# Building Your Author Platform: Insights for Success
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Challenge
A common scenario in the world of traditional publishing often unfolds like this:
Publishing Representative (to Aspiring Author): Great concept, but you must establish your platform.
Aspiring Author: Alright. What steps should I take?
Publishing Representative: Uhhhh...
This exchange is, of course, a significant oversimplification. Before I developed my own platform, I found myself in the same position, either stammering or suggesting the most basic advice, like "just post on social media," which didn't truly benefit authors.
When I began promoting my own business, I discovered that approximately 80% of those engaging with my emails, following me on social media, and expressing interest in collaborating with my team lacked the necessary foundation to secure a traditional book deal. They needed to cultivate their own platform first.
It was during this period that I recognized I had successfully built my own platform. I had an audience. I had a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs. I understood how to gain media attention, secure speaking opportunities, and navigate corporate purchasing processes. Additionally, I had collaborated with numerous online entrepreneurs, gaining insights into that landscape as well.
Thus, the concept of Platform Builders emerged — leading us to today's inquiry: How does business coaching differ from Platform Builders?
Section 1.1: The Distinction Between Coaching Models
The guidance and support provided through Platform Builders are tailored specifically toward creating an audience that will assist you in achieving both a book deal and a thriving business.
In my experience, business coaching often lacks comprehensive education about traditional publishing. And if it does touch on that, it's typically from the viewpoint of one individual's experiences as both an author and a business coach. In contrast, Platform Builders stands out as the only online resource I'm aware of that is led by a traditional publishing expert who is also a successful online entrepreneur.
Subsection 1.1.1: What Platform Builders Offers
Section 1.2: Comprehensive Support for Authors
Platform Builders provides:
- Exclusive access to me through a dedicated PB Slack channel.
- One group coaching session each month.
- Live bonus calls featuring guest speakers focused on audience development, book publishing, and platform enhancement.
- A core curriculum based on proven strategies from entrepreneurs who secured six-figure book deals.
- Participation in two virtual workshops with industry experts and literary agents.
For those who thrive with personalized guidance, we also offer one-on-one mentorship, though this is capped at 20 individuals to ensure I maintain a balanced life.
Chapter 2: The Value of Coaching
Don't misunderstand me: I genuinely believe in the power of business coaching. It's one of the primary reasons I'm sharing this message with you today. In fact, I recommend that my clients pursue business coaching in tandem with Platform Builders.
This combination offers the best of both worlds — business coaching will guide you in becoming the most recognized figure in your niche, while Platform Builders will help you emerge as the bestselling author in that same niche.
Cheers to your achievements,
Meghan
P.S. Interested in learning more? Schedule a free consultation with our author development specialist to determine if Platform Builders is the right fit for you.