This is a topic I’ve been wanting to share my thoughts on for a while. Taking off my author hat, I’d like to talk as the experienced marketer that I am, that has worked with some of the best-in-class influencers, brands, marketers and the like. To save you a long history lesson, I’ve done over $6 million in sales in both B2B and consumer product.
I’ve worked with startups, small businesses and artists. I have a pretty extensive marketing career so I’ve seen a lot of different things. And so, I do have some things to say re: author platforms, and why I think authors should embrace building them.
This Doesn't Absolve Publishers
With that said, this post is not to absolve publishers from backing their authors. Authors need and deserve marketing. Not all social media platforms are available to authors in many different countries. There are physical, mental, economical and a host of other challenges that block writers from building a significant author platform. And for those who are dealing with these ongoing challenges, I truly feel for you. And I stand by you 100%. I pray the industry does better.
So, I think it's time we talk about the rise of the Author-influencer. I know a lot of people aren’t loving this idea. But here’s why I think ALL authors should embrace it (and even more so when you're BIPOC)—and how we can work it into our favor.
BIPOC Authors Aren’t Getting the Marketing Love
Let’s start with the obvious: Debut authors have it hard—BIPOC authors have it harder. And with the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry, many of these “industry shifts” aren’t working in our favor. So whether you’re indie or traditionally published, BIPOC authors can only benefit from having their own communities. Sure, this could mean TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or even a Facebook Group. But really, it’s about getting good at building your own private community that isn’t algorithm dependent. It could be an email list, a discord, or something out-of-the-box like an app. It’s important, now more than ever, to build a direct connection with readers. And for the introverts out there (like me!), I know it’s scary but, there is nothing better than having a community full of people you vibe with that just “get” each other.
Unfortunately, we can’t rest. Our culture depends on us.
I don’t think everyone should carry this burden, but I certainly do. When I browse aisles, when I scan listings under various genres, I don’t see many of us. And that itself has always stuck with me: until it becomes way easier to access books written by BIPOC (and even LGBTQIA) folks, we can’t stop writing, we can’t stop putting out our work, we can’t be bystanders. Many of us, are “firsts” in our culture. That is how impactful our art is to the future. The more that we understand marketing, and forge the right relationships, and “own” our brands, the more, I believe, we will see the change we’re looking for.
But the algorithm only favors Gen z, blonde hair etc.
I hate to say this, but across every industry, this is true. Still, BIPOC creators are breaking through. They’re creating some of the most powerful brands.
I’ve had a front row seat into many of these creators lives. I’ve managed their business and helped strategize major components, I’ve closed so many partnerships, I’ve also seen how brands and media companies have responded over the years. And although, they’re admittedly working harder, the outcome of what they’ve created is significantly better, than the ones who didn’t bother to start because the odds were against them.
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BIPOC authors can't rest. Our culture depends on us to find ways to get our stories out to the world.
Mindset is everything.
Who you interact with on the daily has a significant impact on your belief system. Think about it. You have two people:
- Person #1: Constantly interacts with authors who have successfully built platforms, and so they believe that it’s possible for them, too.
- Person #2: Constantly interacts with authors who don’t believe it’s possible, and as a result, they don’t feel it’s not even worth trying—or gives up because things aren’t working fast enough.
If you had to bet on Person #1 or Person #2—who would you place your bet with, as most likely to also create a successful platform?
If you’re in need of encouragement, I suggest joining Facebook Groups where “success is normal” or at the very least, expected. Get into discords where authors are excited to build communities. Build your own accountability group. But most importantly, surround yourself with people who are where you want to be or going where you want to go. Not just people who are going through what you’re going through.
Conclusion
Overall, I do understand how authors feel—especially the neurodiverse ones that are introverted because that’s totally me. But we are here to tell our stories, and we may not have a long enough lifetime to wait for others to gift us a platform to share them. As a reader, I WANT more diversity and I’ve found so many diverse authors, thanks to them having the courage to put themselves out there. Many of them, I’ll be a dedicated reader for life, and I’ll purchase both the Kindle and hardback version.
5 Unconventional Tips for Writing An Amazing First Draft
When I first started writing, I could never finish a draft. It felt like every time I came up with an idea, I could only make it to chapter fifteen before I’d abandon it. And then when I finally got good at completing first drafts, I ended up having to do full rewrites despite following conventional wisdom to have an outline.
