Platform building includes meeting people face to face instead of simply on Facebook.
So earlier this year I slithered from the confines of my office and emerged into the real world. AKA, the one I don’t create on my computer.
Along with 100 other authors, I’d signed up for the Omaha Public Library’s Author Fair.
On the way there I pictured writers bashing each other in an All Star Wrestling free-for-all to snag readers.
Instead I met fabulous people and learned from their techniques.
Rather than a cage match slam-down, I found a tag-team situation…with everyone on the same team.
Angela D. Meyer, Where Hope Starts author, helped me arrange my table area.
By “helped” I mean she reconfigured my haphazard pile of books, sign-up sheets, and related items into an attractive, cohesive display.
I learned: Eliminate my bulky book stand and work my items into a semi-circular shape to make the most of limited space.
Lee Warren spent the afternoon sharing tips he’d learned in his years as a multi-published author and editor. 
I learned: Offer an incentive to invite people who are interested in my message to sign up for my blog or newsletter. Collecting a long list of address from people who’ll never open my emails is counterproductive.
Author Brook Williams wore a T-shirt displaying a link to her website and the cover of her newest book, Accept This Dandelion.
I emailed her later to admit, “Oh my goodness. I just now realized you’re the one who wrote, Right Place, Wrong Time.”
I learned: Promote your book in unique ways.
Jennifer Slattery lured people to her table with snack-sized chocolate bars. People took the bait and signed up for her blog.
But Jennifer had bigger fish to fry.
She shared about Taking’ it to the Streets ministry, serving the unemployed and underemployed.
I learned: Use your platform to help others.
After enjoying Kim Stokely’s novel, Winter Trees, I couldn’t wait to read Woman Of Flames.
Clever Kim used a tall pole stand to display her book banners.
I learned: Buy poles and banners at places like Vistaprint. Check the pole’s weight, and also see if they’re collapsible for airplane travel.
It’s a family affair, as Kim’s niece, Rebecca Grous brought her own novel The Determining.
Rebecca said she’s uncomfortable with public acclaim. She’d rather remain in the background than the limelight.
I learned: Push past reticence to come out of my comfort zone.
What about meeting the public? Isn’t that why I went?
Absolutely.
- I connected with readers.
- People signed up for my blog.
- I had a great time chatting with a multitude of folks.
Is something holding you on the ropes? Are you feeling frustrated, ready to tap out?
