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How to Build a Powerful Writer's Platform in 90 Days
Your Choice: 90 days from now, you and your book can be an online sales success story.
Think about it. Audience. Income. Recognition.
This is the book that gives you proven, step-by-step strategies to turn social media into your most effective sales engine.
I wrote Writer's Platform specifically to help writers and bloggers like you to build effective, virtually cost-free social media platforms. Writer's Platform is your easy-to-follow, comprehensive and proven resource to making sure your book becomes the online sales success it deserves to be -- instead of just one more great book no one's ever heard of or read.
The choice is yours. And, for just $4.99, it's hard to make the wrong one.
Sell more. Sell faster. Cultivate a large audience. Build your Brand. All online. All within 90 days.
In this book, we cover:
- How to build a genuine online platform and cultivate an audience;
- How to generate buzz around your book;
- How to launch a book successfully using only social media;
- How to make sure your book lives up to the hype you're about to build;
- 90-day calendar where I show you what you need to do every day to succeed.
Think about it. Audience. Income. Recognition.
This is the book that gives you proven, step-by-step strategies to turn social media into your most effective sales engine.
I wrote Writer's Platform specifically to help writers and bloggers like you to build effective, virtually cost-free social media platforms. Writer's Platform is your easy-to-follow, comprehensive and proven resource to making sure your book becomes the online sales success it deserves to be -- instead of just one more great book no one's ever heard of or read.
The choice is yours. And, for just $4.99, it's hard to make the wrong one.
Sell more. Sell faster. Cultivate a large audience. Build your Brand. All online. All within 90 days.
In this book, we cover:
- How to build a genuine online platform and cultivate an audience;
- How to generate buzz around your book;
- How to launch a book successfully using only social media;
- How to make sure your book lives up to the hype you're about to build;
- 90-day calendar where I show you what you need to do every day to succeed.
- GenresWriting
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2012
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Austin Briggs
8 books59 followersMy name’s Austin Briggs. I’ve spent over 10 years researching the history of the Aztec Empire and the Spanish Conquest with a dream of creating a historical fiction series that would fascinate readers who like a good history-based tale. I even went so far as to experience some of the magical rites of the ancient Mexica myself.
I’ve always been obsessed with learning about other cultures; in addition to my time in the lands that were once occupied by the Aztec peoples, I’ve also lived in Russia, Japan, England, Switzerland, Cambodia, Lithuania, and Uzbekistan.
I’ve been a soldier in the Russian army, an officer in the United Nations, and a global manager of a Fortune 10 company. I’ve been both a local and an outsider, a member of the majority and of a minority, which I feel makes me somewhat able to write from the perspective of multiple characters, all of whom have various levels of status and acceptance in their world.
We’re often told that history is written by the winners. My stories are told from the perspective of those who lost — though they went down fighting.
My fascination with the Aztec Empire during the time of the Spanish Conquest began because I’m intrigued by the idea of a society that is about to lose itself entirely. I wanted to show how difficult and painful — and sometimes strangely inspiring — that process can be.
I’ve always been obsessed with learning about other cultures; in addition to my time in the lands that were once occupied by the Aztec peoples, I’ve also lived in Russia, Japan, England, Switzerland, Cambodia, Lithuania, and Uzbekistan.
I’ve been a soldier in the Russian army, an officer in the United Nations, and a global manager of a Fortune 10 company. I’ve been both a local and an outsider, a member of the majority and of a minority, which I feel makes me somewhat able to write from the perspective of multiple characters, all of whom have various levels of status and acceptance in their world.
We’re often told that history is written by the winners. My stories are told from the perspective of those who lost — though they went down fighting.
My fascination with the Aztec Empire during the time of the Spanish Conquest began because I’m intrigued by the idea of a society that is about to lose itself entirely. I wanted to show how difficult and painful — and sometimes strangely inspiring — that process can be.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 15, 2013
I won this book as part of a giveaway. To be truthful, I have skimmed many books on "how to publish and market new books" and most of them were a waste of time, repeating the same old information. So, I didn't expect much from this book, but was very surprised! This book is wonderful!
Briggs provided a 90 day plan to help new authors build their social platform. As a part of this strategy, he introduced and described the most helpful, current social media channels, including Twitter, Google+, Facebook, etc. His explanation of each social media outlet was peppered with examples, practical suggestions, and helpful tools. This book didn't just provide great information, but offered beneficial exercises along with a daily schedule to follow as one launches a new book.
Briggs' writing was clear, concise, and easy to follow. I liked how he highlighted the more salient points in text boxes. His chapters included many useful links.
This book is a new author's "must-have" and "go-to" book! I can't recommend this book highly enough. In fact, I am going to go purchase two more copies to give as gifts!
Briggs provided a 90 day plan to help new authors build their social platform. As a part of this strategy, he introduced and described the most helpful, current social media channels, including Twitter, Google+, Facebook, etc. His explanation of each social media outlet was peppered with examples, practical suggestions, and helpful tools. This book didn't just provide great information, but offered beneficial exercises along with a daily schedule to follow as one launches a new book.
Briggs' writing was clear, concise, and easy to follow. I liked how he highlighted the more salient points in text boxes. His chapters included many useful links.
This book is a new author's "must-have" and "go-to" book! I can't recommend this book highly enough. In fact, I am going to go purchase two more copies to give as gifts!
March 28, 2013
This book promises to guide you through the maze of building an online platform for your work as a writer -- an online platform is your virtual version of the stage where people who are attracted to your message, ideas, thoughts – your writing – go to spend time and maybe money.
Its author Austin Briggs refreshingly delivers upon this promise in a concise, unhindered presentation without any annoying fluff or blustering boasting regrettably too common among many authors trying to sell their how-to book of the day. I recently read a heavily marketed book on marketing (haa....), touted as presenting ground-breaking science, when in fact it was a book illustrating basic well-known marketing principles albeit sprinkled with some stories with hip, cool-factor appeal for the young and/or uninitiated.
Because social media has become an inescapable, constant noise in our lives, we all seek to go only where the information we want is easy to find and the message clearly understandable with as little distraction as possible. Here, Mr. Briggs not only is an effective teacher of this, he's an excellent practitioner as well. He delivers exactly what he promises. No crowing; instead, what you get feels like a consultant at your side, walking you through the jungle of social media, warning you where to skirt hidden quicksand, providing example after example of what to avoid, easy blunders the inexperienced make, as it's not as intuitive what sometimes can turn out to be disastrous online since writers sometimes – often – tend to get caught up in their own minds on what they want to say, rather than understand they are in a relationship with their readers.
The book is extremely well organized and logical and sequential. I read the book straight through from start to end but to get the big picture I would recommend, before diving in, to first refer to the excellent "Bird's-Eye View" diagram provided at the end of the book (and to which Mr. Briggs refers to in the intro). This one-page diagram presents the author's suggested 90-day calendar for building your platform, in one digestible forest-through-the-trees-view, before he proceeds to break it down step-by-step in the following chapters.
I like that Mr. Briggs astutely directs readers first and foremost to nail down and understand what they want as their brand and stresses the import of their branding, as this will guide the entire platform-building process. Everything else should be consistent with the brand you wish to present - your blogging, microblogging (tweets), Facebook updates, Google+ messages to your circles, etc. He covers all grounds including LinkedIn networking, Pinterest sharing with readership, podcasting, you-tubing… you name it among other media tools. He doesn’t just instruct to do, he takes your hand and helps prod you to think about what you want to accomplish with your brand. He asks helpful questions to stimulate your own original ideas.
Which leads me to make a point of my positive impression of the author and my respect for his message on originality. Mr. Briggs earned my admiration when I saw that throughout the book he is steadfast in instructing readers to always be thinking of original ways to tailor their own platforms. There’s no easy way about it, no copying others. No short-cuts. He reminds readers throughout to work diligently to make their platforms original. In the end, that advice to find your original voice, implicitly tied to finding your brand, will be indispensable in achieving the goal of building a successful readership through your platform.
Mr. Briggs really covers a lot of ground, albeit there is always much more depth to any of the topics treated but this is a how-to starter guide that is comprehensive enough to get you up and running with success, without being overly daunting in coverage. He knows there is much more tweaking and experience to be had that only comes with the act of doing all the tasks. Throughout the book, he provides excellent future references and links for more study and research as you progress along building your readership after you’ve established your solid platform.
He addresses both non-fiction and fiction book markets and their different perspectives for success among your readership. Whether to self-publish, whether to publish an e-book. How to respectfully use email lists, subscriptions. The list goes on. At no point in time does Mr. Briggs underestimate for the reader the work necessary to build a successful platform; he makes no qualms about the fact that it takes undue commitment and self-discipline. What I find refreshing with Mr. Briggs' approach is his ability to walk the fine line between teacher and cheerleader. Too often I read instructional books that are too much rousing and rah rah, and not enough substance. Here, Mr. Briggs expresses with clarity what tasks lie ahead to be performed, while understanding how it can appear daunting. He doesn't neglect this and hears the inner voice of doubt readers may hear at certain points throughout the book and address those concerns in a pleasantly prescient manner. What makes it all approachable is how he has broken down the process into his 90-day calendar of activities - very doable, bite-size tasks the reader can focus on one day at a time. He provides his calendar as a tool in such easy to grasp pieces that I can see how once readers implement it, they will be busy following along their daily work for the 90 days, and find that they've reached the end of the tunnel with delightful surprise at what they've accomplished.
This book is about as straight forward as they come - and I do love straightforward in a world constantly abuzz with the din of how-to braggadocio authors hocking themselves rather than any original thought. No, this book delivers and without ego. Until I read this book, I was not familiar with the author or any of his works. I won this book in a book give-away contest and am thrilled I had the opportunity to read it.
April 20, 2013
I got this book free from a giveaway.
The premise sounded interesting, although I can't say I much believed the title. Since I'm delving into writing, I figured I'd join and see if I could win it and if so, how it was. I did, and so here we are.
Please note: I have not actually tried the method yet, so I can't vouch for how good it works (or not), but I will review the book itself.
The book offers a general review of things that will help you build up to a book release (and how to live up to it, according to it). It's reasonable enough, with sound (if slightly obvious sometimes) advise, and it promises to be good for self-publishing as well as traditional publishing.
One thing that annoyed me was the self-quoting (little red squares of text quoting the thing that is either on that same page right next to the bos or on a page before/after). They were a little distracting because, in a ~190 pages book that has no walls of text, it was really not necessary.
Basically, the book treats your author name as a business brand, and I think it has a solid point in telling one to behave as if they were a professional business; after all, as a professional writer, that's what you'd be. They called this your "brand", a word I didn't much care for when it was first mentioned, but that made a lot more sense towards the end of the book.
Some sections have little exercises for you to do as you go along, which is kind of cute. It also has resources (read: several liniks) for helpful things: bookformatting, editors, examples and other such. However, I don't feel telling you "these sites do it great" is good content, when some things can be explained directly.
This also talks a lot about blogging, as it seems to be the basis of this social platform. I understand why it would be so and the need for it, however I've been reading lately that it might not be good for some writers (read: If you abandon your blog later, because even if you DO manage to go through with the 90-day proposed here, someday you're just bound to run out of ideas on what to blog about, particularly if your subject matter has a rather finite set of topics to cover).
Sometimes the book feels a little repetitive. Things that are explained are then either re-explained in slightly different wording or merely expanded upon.
I did find the pinterest tactics/suggestions (as brief as that section was) interesting. Some ideas are pretty out there ("Spend a month living as one of your characters (e.g., exploring the Amazon) and post the video documentary series", for instance), but not bad (if you're rich and can do that ;) ).
Although it promises to view a writers platform, it also provides a general overview on editing and other such advise. In fact, up to about ~130 pages in, it's all a general overview of things: of what the social platforms are, of what you should and shouldn't do, etc. After that you really go in-depth on a step-by-step of the program you are to follow.
It does look like a time-intensive program, the 90 days you decide to do it should be spent quite a bit on it. It's definitely not apt for the socially reclusive (of course, you're building a social platform, so you're not -supposed- to be reclusive, but if you have a hard time maintaining your regular social circles, then creating a social platform might not be for you... )
The best advise this book gives is "You’re building a successful platform. Behave as if you already have one."
Overall though, the information found here is nothing that can't be found all around the internet, but I suppose it's good to save yourself the googling and have it all in one place. It's a quick read, it doesn't hurt to give it a look even if you won't (or can't) go through with the calendar right away.
If you know nothing of how to build a writer's platform, this book might just be great for you.
If you have a basic idea already, then you may not find it as useful or as interesting, but you may still find some tips and examples to build on that spark your own creativity.
The premise sounded interesting, although I can't say I much believed the title. Since I'm delving into writing, I figured I'd join and see if I could win it and if so, how it was. I did, and so here we are.
Please note: I have not actually tried the method yet, so I can't vouch for how good it works (or not), but I will review the book itself.
The book offers a general review of things that will help you build up to a book release (and how to live up to it, according to it). It's reasonable enough, with sound (if slightly obvious sometimes) advise, and it promises to be good for self-publishing as well as traditional publishing.
One thing that annoyed me was the self-quoting (little red squares of text quoting the thing that is either on that same page right next to the bos or on a page before/after). They were a little distracting because, in a ~190 pages book that has no walls of text, it was really not necessary.
Basically, the book treats your author name as a business brand, and I think it has a solid point in telling one to behave as if they were a professional business; after all, as a professional writer, that's what you'd be. They called this your "brand", a word I didn't much care for when it was first mentioned, but that made a lot more sense towards the end of the book.
Some sections have little exercises for you to do as you go along, which is kind of cute. It also has resources (read: several liniks) for helpful things: bookformatting, editors, examples and other such. However, I don't feel telling you "these sites do it great" is good content, when some things can be explained directly.
This also talks a lot about blogging, as it seems to be the basis of this social platform. I understand why it would be so and the need for it, however I've been reading lately that it might not be good for some writers (read: If you abandon your blog later, because even if you DO manage to go through with the 90-day proposed here, someday you're just bound to run out of ideas on what to blog about, particularly if your subject matter has a rather finite set of topics to cover).
Sometimes the book feels a little repetitive. Things that are explained are then either re-explained in slightly different wording or merely expanded upon.
I did find the pinterest tactics/suggestions (as brief as that section was) interesting. Some ideas are pretty out there ("Spend a month living as one of your characters (e.g., exploring the Amazon) and post the video documentary series", for instance), but not bad (if you're rich and can do that ;) ).
Although it promises to view a writers platform, it also provides a general overview on editing and other such advise. In fact, up to about ~130 pages in, it's all a general overview of things: of what the social platforms are, of what you should and shouldn't do, etc. After that you really go in-depth on a step-by-step of the program you are to follow.
It does look like a time-intensive program, the 90 days you decide to do it should be spent quite a bit on it. It's definitely not apt for the socially reclusive (of course, you're building a social platform, so you're not -supposed- to be reclusive, but if you have a hard time maintaining your regular social circles, then creating a social platform might not be for you... )
The best advise this book gives is "You’re building a successful platform. Behave as if you already have one."
Overall though, the information found here is nothing that can't be found all around the internet, but I suppose it's good to save yourself the googling and have it all in one place. It's a quick read, it doesn't hurt to give it a look even if you won't (or can't) go through with the calendar right away.
If you know nothing of how to build a writer's platform, this book might just be great for you.
If you have a basic idea already, then you may not find it as useful or as interesting, but you may still find some tips and examples to build on that spark your own creativity.
May 3, 2014
I read the Writers Platform by Austin Briggs. I won the book through a Librarything giveaway. I chose the book because I am a writer (short stories and poetry) and have low sales. I do not have a marketing plan to increase sales. I have no idea how to increase sales. I was glad when I got notified, I won a copy of the book.
The book discussed building a good writer's platform within 30 days, using social media only. I don't have to buy multiple copies of my print books. I don't have to start doing public speaking (not feeling that). I am not buying a review (those should be free). The process is not easy--it will require work. The book does not discuss illegal or shady ways to increase sales--loved reading that page of the book. I have seen so many websites, got plenty of emails, and seen books--where you attempt to earn a quick buck by spending hundreds and hundreds of your own money. I am a broke writer. I write for fun, but there is nothing like a sale. I already feel like the odds are against me because I am not a novelist. Takes more work to sell poetry and short stories, than a novelist. I have a blog, facebook fan page, pinterest, twitter, and google plus. I am in writing groups, writer's books, and promotion-based groups on facebook, library thing, and book blogs.
I been skimming through the book for about two weeks--to see if the information is worth taking an in-depth look at--and it is. The author focuses on techniques to improve your brand, pricing, and blogging. The books need to be the right price. The authors also need to watch what they say online, which can affect sales. If you are negative, then people may not buy your book. Briggs also discusses developing a website and a blog. All of this does not start without defining goals first. What do you expect from writing this book? What kind of income do you want? How many people do you need to buy your book, based on income?
There is also a great chapter on social media. Facebook and twitter are a must for writers. There is also Google Plus, Linkedin, Pinterest. Every follower is a potential buyer or promoter of your brand. We, as writers, need to update posts on a regular basis. We also need to develop goals for social media as well. Another note: Do not just post "buy my book" only because it gets boring and redundant. Post humor, opinions, and other content as well. You also can use facebook ads to attract new followers to your pages. Social media also allows networking with publishers, editors, and other writers.
Finally, the book discusses finding a good editor; formatting the book; choosing the right format for the book; guest posting; blog tours (which I have done for other authors); cross promotions; author associations; book bonuses; and review exchanges (i review your book and you review my book). The book also has a 90 day calendar to increase the book's and the author's brand. Each day is laid out with tips and techniques.
The book was simple to read, not too complicated. Not a lot of big words, you need a dictionary for. I liked it. definitely will work on developing goals and start using the book to improve my brand.
The book discussed building a good writer's platform within 30 days, using social media only. I don't have to buy multiple copies of my print books. I don't have to start doing public speaking (not feeling that). I am not buying a review (those should be free). The process is not easy--it will require work. The book does not discuss illegal or shady ways to increase sales--loved reading that page of the book. I have seen so many websites, got plenty of emails, and seen books--where you attempt to earn a quick buck by spending hundreds and hundreds of your own money. I am a broke writer. I write for fun, but there is nothing like a sale. I already feel like the odds are against me because I am not a novelist. Takes more work to sell poetry and short stories, than a novelist. I have a blog, facebook fan page, pinterest, twitter, and google plus. I am in writing groups, writer's books, and promotion-based groups on facebook, library thing, and book blogs.
I been skimming through the book for about two weeks--to see if the information is worth taking an in-depth look at--and it is. The author focuses on techniques to improve your brand, pricing, and blogging. The books need to be the right price. The authors also need to watch what they say online, which can affect sales. If you are negative, then people may not buy your book. Briggs also discusses developing a website and a blog. All of this does not start without defining goals first. What do you expect from writing this book? What kind of income do you want? How many people do you need to buy your book, based on income?
There is also a great chapter on social media. Facebook and twitter are a must for writers. There is also Google Plus, Linkedin, Pinterest. Every follower is a potential buyer or promoter of your brand. We, as writers, need to update posts on a regular basis. We also need to develop goals for social media as well. Another note: Do not just post "buy my book" only because it gets boring and redundant. Post humor, opinions, and other content as well. You also can use facebook ads to attract new followers to your pages. Social media also allows networking with publishers, editors, and other writers.
Finally, the book discusses finding a good editor; formatting the book; choosing the right format for the book; guest posting; blog tours (which I have done for other authors); cross promotions; author associations; book bonuses; and review exchanges (i review your book and you review my book). The book also has a 90 day calendar to increase the book's and the author's brand. Each day is laid out with tips and techniques.
The book was simple to read, not too complicated. Not a lot of big words, you need a dictionary for. I liked it. definitely will work on developing goals and start using the book to improve my brand.
May 14, 2013
There is probably not much that is totally new in this book, but where it excels is the way it presents the information to the reader in an easy to understand, practical, logical manner. Also in its favour is that it is very readable, no doubt due to the fact that it is written by a "writer", rather than by an academic/marketing/IT person who also writes. The advice to develop a plan, to review your blog and Facebook posts, and your tweets before uploading them, and to get someone else to review them first, is a good point for everyone whether you are doing it for your business or just personally.
The provision of websites where the budding author/publisher can obtain additional specialised help is also particularly useful and reinforces the fact that no one is an expert in every aspect of the process. You may have written a great book, but unless you can publish it and get people to buy it, you may as well just keep your original manuscript on your bookshelf.
However, the thing that struck me almost immediately when I started to read this book was that the systematic approach set out in it was equally applicable no matter what your product was. If you ignore the sections which specifically talk about publishing or writing a book, you could use Austin Briggs' methods for setting up a website and creating an online presence for almost anything you wanted to sell.
When setting up an online business, whether selling your own services or a physical product, you could easily use the chapters on setting up a website, and using blogs and social media to create a buzz for your product or service almost as is. These chapters are particularly useful to the social media newbie.
The 90 day plan could be easily modified to suit almost any business, and this is the big takeaway, I think, from any book about setting up a business/selling a product. You have to develop a plan before you start and then stick to it. The old adage that "failing to plan is planning to fail" applies no matter whether you are a writer trying to get your book published and sold, or you are selling any other product. The discussion of branding, for instance, applies to any product or service.
The framework set out in this book, particularly in the 90 day plan, could be used as the basis of your business plan, or at least your marketing plan, and adapted to suit your own product(s) special needs.
Highly recommended to anyone setting up an online presence for the first time.
BTW I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing. I am not a writer, but a CPA who teaches accounting and business studies.
The provision of websites where the budding author/publisher can obtain additional specialised help is also particularly useful and reinforces the fact that no one is an expert in every aspect of the process. You may have written a great book, but unless you can publish it and get people to buy it, you may as well just keep your original manuscript on your bookshelf.
However, the thing that struck me almost immediately when I started to read this book was that the systematic approach set out in it was equally applicable no matter what your product was. If you ignore the sections which specifically talk about publishing or writing a book, you could use Austin Briggs' methods for setting up a website and creating an online presence for almost anything you wanted to sell.
When setting up an online business, whether selling your own services or a physical product, you could easily use the chapters on setting up a website, and using blogs and social media to create a buzz for your product or service almost as is. These chapters are particularly useful to the social media newbie.
The 90 day plan could be easily modified to suit almost any business, and this is the big takeaway, I think, from any book about setting up a business/selling a product. You have to develop a plan before you start and then stick to it. The old adage that "failing to plan is planning to fail" applies no matter whether you are a writer trying to get your book published and sold, or you are selling any other product. The discussion of branding, for instance, applies to any product or service.
The framework set out in this book, particularly in the 90 day plan, could be used as the basis of your business plan, or at least your marketing plan, and adapted to suit your own product(s) special needs.
Highly recommended to anyone setting up an online presence for the first time.
BTW I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing. I am not a writer, but a CPA who teaches accounting and business studies.
May 12, 2013
(Disclaimer: Received this ebook through the ER/Member Giveaway program on LibraryThing. Review was originally posted 5/12/13 on LibraryThing.)
A wonderful, concise piece that works to educate a writer or potential writer in the fine art of building a successful platform using online media to boost the reach and success of a book.
I was pleased to find that for a non-fiction work such as this, it did have humor and straight-talk that meshed extremely well. I did feel as if the author was talking to me when I read this in one sitting, a definite plus. It felt smooth and well put together with no odd places where I got stymied trying to understand writer jargon (as I'm not a professional writer).
I'm happy to say the author followed his own advice and followed up with a gentle reminder about posting a review (which is Day 12 and Day 15 in his 90 Day Calendar within the book). Very polite and nice to see someone practice what they preach when launching a new book.
My pet peeves, as usual, are spelling, grammar and glaring typos. Wonderfully, I found none of these issues in the book, which I must say is phenomenal compared to what I sometimes find in other books.
As I said, I'm not a professional writer, but having said that, I do feel that if I were to become one, I'd have a great tool and reference book to use in How to Build a Powerful Writer's Platform in 90 Days. Still, it's an insightful and well written ebook that I'm glad I got the chance to read and learn from.
Note to Goodreads members: I gave the book 4 1/2 stars on LibraryThing, I find that Goodreads only does full stars, so unfortunately, the star ratings I gave don't match. Just FYI.
A wonderful, concise piece that works to educate a writer or potential writer in the fine art of building a successful platform using online media to boost the reach and success of a book.
I was pleased to find that for a non-fiction work such as this, it did have humor and straight-talk that meshed extremely well. I did feel as if the author was talking to me when I read this in one sitting, a definite plus. It felt smooth and well put together with no odd places where I got stymied trying to understand writer jargon (as I'm not a professional writer).
I'm happy to say the author followed his own advice and followed up with a gentle reminder about posting a review (which is Day 12 and Day 15 in his 90 Day Calendar within the book). Very polite and nice to see someone practice what they preach when launching a new book.
My pet peeves, as usual, are spelling, grammar and glaring typos. Wonderfully, I found none of these issues in the book, which I must say is phenomenal compared to what I sometimes find in other books.
As I said, I'm not a professional writer, but having said that, I do feel that if I were to become one, I'd have a great tool and reference book to use in How to Build a Powerful Writer's Platform in 90 Days. Still, it's an insightful and well written ebook that I'm glad I got the chance to read and learn from.
Note to Goodreads members: I gave the book 4 1/2 stars on LibraryThing, I find that Goodreads only does full stars, so unfortunately, the star ratings I gave don't match. Just FYI.
March 27, 2013
This arrived at just the perfect time for me, as I am in the process of creating a new blog. Well written, clear and concise, it sets out how to build a good social writing platform within 30 days. Now there are many of these types of books about, and it’s easy to maybe dismiss it on the title for being just another book of nothing tips. However this is a really useful book and well worth reading if you have aspirations of succeeding within the writing or blogging world, or just want to build an attractive website that will attract traffic.
Austin Briggs has focused on how to build techniques that will improve your website or blog, pricing and your brand. He discusses social media as an outlet for writers and especially Facebook and twitter, as a must if you want to get your product out there and known. He goes on to talk about the concept of negative speech and how important it is to put a positive spin on anything you write online, to create the right framework to sell your product.
Full of useful information, covering every aspect you need to know to get out there and be seen, it is full of useful tips and trade secrets that will inspire you.
This book was laid out in a straightforward way that made it easy to read, is an essential resource to have on your desk.
I think this is a great gift idea for anyone that has a website or blog, or is thinking about setting one up.
Austin Briggs has focused on how to build techniques that will improve your website or blog, pricing and your brand. He discusses social media as an outlet for writers and especially Facebook and twitter, as a must if you want to get your product out there and known. He goes on to talk about the concept of negative speech and how important it is to put a positive spin on anything you write online, to create the right framework to sell your product.
Full of useful information, covering every aspect you need to know to get out there and be seen, it is full of useful tips and trade secrets that will inspire you.
This book was laid out in a straightforward way that made it easy to read, is an essential resource to have on your desk.
I think this is a great gift idea for anyone that has a website or blog, or is thinking about setting one up.
January 8, 2015
I signed up for a free review copy of this book because the subject matter intrigued me. While I am not a professional writer, or even an amateur one, I do have an interest in using social medial to promote ones "brand" so I was interested in seeing what recommendations the author of this book would make in that regard.
The social media techniques outlined in this book are what I'd call basic techniques, someone who is familiar with building a brand online won't find anything radically new here. The books strength is in the techniques presented specific to an author wishing to promote their work but who might not be familiar with building a brand using social media.
This book gives a step by step plan for a writer that wants to promote themselves and their work online and gives it in an easy to follow format. The only caveat I would suggest would be that a basic knowledge of how to sign up for and use the social media tools recommended is required, someone who is a complete novice to blogging, twitter, etc., might have difficulty implementing the plan without first learning a little about how those things work. This book won't tell them that.
I would definitely recommend this book to any author who is looking to promote their work. I would even venture to say that some of these techniques could also be used by people in other genres such as artists, movie makers, singers and other creative endeavors that have a product to promote and sell.
The social media techniques outlined in this book are what I'd call basic techniques, someone who is familiar with building a brand online won't find anything radically new here. The books strength is in the techniques presented specific to an author wishing to promote their work but who might not be familiar with building a brand using social media.
This book gives a step by step plan for a writer that wants to promote themselves and their work online and gives it in an easy to follow format. The only caveat I would suggest would be that a basic knowledge of how to sign up for and use the social media tools recommended is required, someone who is a complete novice to blogging, twitter, etc., might have difficulty implementing the plan without first learning a little about how those things work. This book won't tell them that.
I would definitely recommend this book to any author who is looking to promote their work. I would even venture to say that some of these techniques could also be used by people in other genres such as artists, movie makers, singers and other creative endeavors that have a product to promote and sell.
May 1, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion of it. There is nothing new here for those writers who have researched on their own how to build a writer's online platform and promote themselves via social media. However, what is incredibly helpful in this book is the day by day step by step instructions on exactly what to do and how to do it. It's like being on a special diet where you don't have to think about what you'll be cooking for each meal, or even what ingredients are required -- the menu is provided.
The author does hit the nail on the head for building a platform and marketing yourself on social media but never is it mentioned that some people are simply no good at marketing themselves no matter how well laid out and explained the plan is.
I do hope that authors do not go into this blindly and without thought to their particular strengths and weaknesses. There is no shame in not being a good marketer. That's why writers write and marketers market.
However, all that said, I still believe this is quite a worthwhile book for those who want to try or can do both.
The author does hit the nail on the head for building a platform and marketing yourself on social media but never is it mentioned that some people are simply no good at marketing themselves no matter how well laid out and explained the plan is.
I do hope that authors do not go into this blindly and without thought to their particular strengths and weaknesses. There is no shame in not being a good marketer. That's why writers write and marketers market.
However, all that said, I still believe this is quite a worthwhile book for those who want to try or can do both.
May 11, 2013
We've all seen plenty of books on how to sell more books, but 'How to Build a Powerful Writer's Platform in 90 Days' takes it up a few notches. This 'how to' provides a great resource for those looking to build and/or strengthen their writer's platform.
Briggs writes in a very easy-to-understand way without leaving you feeling like he things you haven't ever used a computer before. Everything is straight forward and clear, which makes this book stand out amongst the crowd of others on similar subjects. While I am familiar with social media and how to use it, I found myself highlighting tidbits here and there, and I began taking notes on what things I could do to give my online presence a polish.
As a former online publicist and as an author, I recommend this guide whether you are a beginner or not. I'll have to get the print version of this so it can go on my shelf next to my other reference books.
Briggs writes in a very easy-to-understand way without leaving you feeling like he things you haven't ever used a computer before. Everything is straight forward and clear, which makes this book stand out amongst the crowd of others on similar subjects. While I am familiar with social media and how to use it, I found myself highlighting tidbits here and there, and I began taking notes on what things I could do to give my online presence a polish.
As a former online publicist and as an author, I recommend this guide whether you are a beginner or not. I'll have to get the print version of this so it can go on my shelf next to my other reference books.
March 28, 2013
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this e-book from the author.
This book is an excellent guide to blogging and social media for writers. After reading this, it's clear that marketing and promotion is a lot of work. I can see why pop stars and professional athletes hire people to do the social media for them. It was a bit exhausting going through all of the steps involved in the 90 day calendar. If I were ready to execute the plan, I'd probably spread it out over a longer period. If you already use Twitter or Facebook, the question becomes: what do I do with my "personal" site vs. the proposed "professional" page? In any case, there's lots of great advice here and plenty of useful links to explore topics in greater depth.
This book is an excellent guide to blogging and social media for writers. After reading this, it's clear that marketing and promotion is a lot of work. I can see why pop stars and professional athletes hire people to do the social media for them. It was a bit exhausting going through all of the steps involved in the 90 day calendar. If I were ready to execute the plan, I'd probably spread it out over a longer period. If you already use Twitter or Facebook, the question becomes: what do I do with my "personal" site vs. the proposed "professional" page? In any case, there's lots of great advice here and plenty of useful links to explore topics in greater depth.
December 26, 2015
It's good to have someone pointing you in the right direction for where to put in energy that gets returns in building a Writer's Platform. It's a quickly evolving realm for book publishing in the modern era, and we are all learning as we go unless lucky enough to score a huge publishing house with a dedicated promotion staff willing to spend energy on our book. I read this book, may return to it, and plan to learn a lot between now and April when my first book, From My Mother, releases in April of 2015 - (http://darcyleech.com/books/ )
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
May 26, 2013
Well written book on how to not only start writing but how to keep it up and to get it going once its out there. The author goes into a few details about different types of formats and answers a lot of questions for people like me who are well not too good in the area of online blogging etc. given on library thing for review.
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