What is an author platform?

An author platform focuses on who you are as the author, and how many people you influence. It is what you represent. It is what comes to mind when people hear your name.

There are four components to building a platform as an author.

Authors should think of themselves in the same way as celebrities do. Becoming famous does not happen overnight. In fact, you don't become famous without having a following.

And you can't have a following without first having a presence. People have to come to know you as an author. They must encounter your brand in order to get to you. 
Many new authors tend to believe that the only thing they need to focus on is writing the book; when that is so far from the truth. As an author, yes, you must write books; but, you also have to think about how you are going to get in front of the people who matter the most to your career: your readers.

What are the four components to building your platform as an author?

1. Presence. How will people find you if they don't even know that you exist in the first place? You must spend time doing the things that will get you in front of the people who will be reading and promoting both you and your work. Having a presence opens doors for opportunities you may have never imagined in your life. Social media has made it easy to build your presence online.

2. Relationships. This has to do with the people who can help further your reach and exposure as an author. It is the bloggers, the radio show hosts, the newspapers, magazines, and other forms of media. What connections are you building with the people that can help you get in front of the people who will one day become your fans and supporters? The relationships you build determine how big you can play in the world.

3. Tribe. You have to become the person your reader wants and needs to meet. The person your reader wants to connect with. Take time to get to know your readers. Authors become their readers BFIMH (Best Friend In My Head). But you can't become that, if they don't know you, and you don't know them. Once your readers have to come to know you, and love you, they will become a member of your tribe. They will be your biggest supporters, and will help spread the news of your works, appearances, and more. Tribe members don't ask to be compensated; they support you because they love you.

4. Brand. What do you stand for in the eyes of your readers? Are you a hot male romance author? Do you write Christian erotica? Whatever it is that makes you unique, is a part of your brand.

Focus on building your platform as an author. It will determine the success or failure of your career. Though it may take time, effort, energy, and even finances, having a solid foundation is well worth the sacrifice.