About This Episode

On Building an Author Platform You Actually Own

Everyone tells authors they need a platform—but what does that actually mean in today’s publishing landscape?

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, Kathleen and Adanna sit down with podcasting and content marketing expert Tracy Hazzard to unpack what an effective author platform looks like today. Tracy explains why social media followers aren’t the same as a true platform, why your website should serve as the foundation of your marketing, and how creating consistent content can build lasting authority that continues working long after a single post disappears from a social feed.

The conversation also explores practical ways authors can begin building a platform before their book launches. From choosing the right content format—whether that’s blogging, podcasting, video, or Substack—to establishing a consistent publishing rhythm, Tracy shares actionable strategies that help authors attract readers, increase discoverability, and build credibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with book marketing, this episode offers a clear roadmap focused on building your audience rather than chasing algorithms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your website—not social media—is the foundation of your author platform.
• The difference between building followers and building an audience you own.
• How consistent content improves discoverability and builds authority.
• Why authors should choose the content format they enjoy most.
• Practical first steps for creating a sustainable marketing platform before your book launches.

We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.

Resource

Tracy has shared her Content Gap Analyzer with us, you can check it out Here

About our guest