BUILDING YOUR AUTHOR PLATFORM - Arabella Sheen

 

WEEK FOUR – BUILD YOUR AUTHOR PLATFORM

 The words have been written and the story told. Congratulations on completing your novel! That’s a huge achievement. Now that the manuscript is done, here are some key steps an author should consider doing next:

1. Revision and Editing

2. Decide on a Publishing Path

3. Build Your Author Platform

4. Marketing and Promotion

5. Legal and Business Considerations

6. Plan Your Next Steps

 

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting several blogs that cover these steps in more detail, and I hope they'll be useful to you.

Happy writing…

Arabella Xx

 

 Building an author platform is about establishing your visibility, credibility, and connection with your target readers. Whether you're self-publishing or going traditional, it's crucial for reaching an audience and building a sustainable career. Here’s what you should consider doing next:

1. Define Your Brand and Audience

Before you build anything public-facing, you need clarity on:

Who you are as an author: What themes, genres, or values define your work?

Who your readers are: What are their interests? Where do they hang out online?

What tone fits your voice: Friendly and informal? Dark and edgy? Professional and informative?

  

2. Create an Author Website

This is your online home base—a must-have.

Essential pages:

Home

About the author

Books (with buy links and summaries)

Contact form

Newsletter signup

Optional: Blog, media kit, resources, appearances/events

Use your own domain name (e.g., yourname.com) for professionalism and searchability.

 

3. Build an Email List

Your most powerful tool for long-term engagement and sales.

Use platforms like MailerLite, ConvertKit, or Substack.

Offer a reader magnet (free story, novella, or resource) in exchange for signups.

Send regular updates: new releases, behind-the-scenes, exclusive content, or personal updates.

Unlike social media, you own your email list—algorithms can’t take it away.

 

4. Choose Your Social Media Channels Strategically

You don’t need to be on every platform—just the ones that align with your genre and energy.

Instagram / TikTok: Great for visual storytelling, especially for fiction, YA, and romance.

Facebook: Useful for groups, mature readers, and event promotion.

Twitter/X: Good for writer/industry networking, but less useful for direct sales now.

YouTube / Podcasts: If you like speaking or teaching, consider video or audio content.

Threads / BlueSky / Mastodon: Emerging platforms worth watching, but niche audiences for now.

Choose one or two platforms and be consistent—don’t stretch yourself too thin.

 

5. Engage with Your Community

An author platform isn’t just a broadcast tool—it’s a two-way relationship.

Engage with readers: Respond to comments, emails, and messages.

Network with other writers: Join critique groups, attend conferences, or collaborate on promotions.

Participate in genre communities: On Reddit, Discord, Goodreads, etc.

Be authentic and generous—it builds trust and loyalty over time.

 

6. Prepare for Publicity and Media

Even before your book launches, start laying the groundwork:

Media kit: Short bio, author photo, book blurbs, press releases, contact info.

Speaking events: Book clubs, library talks, podcasts, conferences.

Interviews / guest posts: Reach out to bloggers, YouTubers, or podcasters in your niche.

Write 2–3 versions of your bio (short, medium, long) for different uses.

 

7. Use Tools to Stay Organized

Content calendar: Plan posts, newsletters, and events in advance.

Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics or email open rates to understand what works.

Project management: Trello, Notion, or ClickUp can help you stay on top of content and deadlines.

 

8. Tie Everything to Your Books

Ultimately, your platform supports your writing career, so always:

Include links to buy or pre-order your book on every platform.

Encourage newsletter signups with each social post or blog.

Use a consistent author tagline or hook that reinforces what you write.

Don’t push sales constantly—80% engagement, 20% promotion is a healthy balance.

Happy author platform building...

Arabella Xx

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