Writing brings out the passion in my life but it is also my way of life. That means that I have to do more than create. I have to build a business with my freelance writing. Building a platform is one of the most important steps to that process.
I first heard about platforms at the SCWC in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in June. I think I may have read a little about it but it struck a cord at the conference. It just makes sense that publishers and agents prefer to sign writers that have a loyal fan base. It works the same for music groups most of the time.
My platform was already being built and I didn’t even know it. What is worse is that I had no real plan for my platform. Have you ever built anything without a plan? I have – and it was NOT pretty! I sat down after coming back from the conference and began to plan out my platform.
Steps to Planning my Freelance Writing Platform
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1. The first thing that I had to do is decide what I wanted from my freelance writing. Most of us want at least a taste of fame and fortune but beyond that what is the real purpose for writing?
2. The next thing I had to figure out was who wanted to read the things I would write to fulfill my purpose. Who would be my target market/audience?
3. The third thing that had to be figured out was how I would reach my target audience – this is where speaking to groups is going to play a big part in my platform.
4. The final step that I knew I would have to take would be to set goals and objectives for my freelance writing.
Christian Katz has been a great blessing for my freelance writing goals. She has written two very helpful books: “Writer Mama” and “Get Known Before the Book Deal.” It was the second one that was recommended by an agent at the SCWC and it really zeros in on the writer platform concept.
I already owned her first book so I ordered the second one when I got back from the conference. The good news for you is that ordered too many. That means I have a book just waiting for you. All you have to do is comment below or link back to this post and you will be entered to win a free copy of “Get Known Before the Book Deal” by Christina Katz.
I have something to share with my freelance writing. Building a writing platform will help me in my journey to becoming a successful freelance writer. And now you can have a great tool that will help you in your freelance writing journey as well.
Hi, I’ve been reading bother of your blogs…I took Christina’s WPSS class just this March and have made over half of dozen sales to RPPs. Her books are crammed full of good information and I’d love a copy.
Thanks.
jan
Thanks for sharing Get Known Before the Book Deal Kathryn. I’d also like to extend an offer to your readers to the Writer Mama Back-to-School Giveaway, which starts Tuesday.
Hey Jan – thanks for stopping by. Christina is great and she is so willing to help the others that it makes her that much better!
Thanks Christina – I’m sure that giveaway will be more that worth a quick trip over to your site!
What a helpful posting! I hadn’t considered growing a base for fiction first – now I have a lot to think about!
Hey Tara – thanks for stopping by. I had personally only thought about my website as a way to make money WHILE I wrote my book. It had not dawned on me that it might be helpful when I went searching for an agent or publisher. Christina also has some great information on her websites and is starting a giveaway at her writer mama site so be sure to stop by.
What a great site and so full of information for new writers, like myself! I’ll definitely be coming back for more.
Thanks so much for stopping by. It’s always great to see new faces.
I like the changes you’ve made to the website. Great posts lately, very helpful and informative. Keep up the good work!
Hey, Kathryn! Great post! I’ve been getting Christina’s emails for ages. Love her! And thanks for the opportunity for her book. It’s one I’ve been meaning to get for some time. Blessings to you!
Hi Kathryn -
Please enter me in the contest if it’s not too late.
Blessings,
Susan