Excellent breakdown of author platforms. I agree with your assessments and feel much better about not having hopped on the TikTok train. Thanks for posting!
Re: Substack, are you aware of the founders’ refusal to deny or demonetize newsletters and growing communities of writers and subscribers here promoting hate speech? If not, I hope you’ll expand your platform research to include safe places for writers from all walks of life, and alternatives to payments through Substack.
Super interesting and helpful. I've just been reading someone else saying they've left instagram because they couldn't stand it any more! Horses for courses, I guess. You've got to find the platform that best suits your niche. LinkedIn and Substack and my current fav's, with TikTok, YouTube and Instagram following and Twitter and Threads somewhere at the bottom (I refuse to call it X!). I have no idea what Threads is about. Reddit trails somewhere well behind all of those!
I am going to be STUDYING this. And coincidentally, do you happen to know what type of YouTube content your family uses to entertain the kiddos? --asks the children's author trying to figure out platform
I’ll ask. I know there are 2 shows on there that my 5yo niece & nephews are obsessed with. I can’t remember the names. I’ll tell you when I hear from them.
I’d say it’s more important for the fantasy genre than historical fiction. Fantasy has an enormous online community. Historical fiction depends on what the book is about.
I’m a year out for approaching my agent with my fantasy novel (and maybe querying new agents) and still positioned as a personal growth person and writing coach. Any thoughts on making that shift and when?
Brilliant! May I read this out loud to my writers today? I’m leading a retreat and we talked about platform yesterday in a big picture way and this would so so helpful to share verbally? I’ll tell them to subscribe too. Only if it’s okay with you!
As of February 2024, Bluesky is no longer invitation only. Check out Starter Packs (google it) to find your tribe.
Excellent breakdown of author platforms. I agree with your assessments and feel much better about not having hopped on the TikTok train. Thanks for posting!
Re: Substack, are you aware of the founders’ refusal to deny or demonetize newsletters and growing communities of writers and subscribers here promoting hate speech? If not, I hope you’ll expand your platform research to include safe places for writers from all walks of life, and alternatives to payments through Substack.
I’m well aware. Thank you.
Super interesting and helpful. I've just been reading someone else saying they've left instagram because they couldn't stand it any more! Horses for courses, I guess. You've got to find the platform that best suits your niche. LinkedIn and Substack and my current fav's, with TikTok, YouTube and Instagram following and Twitter and Threads somewhere at the bottom (I refuse to call it X!). I have no idea what Threads is about. Reddit trails somewhere well behind all of those!
Excellent information, thank you! I will be watching for your website for that Substack consultation.
Well, this made me fell better about the constant chorus of crickets on my Twitter/X feed. :-D
I appreciate your take on the various platforms -- I'm still trying to figure out Threads!!
I am going to be STUDYING this. And coincidentally, do you happen to know what type of YouTube content your family uses to entertain the kiddos? --asks the children's author trying to figure out platform
I’ll ask. I know there are 2 shows on there that my 5yo niece & nephews are obsessed with. I can’t remember the names. I’ll tell you when I hear from them.
That would be most excellent and very appreciated!
There are not many, if any, newsletters that delivey the full year's worth of informaton in one issue. Congratulations! You do!
Agreed! So good!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Absolutely earned, 200%
Also how important is a fiction platform these days? Say for fantasy and for historical fiction?
I’d say it’s more important for the fantasy genre than historical fiction. Fantasy has an enormous online community. Historical fiction depends on what the book is about.
I’m a year out for approaching my agent with my fantasy novel (and maybe querying new agents) and still positioned as a personal growth person and writing coach. Any thoughts on making that shift and when?
I’d need to look at everything you’re doing to make a proper assessment. It’s a hard q to answer here.
Totally understand! And that’s something I can hire you for?
Yup. That’s a consultation.
Okay I feel dumb but can’t find where to book 🫣
Brilliant! May I read this out loud to my writers today? I’m leading a retreat and we talked about platform yesterday in a big picture way and this would so so helpful to share verbally? I’ll tell them to subscribe too. Only if it’s okay with you!
Absolutely.
Chuck & Blair 4-ever.
This is the only correct answer.
Author on sub here, I have nothing to sell (yet🤞) - any recs on where to spend my limited platform time?
If I had to pick one place, it would be here. My second choice would be to check out Threads via Instagram.
Thank you!!