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"You might begin by offering to do a free lecture at your public library . . ." —MEIER
One of the ways you can build your platform as a writer is to become an expert in whatever it is you are writing about. So, if you are writing a nonfiction book about, say, the history of the Yo-yo, begin a speaking career around your expertise.
You might begin by offering to do a free lecture at your public library, or create a three-minute video about a particular aspect of Yo-yoing (i.e. the most popular tricks and why) and post it on YouTube or Vimeo. Contact your local community college or university writing instructors and offer to speak to their classes. Offer to speak to service groups or clubs in your town.
Do radio interviews. Radio is one medium that still openly seeks author interviews. Most major and regional markets have locally produced talk shows, and radio hosts are always seeking guests who are interesting and entertaining.
If you’re not comfortable with public speaking or doing interviews, join a Toastmaster’s group, or get some media coaching. Your book doesn’t necessarily have to be published yet. Focus on the information in your book, and mention that you have a forthcoming book on the topic.
If you write fiction, offer to do a virtual chat with book clubs. Connect with book bloggers and/or offer to do an interview or write a guest blog. You could do a post or video on your genre or your writing process.
" Ask a friend to videotape your talk, then edit it to about three minutes and post it on your own website . . ." —MEIER
Every time you speak, ask the person who organized your appearance for a quote or endorsement of your speech, then post it on your website or blog. Ask a friend to videotape your talk, then edit it to about three minutes and post it on your own website and on YouTube.
You should also register as an expert with Help A Reporter Out, a website that puts journalists together with experts in every field imaginable. Visit www.helpareporter.com to sign up.
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"The key is to develop a reputation for being the most knowledgeable person in your field . . ." —MEIER
The key is to develop a reputation for being the most knowledgeable person in your field, so that soon groups and media are coming to you. All the while, make sure you are using your social media networks to let people know you are speaking and making appearances. The more you speak and show up as an expert in your field, the more followers and friends will show up in your social media networks.
A good goal is to shoot for one speech, guest blog, YouTube video or classroom lecture per month. Let me know how it goes!
About Marcia Meier
Marcia Meier is an author, award-winning journalist, writing coach and developmental book editor. Her book, Navigating the Rough Waters of Today’s Publishing World: Critical Advice for Writers from Industry Insiders (Quill Driver Books, 2010), was named one of “10 Great Books on Writing from 2010” by The Writer magazine. Learn more about Marci on her web site.
