Rx for Writers

Writer's Support Room - Satisfying Editors

Cathy C. Hall Cathy C. Hall writes fiction, non-fiction and poetry for both children and adults. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, from the recently released Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer to Uncle John's Facts to Annoy Your Teacher, a Bathroom Reader for Kids Only. Find Cathy at her blogs, Finders and Keepers (www.cathychall.wordpress.com) or Cathy C.'s Hall of Fame (cathychall.blogspot.com). She'll be happy to hook up with you (in a very nice, social-networking kind of way)!

Platform Building 101

by Cathy C. Hall

When I finished writing my children’s book, I thought I was ready to sell my children’s book. But a funny thing happened on the way to finding a publisher. I kept coming across words like platform, marketing, and promotion. I’m a writer, I thought, not a businesswoman. But I soon found out I’d skipped some important steps in the business of children’s writing. First on the list was platform-building.

Remember platform shoes? Whenever I wore those things I stood head and shoulders over everybody else in the room. And that’s exactly what you want for your children’s book

Athlete authors know the power of platform. Celebrity writers cash in on their platform, too. Maybe you’re not a superstar, but you might be able to snag a local television appearance. No gold medals? Consider how you might win a children’s writing award. You can stand above the crowd of children’s writers if you begin building your platform today! To get started, follow these easy steps. All you need is a little time, imagination, and staying power. Oh, and get a pair of those platform shoes while you’re at it. Every little bit helps.

Get Thee To A Blog

A good place to start that platform is a blog. It’s a great way to put the word out about your writing in general and your children’s book in particular, even if the future of your children’s book hasn’t quite materialized. When your book does get the green light, you’ll be ready. You can keep the momentum going when you blast updates. Or set up a promotional blog tour with all the friends you’ve made in blogdom!

There’s really no excuse to put blogging off any longer. Blogs are FREE tools that supply invaluable promotion for you and your book. You can write about the topic that relates to your non-fiction book, or write about the world of your fiction book, or write about yourself and your writing. The possibilities are endless, and the process is simple. Check out a few of the biggest blog providers, like Blogger or Wordpress and you’ll find all the information you need to begin. Honestly, a kid could manage one. So if you’re hopelessly confused, ask a kid!

SOCIALIZING ON THE WEB:
WHAT’S NETWORKING GOT TO DO WITH IT?

When the social network, MySpace, took off, it wasn’t long before writers jumped onto the networking bandwagon. After all, MySpace was bursting at the Internet seams with young adult readers.

Social networks can be a big boon for an author, providing the means to keep teen readers instantly tuned into all things related to your book. But, librarians, teachers and parents have MySpace pages and Facebook accounts, too. These adults might just turn out to be the best friend a children’s writer can have.

And if you haven’t signed up for JacketFlap, a social network specifically designed for the children’s book industry, then dash right over there. You’ll find writers, illustrators, children’s librarians, book publishers, agents, editors, even publicists, all in one place.

There are all kinds of ways to network on the web. Do you belong to any professional organizations? Share your good news on their forum or in newsletters (Tip: Does ICL ring a bell?) Look into Linked In. Try Twitter. Connect with Kidlitosphere. Watch your platform expand to infinity and beyond when you reach out and network!

PUBLISH OR PERISH

You know that publishers like to see writers who are previously published. It’s even more impressive if, as a children’s writer, you’ve had articles or fiction in kid’s magazines or websites. That puts your name out there in the children’s world, and you and your book will benefit from that association. But most importantly, when you’re published, you let a publisher know that when it comes to your writing, you aren’t kidding. (C’mon, you had to see that coming!) So don’t hang around, twiddling your thumbs, waiting for your book to get published. Submit your nicely polished children’s stories, crafts, or how-to articles, building that platform, piece by piece.

With a blog, networking, and a published presence, your platform’s growing every day, making you a partner in the business world of writing. You’re one step closer to finding a publisher. Now, go out and sell that children’s book!

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