Building Your Author Platform 101
If you’re a travel entrepreneur who wants to write a book someday, you’ve probably heard the phrase “author platform” before, but what does it actually mean?
More importantly, how do you do build one without feeling fake, overly promotional, or like you’re chasing metrics that don’t matter when your priority is writing?
Every Tuesday I share an in-depth post about the travel industry. This week we’re diving into how to build a meaningful and sustainable author platform that supports your writing, connects with readers, and grows alongside your creative work.
What is an Author Platform?
An author platform is your visibility and credibility as a writer. It’s the collection of spaces, audiences, and relationships that connect your writing to readers and prove you have a foundation to promote your work.
Whether you're planning to self-publish, traditionally publish, or just share your writing online, your platform is how people find, trust, and follow your voice.
Think of it as the ecosystem that surrounds your writing career. Not just social media, but:
Your mailing list
Your personal website or blog
Guest essays, publications, interviews
Events, talks, podcast appearances
Your content on platforms like Substack, Medium, or YouTube
Reader testimonials or engagement
Book clubs or professional organizations
A strong platform isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about being consistently visible to the right people, in the right ways.
Why It Matters
Many new or aspiring writers think, “I’ll build my platform once I’ve finished the book.” In today’s publishing world, that’s backwards. You need the author platform to get the book deal and sell your books.
Whether you’re going indie or traditional, publishers and readers alike want to know:
Who is this writer?
Why should we pay attention?
Where can we find more of their work?
Your author platform doesn’t guarantee success but it makes everything easier. In fact, if you have a big enough platform, you may be approached to write a book without you even pitching one, simply because the publisher knows it will sell.
Core Components of a Sustainable Author Platform
Start with the pieces that align with your strengths and audience.
1. Your Email List
This is still the most important long term asset. Whether it’s a newsletter on Substack or a list on Kit, this is your direct line to readers who chose to hear from you. Share writing, behind-the-scenes thoughts, or even just monthly updates.
2. Your Home Base (Website or Blog)
You need a central hub that details who you are, what you write, how to contact you, and how to sign up for your list. When your book launches, it will have details about the book and links to buy
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should exist. Your Instagram account is not the same thing. A website adds professionalism and gives you control.
3. Consistent Public Writing
This could be:
Publishing short travel essays or memoir excerpts
Writing guest pieces for travel and lifestyle publications
Writing personal essays or behind-the-scenes posts
The point is to get your voice out there and ideally, plug your upcoming book.
4. Social Media
If social overwhelms you, here’s the mindset shift: social media isn’t your platform, it’s a tool to support your platform.
You don’t have to post daily or dance on Reels. But sharing your writing, linking to your newsletter, or reflecting on your creative process are all ways to signal that you’re a professional writer.
Plenty of authors succeed with minimal social presence but the ones who strategically use it often grow faster, with less hustle.
5. Engagement & Collaboration
Platforms aren’t just built by broadcasting, they grow through relationship.
Engage with other writers. Join travel writing or Substack communities and leave thoughtful comments. Offer to blurb someone’s book. Host a co-authored post or event. Collaboration builds credibility, reach, and trust faster than going it alone.
Final Thought
You don’t need to be famous to build an author platform, but you do need to start showing up.
If you’re feeling inspired to begin, here’s what you can do today:
Add an email opt-in to your site or bio
Draft a 500-word welcome post or newsletter intro
DM one writer you admire and say something thoughtful
Your platform is your invitation to the people who need your story. Start building it today!