I've been seeing this term being bandied around quite a lot lately. Well, it seems to flare up every now and again. But is this advice about building platforms being spread in a helpful manner? How and when does "building a platform" apply?

Firstly, I define "platform" seperately from networking. The definition of platform I'm accustomed to applies to non-fiction writers. A platform establishes them as an expert in their field, essentially what they "stand on". It's not limited to keeping a blog or website or any other form of social media but also tours, workshops, etc. In essence not just being able to say "I'm an expert" but being recognized as an expert. So what use is a platform then to fiction writers? There's no requirement that says we have to establish ourselves as a fantasy writer, sci-fi writer, crime writer, etc in the same sense as a non-fiction writer. At least not via social media. Of course it's great if you've gained many followers or readers on your blog, many being actual readers and not just fellow writers, that would certainly only work in your favour. If people are that interested in your blog they're certainly going to be interested in your book. But it's not going to make or break your chances of being published. A publisher is not going to look at a work that's really caught their interest, check out the writer's blog and reject it because said writer has a low number of readers. That isn't how publishing works. Publishers buy stories because they believe they can sell them, and they have all the tools and know-how to market the book to readers. It is not our job to market ourselves and our work unless we're self-publishing. Promote? Naturally. Network? Sure. But market? Not our job. If a publisher can't sell our work, we're not supposed to step in and do it for them (micro publishing exempted, as that works quite differently from large, medium and small publishing). So what's an aspiring writer to do?

Best advice I've received for aspiring authors is to write something worth selling. All promotion and blogs and twitters and such aside, we're writers first and foremost. That shouldn't be forgotten or put to the wayside in favour of creating a "brand" or "platform" or whathaveyou. Because even the greatest platform or largest reader base isn't going to mean a darn thing if you're not producing something worth buying. It certainly doesn't hurt to network, work on your blog or reach out in the meantime, but don't let it become your main focus. After all, when was the last time you heard about someone getting rejected on the basis of their blog readers and not their novel? ;)