Get Known Before the Book Deal: Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform

Constructing an author's platform--that metaphorical performance stage that raises a writer's head above the crowd--can take more time than building a house, according to Christina Katz, author of GET KNOWN BEFORE THE BOOK DEAL. I consider Katz a friend, and she was kind enough to quote me in one of the book's epigraphs. Now that I've confessed my bias, I suggest writers heed her advice and get busy building their brands a full year before they expect to rely on the results of their labor. Even an individual who has already written an unpublished book should stop, go back, and work on a platform in order to show prospective publishers a large potential readership. "Platform" is a word most people, including writers to whom words are currency, consider as imprecise as "system" or "process." Conversely, editors, agents, and successful authors who use the word "platform" as shorthand for a writer's marketability are sure of what the jargon means and what is expected from book authors, especially those who write nonfiction. Katz's book is no glib response to a hopeful writer's inquiry. With enthusiasm and clarity, she teaches the readers of her book how to establish a professional reputation as a writer, gradually and systematically. She covers miles of territory with unflagging optimism and common sense. Among her wide-ranging recommendations are two that will come as no surprise to anyone who has learned the hard way: 1. Hire a professional photographer to capture a series of flattering portraits, so you'll have a high-quality headshot available in multiple formats on demand. You'll need it. 2. Ditch the bad attitude. As Katz puts it, "You are 100 percent responsible for the success of your writing career." Whining is a waste of energy, she insists, and it makes other people uncomfortable. With GET KNOWN BEFORE THE BOOK DEAL, Katz, who is otherwise known as the Writer Mama, has demonstrated her expertise in platform development. She doesn't doubt for a single moment that other writers can also take charge of becoming known as authorities on their topics. Nonfiction writers and novelists (as well as their agents, editors, and publicists) can be grateful that Katz has shared the sum of her experience.

Christina Katz has delivered an easy to read and informative guide to getting known before you sell a book. This book will help new (and experienced) writers prepare for the post-book deal shock of promotion and sales. Writing a book nowadays isn't just about hiding away to create beautiful prose; it's about selling. Authors will give themselves an extra dose of marketing and sales power when they read and apply Katz's book before and after they sell their next book. I highly recommend.

I have just finished 'Get Known before the Book Deal'! This book was so motivating, it has me thinking of ways I can assist my agent in getting my book sold! Christina's exercises in the book helped me to think of a new book idea, and I am working on the new proposal already! This book is a MUST for new writers and seasoned writers and is a self-confidence booster as well!

Writing may be an art, but getting published is a business. This is the first book I've read where the author not only understands that, but also makes it easy for the reader to take action. Christina Katz defines a platform as "...all the ways you are visible and appealing to your future, potential, or actual readership." Substitute the word "clients" for "readership" and in this book you'll find everything business owners need to learn how to position and promote their companies or their first book. Plus, the info is presented logically, in easy-to-understand-and-implement chunks, without the hype that pads so many self-marketing books. There is an incredible amount of practical advice and real-world tips packed into 260 pages, along with encouraging statements to convince even the most self-promotion-phobic readers that, "Yes, I can!" I'm glad "Get Known before the Book Deal" came out in November because it's going to be a stocking stuffer for every writer and entrepreneur on my list!