Like everything else in the book business these days, things have changed and all bets are off.
—Alan Rinzler
Every so often on my blog, I capture a bit of data about the publishing industry from secondary sources for my archives. I do this to mark things about publishing that feed my passion for the work I do, give me rare perspective or insight, highlight a significant paradigm shift, help me view the industry through someone else's eyes, or allow me to further support the authors I work with every day.
Today, I share (and archive) the following:
Veteran editor Alan Rinzler blogged about how publishing's view of author platform has changed—past tense. So if you're still operating and thinking in terms of the old model, it's time to upgrade.
The main difference between the old model platform and the new model, Alan says, is that the new author platform now focuses on "developing an unobstructed back and forth between authors and their readers, with the authors—not the publishers—controlling the flow....It's the author, not a publicist, who inspires readers to buy the book."
The new author platform is about the author personally building a community or a tribe around their books—loyal followers, raving fans, engaged evangelists. The middle man (publishers) can't create this kind of synergy on it's own on behalf of the author anymore. Technology and social media have ruined that concept—and I love that they have.
The new author platform is about the author personally building a community or a tribe around their books—loyal followers, raving fans, engaged evangelists. The middle man (publishers) can't create this kind of synergy on it's own on behalf of the author anymore. Technology and social media have ruined that concept—and I love that they have.
Alan says that an author who masters the following four traits can expect to be successful:
1. Personality
2. Authenticity
3. Expertise
4. Subtlety
He goes into much more detail about all four of these and even provides examples of books and authors who have effectively used them. I urge you to read and bookmark his post for your personal and professional benefit.
Studying these attributes and implementing them in your publishing strategy will keep you ahead of the game. Seeing something behaving in a way you aspire to behave, causes you to take on a portion of that behavior.
"By beholding, you become changed."
I encourage you to get into community with some authors who are doing it right. Follow their blogs, subscribe to their RSS feeds, visit their websites. Take on one new trait or best practice at a time, mastering it before moving to the next. You won't be left behind.
What new methods have you had to adapt to regarding your author platform that have shown positive results?