Let's Talk About Author Platforms

(Without the overwhelm)

Lately, we’ve been chatting with fiction writers who feel 100% overwhelmed by the idea of building an author platform. They want to start reaching their ideal audience, but the how and when are tripping them up. Maybe this sounds familiar?

We hear questions like:

• “Do I really have to be on social media all the time?”

• “Do I have to share personal details to get readers to care?”

• “Won’t this take away from my actual writing time?”

  

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. And here’s the truth: there’s a lot of confusing advice out there about what an author platform really is (Spoiler alert: It’s likely not what you think). So, let’s clear up some of the biggest myths we hear all the time—because building a platform shouldn’t feel like a second job or make you cringe every time you open your laptop.

Myth #1: "I have to live on social media to have a real platform."

Not at all. Social media can be a tool, but it’s just one of many. Newsletters, podcasts, blog posts, genre-based communities—there are so many ways to connect with readers that don’t require constant scrolling and posting. The key is finding what feels sustainable and aligned with your personality. And your sense of joy! 

Myth #2: "I need to share my personal life to connect with readers."

You really don’t. Readers want to hear about your stories, your writing process, and what inspires you—not your grocery list or weekend plans. You get to decide what to share and what stays private. Authenticity doesn’t mean laying it all out there; it means sharing the parts of your writing life that light you up.

Myth #3: "Platform building means less time for writing."

Only if you try to do everything at once. Your writing should always come first. Think of platform building as a slow build—one small, meaningful step at a time. A weekly newsletter, a thoughtful blog post, or an hour a week connecting with readers can add up over time without overwhelming your writing schedule.

Myth #4: "I’ll build my platform after my book is finished."

We get it—writing a book is a massive task on its own. But in today’s publishing world, starting before your book is on the shelf gives you a head start in connecting with readers and understanding what they love. Think of it as inviting readers into your creative world early—not to sell to them, but to share the journey. Pro tip: Agents and publishers like to see this too.

Where to Start (Without Feeling Like You’re Drowning)

If this is hitting home, we’d love for you to check out our latest podcast episode, where we dig deeper into why building an author platform matters—and how to do it in a way that feels natural, not overwhelming. No hacks, no gimmicks—just real talk about connecting with readers in ways that feel good.👇🏻

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Author platform
Jumpstart

Ready to build your author platform but not sure where to start? This strategy call is your first step toward turning your big author dreams into a clear, actionable plan.

We'll begin with a detailed questionnaire, to identify your unique vision. From there, we’ll spend 60 minutes strategizing how to best jumpstart your author platform, defining specific goals and actionable steps to get you moving forward with confidence. You'll also receive access to our Author Starter Kit—a simple, three-step guide to help you start building momentum right away. This session is designed to give you clarity and direction.

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