Writing Wednesday
On Wednesdays I like to share information I picked up on my journey to being published, marketing my first book, editing and preparing to be published again. Information that I wish someone would have shared with me, back then…
If you like the information I hope you will share it!
There is so much talk lately about writers needing to build platforms and find their tribes. It is true we do need both but how do you build a platform and where do you find your tribe?
PLATFORM
Building a Writers Platform means creating a connection between you the writer and, your potential readers. How do you find that connection? Every book has some sort of message, something the author wants the reader to take away with them. If you wrote gluten free diet book then your platform might be healthier eating for people with gluten intolerance. A wider platform would simply be people interested in healthy eating and a sub group would be readers looking for healthy recipes. Where do you find readers that live with a gluten intolerance? Where do you find the millions of people interested in healthier eating lifestyles? I would do a Google search to see if I could find any groups in my area that met in real life and attend a meeting, not to sell my book to them but to make connections. I would also do a search for Facebook groups that matched my message and join them. Think of your platform as being the bridge that connects you to your readers not the soap box you stand on with a megaphone asking them to buy your book. If people are interested in you they will be interested in your book.
TRIBES
A tribe is like a family and can even be family members. Your tribe is anyone that is for you and your book, those people that celebrate you and your choice to write. Finding a good writers group is a good place to start. A good writers group is one where you feel comfortable sharing your work and receiving encouragement as well as constructive criticism. You should also feel comfortable giving others in the group feedback and encouragement. The buzz about your book should never come from you the author. The buzz should always come from readers. This is where your tribe is invaluable. Your tribe members are those that share your social media posts, talk about how much they enjoyed your book, write reviews and show up at your book signings not alone but with friends.
Happy Writing,
Doreen
28 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/ Platforms and Tribes”
I haven’t written a book, Doreen, but I know what you mean about having a tribe. I’m trying to create one. I hope you’ve found yours! 🙂
I will be in yours if you will be in mine:)
I’ve been working on my tribes ever since I began to blog. This was another interesting and useful post from you, Doreen (of course!) and I thank you for it.
Thank you!
Platforms and tribes — two of the most important words to a writer. A former agent of mine stressed the importance of the former, so I work regularly on that one, building and strengthening. Thankfully I’ve lucked into finding my tribe… perhaps even two.
It took me awhile to grasp now that I do I enjoy making connections.
I refer to my personal tribe as the people who tell me the truth. I also refer to them as my posse!
I love it!
So true, the importance of building a platform and a tribe can not be overestimated. I am thankful that I am on my way to doing both.
Yes you are!
Thanks for the informative and helpful post, Doreen. Sometimes it takes a while to find a tribe. At least it feels that way to me.
It is an ongoing process, for sure.
Working on my tribe. Thank you for a post that made me think of things in a different way!
Good luck!
Your explanations are so clear; i have tweeted and G+ your very good post today!
Thank you so much Carol.
Tribes are crucial to success these days. Something every blogger knows about. Having people to share with, learn from and lean on …. priceless!
Yes they are and it is so much easier once we have fun with our building.
Wow, these are two really important words to all writers – and, unfortunately, they take so much time that could be used for writing! Writers do have to wear many hats these days!
This marketing stuff is so time consuming but yes so important.
Thanks Doreen. Your posts are always so helpful.
Thank you Toni!
Working on it, working on it, and now, thanks to you, writing a plan! Still loving Wednesdays!
Thank you Ruth and yes you have a good start on that tribe!
I knew about platforms, but not about tribes. You’ve given me something new to ponder. THANKS.
Thank you Roz. We all need people that are for us.
Great tips, as usual! Tribes are so important in every aspect of life really.
Thank you Wendy.