Get Known Before the Book Deal, a book review

If you knew you could increase your chances of getting a book deal, but it would take 1-3 years, would you do it? That’s the questions I asked myself as I started to read Christina Katz’ Get Know Before the Book Deal: Use Your Personal Strengths To Grow An Author Platform.

Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, divides the book into three sections, exploration and discovery of: your specific expertise and audience, a buffet of marketing tools and techniques, and lastly, how to put it all together into an attractive package. Christina Katz defines a platform as “…all the ways you are visible and appealing to your future, potential, or actual readership.” In all sections, she often addresses the shy and introverted author who may not be comfortable with becoming visible beyond their manuscript. She gives us a swift and gentle kick in the keister. Well-organized and well-written, Christina’s book helps aspiring authors to be successful at self-promotion so you can become a recognized expert or noted authority, and be attractive to an agent or editor.

Published in 2008, this book doesn’t include much on social media marketing or blogging. Nevertheless, I found her overview and practical tips extremely helpful. Most of all, I appreciate how she helps authors tailor their platform and promotional efforts around what is important to them.

Christina Katz is on my keeper list, and my recommend list. And my answer is yes. I am willing to put the time in to build my platform to get a book deal. Are you? If you’re serious about getting your book published, I encourage all aspiring authors to read, and take action, on this book. See you on the bookshelves!