On "building your author platform" & the single most difficult mindset shift required for publishing success

Achievement in this industry is tectonic. Which means that quick fixes and what-ifs are generally a waste of time.

“How do I build my author platform?”

“Everyone says publishers are all about platform, platform, platform. What can I do if I don’t have one of those?”

“Publishers seem so focused on social media platforms. Do I need to start tweeting or something?”

Just about every nonfiction author I’ve talked to at every single conference I’ve ever attended has asked me some question like this.

In this week’s newsletter, I’m going to answer The Platform Question, because I assume many of you have it, too:

How in the hell do you build a platform?

(If you don’t even know what a platform is, never fear. Check out Jane Friedman’s free explainer here.)

I worry that after reading my answer to this question, your first reaction might be, “Oh hey, time to gouge Anna’s eyes out.” My pretty, pretty eyeballs and I exhort you to hold off while you process!! Because knowing this is a good thing. A GOOD THING. I promise.

What I’m about to say is the hardest, least mutable truth about life in publishing and kind of life in general. It’s a truth we all must continue to navigate over and over and over again—not just on submission, but at every stage of the publishing process. And as I believe Jesus once said on his Tumblr, ~*~The truth will set you free.~*~

OK, so: