SELF PUBLISHING - Part 6

 An Author Platform

Whether you are going to self publish your book, are being traditionally published, or are still writing your manuscript, you will need to think about its promotion.  A good way to do this is to develop an author platform.  What on earth’s an author platform?  You ask.  It’s, quite simply, a way of reaching your audience, mainly through social media.

I’m a writer, accustomed to sitting here alone in my study oblivious to the world outside.  My computer literacy only extended to using my word processing program and sending the occasional email.  I’d never dabbled in Facebook or Twitter or any other social networking, but after the publication of my first book, I decided it was a necessity.  To be quite honest, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.  I’ve discovered a community of wonderful people out there who not only love to write, but who share their experiences and offer help so readily.  Consequently, I’m no longer sitting here alone.

I started by joining Goodreads  It’s a great site for both authors and readers.  It enables you to have an author page where you can display your book(s), advertise and do giveaways.  Added to this you will find a host of group to join where you can communicate with like minded people.  I’ve found this a very helpful and friendly site not only as an author but also as a reader.

With my confidence growing, I decided to join Facebook You may already be a member of Facebook, but did you know that you can also have a Facebook Fan Page that enables you to get your book(s) seen.

Next came Twitter and to be quite honest, I’m still coming to grips with it.  Evenso, I’m learning the lingo even to the point of retweeting RT, thanks to the help from another Tweeter!  Or is it Twitterer?

Finally, a Blog is a must and here is mine.  A work in progress.

Of course, the above suggestions are just a start.  There are so many great sites out there inhabited by wonderful people from all around the world.