Platforming in 5 Steps


A platform is essentially the writer in an online form. Your platform is how you reach readers and writers and how they can glimpse your personality. Furthermore, agents and editors seriously consider how an author presents themself online. They look at what you’re posting, how consistent you are, your audience, your popularity, and much more.



1. Create a concise description of yourself as a writer. List a few major accomplishments, passions, and what you offer to potential readers. This can go in your bios or it can be used when submitting articles.

2. Ask yourself who you want to reach and how you want them to view you. Based on your conclusion, brainstorm three to four topics your platform will focus on. Choose things you are passionate about and that mesh well together. In continuation, the way people feel about you is largely determined by your use of color, font, article topics, and so on.

3. Select social media sites you will use. Remember, it isn’t necessary to use all of them. Furthermore, create a blog and maintain it.

4. When you make an account, use it. Keep a consistent posting schedule and interact with other readers and writers. Comment on their posts or ask them questions at the end of your own blog posts.

5. This is one of the most important steps in my opinion. Submit pieces to magazines, online publications, websites, or contests. Moreover, keep track of your submissions, tell people about your blog, and keep in contact with important writers you meet.



Places to submit:
Devozine may pay for and publish submissions in their monthly devotional magazine for teens. They have a list of topics and deadlines for you to consider on their website.

Teenink is a great place to meet other teen writers and freely publish your work for others to read. They also hold contests.

Writer’s Digest holds contests and is a great resource for aspiring writers.

Writers of the Future holds a quarterly short story writing contest for aspiring writers.

Scholastic has a prestigious art and writing contest every year.

Pursue Magazine is a Christian magazine that accepts submissions.

Almostanauthor.com is one of my favorite online resources for writers. It accepts submissions for guest articles on just about anything having to do with writing.

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