Hearing that you need a well-developed platform to support your book publicity campaign might seem odd if you're a first-time author. The kind of platform your publicist refers to has to do with your online visibility and professional support system (your network). Launching a book means competing effectively in a crowded marketplace, and doing it means several things need to be in place. They all reach target readers and help them discover your book and perhaps decide to purchase a copy. If your platform is well developed, you can avoid putting your publicity effort and your book in a difficult position.

Social media is a serious business for authors today, and even though your posts may be helpful and entertaining, they need to accomplish their purpose. Like it or not, you must be present on two social media channels, depending on your interests and book genre. Successful writers have sizeable followings, and those social media fans convert well to book buyers when you attract their attention and interest with engaging posts. Your publicist can help with post ideas and suggestions for building your social media following. It's easy to follow other authors to see how they make it work.

Your website is another crucial element of your author's platform. The days are long gone when you might consider publishing a book before you launch your site. Readers, reviewers, media representatives, and potential retail buyers will all likely look for your site to learn more about you and your work. It makes a favorable impression when you have a good-looking website that includes your bio, a page about each of your books, links for where to buy books, and posts about your media coverage. If someone searches your name online and can't find a site, it will leave a question in their mind.  

The final plank in your author's platform is your network of professional contacts. These are people you can talk to about your book initially and who may help spread the word. More books are sold by word-of-mouth promotion, both in-person and online than many people realize. You can count on well-liked current and former colleagues to lend a hand, along with family, friends from school, and even colleagues from professional organizations. You'll need to build your book publicity effort around all of these elements to become a success. Take your author's platform seriously, and you'll reap the rewards.