8 Great Ways to Build a Writer's Platform By Julie Coan At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Every writer must build a writer's platform if they want to have a successful writing career. A platform is a combination of resume and marketing plan. To build a platform, you begin building writing credits just as you would when you're building a resume. At the same time, you begin introducing yourself to the public through the internet and through organizations in your local community. Building a platform means creating a list of readers long before you begin selling your novel. Here are 8 strategies to help you build a successful writer's platform:

1. Start a Blog
Blogging is a great way to tell people who you are and share your writing. If you're not techie (like me) and you want cheap, you can start a blog website in about ten minutes for free at Blogger.com.

2. Write Articles
You can write articles and post them to free article directories like Ezinearticles.com and isnare.com. Stick to a topic related to your book(s). If you write mysteries, you can write about mysteries. If you put your mind to it, though, you can come up with other kinds of related articles. For example, if your story takes place in Hawaii and you dug up some fascinating local lore during your research, you can turn that research into articles. It doesn't cost anything to post these to the article directories. Other people can come and copy these articles and spread them all over the web. There's a place at the bottom to include a short bio and you can link back to your blog site.

3. Join a Writer's Group
Writers are also readers. By joining a local writer's group or even an online group, you will have a large group of eager book purchasers.

4. Submit Your Writing to Contests
Enter your novel or one of your shorter pieces to writing contests. If you win, it will look great on your platform. If you lose, no one will know.

5. Use the Online Social Interfaces
Make a My Space page, a Facebook page, and Twitter. The interconnectedness formed within these communities creates a large web of contacts.

6. Give Speeches at Local Organizations
Kiwannis Clubs, Soroptimist Clubs, Lion's Club, Elk's Club, local book clubs, libraries, locally owned book stores, and many other women's and men's groups are always looking for speakers. If you already have a book in print, you can sell and sign copies at your speaking engagement. (Offer a discount to get them to buy at the event.) If possible, get everyone to sign up for your digital newsletter.

7. Write an ebook
Write a short digital book that you can give away for free on your blogsite. Ask your readers to add their email address to your digital mailing list in exchange for the free ebook. You can also add this to your list of accomplishments.

8. Network at Writer's Conferences and Workshops
This will give you a chance to rub elbows with editors, publishers, and writers. Always bring a stack of business cards to pass out and make a point to collect them to, especially if they contain an email address. You can add them to your digital mailing list.

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