Underneath

Hidden Gems – Advice for the Writing Life

August 2, 2025 – Creating a Writer Platform

Putting yourself out there on the internet is the equivalent of standing on a street corner in downtown New York at 3 a.m. The invitations you are about to receive may not be suitable for public consumption. But we do it. We creators stick our necks out and hope for the best because, like everyone else, we have to eat, pay bills, and care for other people. Promotion on the internet is uncomfortable, daunting, and at times downright embarrassing. Who wants to take writing workshops from a woman who spelled gray without an r and posted it out of context (Use your imagination)? Will they know she typed too fast and her AI proofreader saw no issue? No. It takes equal parts boldness and reserve to bring a passion project to fruition. That’s why, today, we are going to talk about creating a Writer’s Platform.

A wise man once said, “Never turn down a friend request on Facebook.” (Chuck Sambuchino). However, as many women know, this is simply hogwash. If you, like me, are inundated with men (strangers) friending you on Facebook, there is plenty of hesitation. If I haven’t met them, and sometimes because I’ve met them, I don’t virtually befriend any of them. Online, I’m not looking for friends. I want subscribers. Friends are people who pick you up from the airport with little notice. They are kind to you when you’re cross, but also put you in your place. A request for friendship is not a simple click away. It is emotionally cultivated over significant time and attention.

Now, despite my slap down of fellow writer and published author, Chuck Sambuchino, I find his book extremely helpful. The title is long, but for instruction manuals, they often are. Here it is: Create Your Writer Platform: The Key to Building an Audience, Selling More Books, and Finding Success as an Author (I warned you). Chuck provides solid advice, the kind you want to argue with but realize has a firm footing in marketing. Sambuchino says, “No matter how you approach constructing a website, know that while you may very well be able to put together a site yourself, make sure it gives off a vibe of professionalism.” (Sambuchino 101). It pains me to say this, but he is wise and correct. The pain comes from viewing my first website two years removed.

Honestly, when I created ellekelley.com, I was super excited; to borrow from the past, I was stoked. I had so many great ideas, and I smooshed all I could into that landing page like I was backpacking to Europe. Nine. I had nine pages for my viewers to click through, most of which were gobble-dee-gook. I like them because I wrote them, but they gave my readers little to digest. That, there, is one of the main points that Mr. Sambuchino makes. He was telling me, “Keep it simple, stupid.” But I was so very stoked. 

What’s the takeaway? Read Chuck’s book. It will frustrate you, overwhelm you, and make you rethink this whole “build a platform” thing, but in the end, whether you stray like I did, only to return to your website time and time again to tweak and revise, refresh and relaunch, you will have a writer’s platform, and to put yourself and your work out there is how you will promote your business.