Definition: Like a physical platform can be "a stage for public speaking," a media platform refers to a vehicle that gives an author—and his or her books—a built-in audience. Most often referred to simply as a "platform," it might be a TV show, regular column in a newspaper, regular speaking engagements, a popular blog or website, a radio show—or even a relationship with a corporation that can bring exposure to large numbers of readers.
Authors with a platform are appealing to publishers, because the platform assures that a book will automatically get some media attention at publication. The bigger the platform, the larger the audience and the better the chances the author will get his or her book published.
Authors with a platform are appealing to publishers, because the platform assures that a book will automatically get some media attention at publication. The bigger the platform, the larger the audience and the better the chances the author will get his or her book published.
Examples:
Molly Wizenberg's popular food blog, Orangette, was a platform that helped her sell her first book, A Homemade Life.The Holy Grail of platforms is a popular TV show: Jon Stewart's platform, The Daily Show, no doubt helped make America, The Book a bestseller.
