Writing Coach Teresa says: “Platform-Building Is Fun For Writers, Friends, Fans.”
When I heard dear friend Kim McMillon’s voice on July 16, 2012 asking if I would like to be a guest on CBS 5′s Bay Sunday show, I thought . . . I’d love to, but, I’m exhausted. . . Just that day, artist Chandra Garsson (another dear friend) had filmed me reading my ten-minute monologue Answer Me Now. Two days before that, I was on the “Writers on Writing” panel at Oakland Library, Rockridge Branch, that Kim had orchestrated for Stephanie Dale, Judith Cody, Yolande Barial, Joan Gelfand, and yours truly Teresa LeYung-Ryan.
Saying “yes” would mean spending at least two full days preparing for the appearance and doing pre-event publicity and then calendaring another two days to do post-event follow-ups and publicity.
You see . . . a week before that, I had interviewed award-winning author Carol Sheldon (Mother Lode) at Book Passage at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Two days before that event, I had attended a planning meeting at Women’s National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter. Before that, I was away for the 3-day Redwood Writers Ten-Minute Play Festival at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. Before that, I was having fun with California Writers Club friends showcasing our works at the San Mateo County Fair (June 12 and June 16 for me).
All the while . . . I was helping clients create their platform-statements and identify themes in their manuscripts.
Yes, I was exhausted . . . But, I knew I would say “Yes!” to my dear friend Kim McMillon. Kim was helping Bay Sunday Producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa by providing a list of authors with public-speaking experience. I was one of the fortunate chosen ones. I needed to say “Yes! Thank you!”
I am so glad I did . . . Angela Pang, Community Relations Manager at AsianWeek Foundation (who is also my pal Margie Yee Webb’s beloved niece), saw the group photo posted by Bay Sunday’s super team on their facebook album “Bay Sunday 7/23 Taping” and tagged me. Now, I’m getting all kinds of fun messages from my other friends.
Writers’ Platform-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says: “The way Bay Sunday Host Frank Mallicoat cheers for his friend who is writing a book is a beautiful example of friends turning into fans for each other. Outfitting your fans (old ones and new ones) with your platform-statement helps them brags about you with ease. I cheer for writers, friends, fans! Thank you, 3 time Emmy Award winner Frank! Thank you, producer Akilah Bolden-Monifa! Thank you to the four wonderful interns, especially Jennifer and Chelsea! Thank you Bay Sunday Team (including audio expert Francisco Gomez and the gurus behind stage!)
“I had so much fun this morning being a guest on Bay Sunday at CBS 5 with fellow authors Joan Gelfand, Ishmael Reed, and Pireeni Sundaralingam . Everyone extended kind energy. I was happy to see Tennessee Reed! Thank you, Kim McMillon, for pitching us to Akilah!
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
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Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
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Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
Of the 10 talking-points that I was prepared to cover, we had time to answer most of these in the five-minute interview:
• What is Coach Teresa’s definition of a writer’s platform?
“Making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers—who are likely to buy what you have to sell.”
“What I care about leads to my writing about those themes/subject matters/issues; what I write about attracts my fans because they also care about what I care about. Help your fans find you.”
Start with: “I care about . . . ”
Example: (as a writer of fiction, narrative nonfiction, including memoirs )
I am Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart. I care about helping adult-children (of mentally-ill parents) speak openly about the stigmas and find resources for their loved ones.
Example: (as a writer of prescriptive nonfiction a.k.a. “how to” )
I am Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days. I care about helping writers thrive in today’s publishing arena.
Where to “show” your platform-statement?
Your email signature block! Your letterhead! Your website and blog slogan/tagline/description! Your bio! Your business cards!
“Even when I’m emailing my loved ones (my biggest fans), I show them my platform-statement in my signature block. Help your fans brag about you with ease.”
• Why does a writer need to promote?
“To compete in the publishing arena where celebrity authors and best-selling authors have huge fanbases. “
• How much does it cost to build my writer’s platform?
“Might not require money. The writer does need to invest time and energy. 22 minutes a day for 22 days to start.”
• What is branding?
“Your name is your brand. Making your name synonymous with the issues you write about in order to attract fans (a.k.a. targeted consumers)”
• Which is the “better” route – find an agent who will find the publisher OR find the publisher myself OR be my own publisher?
“A writer’s journey is magical. Your fans could be the ones to lead you to your route. Take a look at my website, page entitled “Writers’ Resources,” and my blog.”
• Coach Teresa, your workbook is Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days . Why 22 days?
“When we stick to something for 21 consecutive days, we develop a new habit. Why not gain the wonderful habit of building our platform/name? On the 22nd day, we celebrate. Everyday is a good day to build your name / fanbase / platform!”
The workbook: Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Please click here to get the post after the show was aired on September 9, 2012, 5:30am and the link to view the segment posted on Bay Sunday’s YouTube channel.
I care about helping writers thrive in the publishing arena. Coaching writers before and after publication is what I enjoy doing. Some clients prefer my coaching them 5 to 15 minutes a day for 22 consecutive days ( in-person, via Skype or phone calls); some prefer an hour or two hours at a time. Start with my workbook — You can sneak preview the 2 exercises for Day 1 in Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days by going to Amazon and take advantage of their “Look Inside” feature.
How to contact me? Click here please.
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.youtube.com/
I cheer for all writers!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa
Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
“Reach out, not stress out, to materialize your dearest dreams.”
“My platform is not something I stand on, it is what my name stands for.”
http://writingcoachteresa.com
I love your incredible information on branding, and your wonderful support of writers. You are a gift to the writing community.
Kim McMillon
Congratulations on your appearance on Bay Sunday Teresa! Thanks for sharing your expertise with the audience (who will be able to watch soon on TV) and for sharing your experience on your blog…you are amazing! Thanks to Kim McMillon for being so smart and thoughtful!
Love all the photos too!
Margie
Margie Yee Webb
Author/Photographer, Cat Mulan’s Mindful Musings:
Insight and Inspiration for a Wonderful Life
http://www.catmulan.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MargieYeeWebb
California Authors at CA State Fair – July 12-29, 2012
Cal Expo, A/B Building
My Schedule: * July 14 * July 16 * July 23 * July 24 * July 29 *
http://www.bridgehousebooks.com/statefair
http://www.bigfun.org/
Got Cat Stories?
Co-Creator, Not Your Mother’s Book . . . On Cats
http://publishingsyndicate.com/
Congratulations my dear friend, you are deserving of all the good that comes your way. Keep flying!
Dearest Teresa,
I launched my blog today with some courage and confidence after reading your book – Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase in 22 Days. I’m re-reading your instructions and applying my time to the necessary tasks while still learning the mechanics of running a blog. Thank you for making it so much easier for me. I’m having fun! Not only am I promoting myself to thousands of readers for my work in progress entitled, Little Girl Lost, I am learning about others who have common interests and great talent. My life is richer for these discoveries.
Check me out at: millieannelowe.wordpress.com
Millie Anne Lowe
Life Story Writer
Millie Anne!
I am so happy that you’re having fun building your platform. I shall check out your blog to see what some of your “tags” are.
Thank you for letting me know that you’re re-reading my workbook. New adventure awaits you.
Cheering for you!
Sincerely,
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
P.S. If you’re near Sacramento, CA
I’ll be presenting my workshop “Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days”
Free event! Tell your writer-friends!
November 9, 2013 10:30am-12:30pm Pacific Time
Northern California Publishers & Authors (NCPA) meetings are held at:
the “Sun Terrace” room on the third floor of
Merrill Gardens Retirement Community
7418 Stock Ranch Road (just west of Sylvan Road)
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Northern California Publishers & Authors (NCPA) present:
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
“Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days”
Are you published and you want more readers and media attention?
Is your fiction or nonfiction project being turned down by agents or acquisition editors because your platform doesn’t entice them?
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan will show you how to thrive in the publishing arena and have fun too. She says: “Reach out, not stress out! By making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers (your fans)—who are likely to buy what you have to sell. Learn how to help your fans find you, before and after publication!” From the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW.
Meanwhile, go to http://writingcoachTeresa.com and watch Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s interview on CBS “Bay Sunday.” Her workbook will be available on Nov. 9, 2013.