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Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m chatting with two industry experts, Nicole Meier (multi-published author and book coach) and Gretchen Schaffer (marketing and PR strategist), the brilliant team behind Bookworks.co

Nicole and Gretchen break down exactly what an author platform is (hint: it’s simpler than you think), why it's important (but not something to stress about), and how you can confidently start building yours right now—no matter where you are in your writing journey.

Here’s a peek at what we cover:

• What exactly is an author platform, anyway? (Spoiler alert: it’s just your online/offline presence that connects you authentically with readers)
  
  
• When’s the best time to start building your platform? (Hint: you might be surprised!)
  
  
• Practical, realistic steps you can take immediately to grow your platform without feeling overwhelmed
  
  
• How to clearly define your author brand, find your readers, and feel good about pitching your work
  
  
• The resources and tools Nicole and Gretchen recommend to make your platform-building easier (and even fun)
  
  

Whether you’re brand-new to the idea of an author platform or looking to boost your current efforts, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, real strategies, and encouragement to help you succeed, minus the stress.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Let’s talk platforms without the panic!
  
  
  
• 01:16 – Meet Nicole Meyer & Gretchen Schaefer of Bookwork
  
  
  
• 04:11 – What an author platform really is (and isn’t)
  
  
  
• 11:53 – Practical tips you can use right away to build your author platform confidently
  
  
  
• 25:01 – How Bookwork can help you (plus final thoughts)
  
  

Final Thoughts

Building your author platform doesn’t need to feel like another full-time job. Nicole and Gretchen reminded me that the key is authenticity and simplicity. So take a deep breath—your readers want to know the real you, and building connections can actually be enjoyable.

Ready to dive in? You’ve got this!

Happy writing (and platform-building!), friends!

To learn more about Bookworks, Nicole Meier and Gretchen Schaffer, please visit their website

 bookworks.co 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

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