Yes, I'm aware that's not a word, but it's my blanket term for what the publishing industry refers to when they expect writers to have a "platform". Broadly, this means frequent exposure on Facebook, a blog, twitter, TikTok, podcasts and other social media.
I just finished yet another Zoom class on promotion for creatives. I admit, I'm hoping for a silver bullet and not the same old dreary message about frequency, choosing the outlet that is the most "fun", building connections etc. It's just not me. I find all this difficult, time-consuming and annoying. Do other writers feel the same way? I'll bet JK Rowling never had to post inane comments on four media platforms every week. Of course, she, Geraldine Brooks, Stephen King and Isabel Allende - and other favorite writers of mine - got their start in the "golden age" of publishing, when a publisher actually promoted their books. I know Amy Tan keeps up a FB page, but I wonder: does she really write it or does she hire someone? Do other professions require this kind of continual self-exposure?
OK, done carping, will get back to finding an agent for Power Lessons and hoping he/she doesn't expect a newsletter subscription list of 1,000 (minimum).
