Writer Connections

Platform-Building Campaign

S.C.

“I write down everything I want to remember. That way, instead of spending a lot of time trying to remember what it is I wrote down, I spend the time looking for the paper I wrote it down on.”
 -Beryl Pfizer

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I’ve heard of the Platform Building Campaigns (formerly Crusades) earlier this year but too many things were going on for me to dedicate time for it. But I liked the idea of it. Basically, Rachael Harrie of Rach Writes sets up a network twice a year in which writers get together and build each other’s online presences. In her words:

“My Writers’ Platform-Building Campaigns are a way to link writers, aspiring authors, beginner bloggers, industry people, and published authors together with  the aim of helping to build our online platforms.

The Campaigners are all people in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others’ online platforms while at the same time building theirs.”

Pretty nifty, right? (Did I seriously just use that word? o.O) Writers across the board — adult, YA, children, literary, sci-fi, thriller, etc. — are all welcome. You have until August 31 to sign up; after that, the sign-up window closes. Find out more information here.

Published by S.C.

39 thoughts on “Platform-Building Campaign”

  1. For what do you need to build a platform? And, what’s a “platform?” I mean this in sincerity and not dickishness: I’ve tried to build online presence before, but I think it’s a lot less useful than many people think. It’s arguably a different story if you’re self-publishing a lot of work, but then, the indies I know mostly build their platform purely by building their libraries.

    My community strategy is to visit blogs and websites that I find stimulating and interesting, comment there, engage in discussion, and try to provide interesting material on my own blog. But mostly, I just write a lot and submit it.

    The ultimate question is, once you build the platform, what do you put upon the platform?

    Reply

    1. All very good points, Ben. I am also just joining the campaign. I think the point is to make some connections and expose ourselves to support and critique.
      I think this only lasts a few weeks, at the end of which we’ll have a better sense of what attracts more audiences to our sites.

      Reply

    2. Yeah, your questions are valid. I think the goal — at least it’s my goal — is to simply connect with other writers and broaden the blogs that I visit. With so many blogs a part of this campaign (easy access), it takes away some work from searching blind for other writers’ blogs.

      As to what you put on the “platform,” that is another valid point! But the “platform” isn’t so much a professional platform, as if to build a fanbase or anything. That may not be the best word, to be honest. But I believe it’s more of making a presence or connection with other writers. And that presence is geared simply toward writerly support, encouragement, and camaraderie.

      But that’s my take.

      Thanks for commenting!

      Reply

  4. Hi! Just had a peek around your blog. Seems like you’ve got a good professional vibe happening with lots of tips for writers. Looking forward to connecting with you and others in the group.
    I think “platform” is probably a little misleading as far as #writecampaign. The thing is, it’s like having the opportunity to “bump” into other writers that you might not have normally come across. Ultimately writers read writer blogs. It’d be great if readers did too, but they’re usually hanging around book blogs or…just reading the books. 🙂

    Reply

  7. I joined up, but I believe in moderation.

    It’s a nice way to connect with other writers…and makes me feel part of a community. An online presence is nice because it makes me feel less the lonely writer, and more a part of a group of writers 🙂

    Reply

  8. Hey there. I just wanted to stop by and say hi. We’re in the same contemp fiction group! Should be good.

    Reply

  9. Fellow Campaigner stopping in to say hello! I’m in your Science Fiction group. Nice to meet you.

    Reply

  10. Hi S.C. from another campaigner. I’m new to this so not sure quie what to expect but it’s already fun making new connections.
    See you around!
    AliB
    Bristol, UK

    Reply

  12. Pretty nifty? No, VERY nifty! hehe. Glad to meet you as part of the Campaign! The last one was a lot of fun, this one should be great too!

    Reply

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