Want to Be an Author? Build Your Platform First

Build an audience before you write your first bestseller

Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash

I was sitting in a shiny office in one of the biggest publishing companies in Russia. I was sipping coffee and interviewing the CEO for my first book.

“What criteria do you look for in new writers?” I asked once we hit “record.” I wanted him to take on my book. Looking back, I realize it was the only reason I did that interview.

“There are a few things, first of all; it’s the topic. It should be compelling,” said the CEO, not getting my hint. “Second, your writing should be good. But that’s standard. What’s more important now is that you have the author’s platform.”