This post is part of a weekly series on YWP, aptly titled “The Writer’s Weekly Wrap-Up”.
Each Sunday, I will endeavour to provide you with a curated list of the best articles I have seen throughout the week that relate to building your platform.
The featured articles cover topics on book marketing and promotion, blogging, social media and self-publishing. (I may even throw in a few inspirational and fun posts, just so that it’s not all work and no play!)
Taking that first step
I often get emails from writers who recognize the importance of building their platform and gaining more visibility for their author brand, but have no idea where to start.
Overwhelmed with the task, they simply don’t do anything with the faint hope that maybe this whole ‘platform’ thing will blow over, or that a traditional publisher will pluck them out of anonymity and take care of all their promotional and marketing needs.
Unfortunately, neither is likely to happen. So my advice is to just take that first step.
“You are as powerful and as strong as you allow yourself to be, and the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.”
~Robyn Davidson, Australian author of ‘Tracks’
Decide what you want; decide that you are not going to stay in the place where you are, and then take the plunge!
Featured Articles
How to Keep Writing When No One is Reading by Paul Angone at The Write Practice
This article is for every writer who has experienced the hours (years) spent on writing with little tangible results. Paul discusses the journey, the no’s and the catalytic moment in his writing career.
Authors + Content + Readers = Wattpad by Kimberley Grabas at Molly Greene: Writer
This is a guest post I did for Molly, where I outline everything you need to know to get started with Wattpad. From sign-up to building your readership, I give you the scoop on making this free social media platform work for you.
How to Add a Facebook Badge to Your Blog’s Sidebar by Sarah at Tadah Social Media
Sarah shows us a simple way to let readers ‘Like’ your Facebook page without going off your site. “A great way to grow your Facebook likes is to make it easy for readers on your blog to do so with one click.”
The Guy Kawasaki Guide to Rocking Your Online Marketing by Danny Iny at Kissmetrics
Even though Guy breaks many of the rules and best practices of ‘social media experts’, Danny discusses why we should still be learning from him.
Advice I Wish I’d Had as a New Freelance Writer by Carol Tice at Make a Living Writing
Great and heartfelt advice to freelance writers just starting out.
Your Book is Your Business by Caitlin Muir at Author Media
Great article by Caitlin on the need for writers to embrace the business of writing in order to increase their chances of both personal and professional success as a writer.
7 Secrets to Writing Viral Blog Posts by Jasmine at Shout Me Loud
What elements help to make a blog post go viral? Jasmine outlines 7 features that help strike a chord with readers and vault your post into viral status.
Why a Competitive Analysis Improves Your Book’s Chances of Success by Nina Amir at Write NonFiction Now
Excellent advice from Nina on understanding your book’s potential in the marketplace and it’s ability or likelihood to sell.
How to Sell to Libraries– Top 10 Strategies for Independent Authors and Publishers by Dana Lynn Smith at Marketing Tips for Authors
Want to tap into a billion dollar market? In her article, Dana Lynn Smith shares her expertise on selling your books to libraries.
Why Writers Should Use SlideShare by Jason Boog at Media Bistro GalleyCat
An interview with author, Mitch Joel and 5 successful SlideShare examples, to show authors the opportunities that may exist with this platform.
The Advanced Guide to Link Building by Neil Patel and Brian Dean at QuickSprout
Not for the feint of heart, this behemoth of a guide covers everything you ever wanted to know (and everything the average non-techie doesn’t know) about getting quality links back to your website.
8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to Self-Publish by Andrew Galasetti at Duolit Self-Publishing Team
Andrew cautions authors to not make a quick decision to self-publish, and outlines questions to ask when evaluating if self-publishing is the right path for you.
Just for Fun
Created by Debbie Ohi and posted on Writer Unboxed, this ‘Cautionary Comic for Writer’s’ really hits home for the 21st Century writer! For more, check out Debbie’s site at inkygirl.com.
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Top photo by greenfinger
