MacGregor says essentially the same thing: "a platform is simply the number of people you can reach with your words.” He then lists several ways you can reach people: through speaking events, a blog, articles in other publications, television or radio appearances, leadership positions that would give you influence over a large group or organization. Chip says, "All of those are points of contact with potential readers…[A]dd up the audiences for all the ways in which you reach out, and that’s your platform." That’s what it comes down to: How do you reach people with your words and can you reach more of those people? Does Your Platform Reach the Right People? Literary agent Rachelle Gardner emphasizes that "the key to platform is your target audience and what you are doing to reach them.” In other words, who cares if you have 10,000 Twitter followers if they aren't the target readers of your next book? If I plan to publish a cookbook for backpackers but have been building a huge connection with business professionals focused on developing powerful speaking skills simply because I have an interest in both of those topics…I may need to rethink my strategies and find ways to build up a following among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and, well, backpackers. I could write articles for Backpacker Magazine and join forums that talk about gear and destinations and food as some platform-building efforts. Or I could write a different book. About speaking techniques for business professionals. The point is: build a relevant platform.