Writing a book before creating a platform is like cooking a banquet before we’ve created a guest list.
Photo courtesy of tiramisustudio @freedigitalphotos.net
We prepare the feast, throw open the doors to welcome everyone in, but nobody’s there.

We call into the void, “This is delicious. Come try a bite.”

Silence answers.
It’s the same with growing a following.
First we create a platform, then we can share the goodies…in this case, our work.

But how do we get our message heard in the midst of so many others

Micheal Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, addresses that in his book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.
His statistics are so impressive they’d make Babe Ruth hang his head in shame. If he were still alive.
Michael’s stats include
  • One of the top three business blogs on the Internet with
  • 300,000+ monthly visitors and
  • 70,000 subscribers
  • 145,000 Twitter followers
  • 21,000 Facebook fans
  • A weekly podcast, This Is Your Life, consistently ranking in iTunes top ten
  • Approximately 278.4 kazillion book sale.

Since his platform started at zilch, it’s worth listening to his wisdom.

Disclaimer: These 5 steps are straight from Micheal Hyatt’s site. I am crediting Michael Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt, please hold back your legal people. Again, this is Michael Hyatt’s info. Highly abbreviated.

1. Start with wow.
2. Prepare to launch.
3. Build your home base.
4. Expand your reach.
5. Engage your tribe.


Obviously, he expands on and explains each step. But since I don’t want his legal team stalking me, head over to one of Michael’s sites to feast at his banquet.

Since I’m all about freebees, here’s a tasty one: Sign up to get his blog posts via e-mail and receive a FREE copy of his new e-book   Shave 10 Hours off Your Workweek.

Now on to

Jeanie’s Super-Secret Newbie No-No’s

man working laptop quiet whisper finger
Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut @ freedigitalphotos.net


To recap what we’ve learned so far:

Week 1- Exclamation marks scream, “Newbie!”
Week 2- Annihilate Adverbs
Week 3- Eradicate empty words. Really just skip them. I’m very serious
Week 4- Use “Invisible” Words: said, ask, answer, and reply
Week 5- Run off Run-On Sentences
Week 6- Clear out Clichés
Week 7- Pass on Passive Voice
Week 8- Eliminate Empty Adjectives
Week 9- Reduce Redundancy
This week-
There, They’re, Their

Here’s one way for non-grammar nerds to subdue this potentially tricky trio.

  • “There” rhymes with “Where.” Where’s the dog? Over THERE.  OR Substitute “Here” for “There” and see if the sentence makes sense.
  • “They’re” is two words, THEY and ARE jammed together. Am I the only one working? No, THEY’RE going to help.
  • “Their” = Possession. The IRS (THE/IRS) thinks everything is THEIRS. THEIR bank accounts. THEIR car. THEIR houses…

Most new writers don’t realize incorrect use of these trouble triplets will send editors out of there minds. If they’re is a problem with your manuscript, their is a way to fix it. They’re is spell-check, but it won’t help you their. Try Grammar-girl. If there busy, look at Grammarly. There always willing to help folks out they’re.

Since we all need to move forward, my Current Lofty Goal (AKA something I need to do, but want to put off) Continue rewrites of my novel’s first draft.

What challenges do you face in your writing life? We at Wordsowers want to help. Connect with us here or on our Facebook page.

Great news: sign up for our free monthly newsletter to get help delivered straight to your inbox. It’s easy–the button is on the right side of this page, near the top.

Leave a Reply