Going on Submission Got You Down?
Chloe Caldwell is here to commiserate
Hello Bleeders!
I’m very excited to have Chloe Caldwell on the podcast for the second time. Here’s her latest interview.
The pub date for the re-release of Chloe’s cult classic novella Women is June 4th. It’s got a new cover and a new forward. Order your copy now!
I also wanted to let y’all know about two classes I have coming up TOMORROW.
I’m teaching a one-day seminar, How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought, and the first session for a two-month Summer Writer’s Platform Coaching. (Both will be recorded if you can’t attend live.)
Platform is one of my favorite topics to teach on because it demystifies a process that many writers find nebulous and/or overwhelming. In fact, I myself used to cringe when given advice to build my platform. But over the years, I’ve figured it out by leaning into my joys and strengths, and now my platform is well-developed and serves as the cornerstone of my writing career. It’s one of the reasons my agent signed me.
So, what does a “platform” consist of?
It includes:
Social Media
Newsletters
Podcasts
Publication bylines
Press Coverage
Events/Speaking Engagements
Online Communities
And more!
Why is it important for writers to build a “platform”?
In today’s competitive literary market, writers need a robust platform to sell their books to both publishers and readers and advance their careers. A platform allows writers to showcase their work, attract the attention of publishers and literary agents, and, ultimately, build a loyal readership. By having a platform, writers can demonstrate their marketability and audience engagement, which is crucial for publishers looking to invest in new talent.
Furthermore, a well-established platform enables writers to diversify their revenue streams through events, online courses, and merchandise, ensuring a sustainable income beyond book sales. It also serves as a valuable tool for personal branding, making it easier to secure speaking engagements and media appearances.
In essence, a platform is indispensable for modern writers, acting as a bridge between their creative output and commercial success. It amplifies visibility, strengthens professional credibility, and provides the reach needed to thrive in the literary industry.
What’s the difference between your two courses?
The one-day seminar is more of an overview wherein I explain the ins and outs of the various different platform-building activities. I'll also share my hard-earned tips to help save you time and accelerate your results. The one-day seminar is awesome, but it's a ton of information packed into one session.
So that inspired the summer coaching program, which consists of four sessions spread over two months. It's a small group, so there's going to be a lot more one-on-one attention, plus ongoing homework and accountability. It's basically a guided opportunity to put the lessons from the one-day seminar into action. And it’s a unique offering as I don't have any plans to offer the coaching again.
If you’re looking to grow your platform, I hope you’ll join me.
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️
Let me know what you think of Chloe’s second Bleeders interview in the comments below.
Let’s connect on social media! I’m @courtneykocak on Twitter/X and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.