Myth: I Need a Big Platform Before I Can Publish

Why Impact Isn’t Measured in Follower Counts

Jun 30, 2025

Let’s bust one of the most common—and paralyzing—myths in the publishing world: “I have to have a huge social media following before I can publish a book.”

Cue the dramatic music. Cue the internal spiral. Cue the existential dread over your stagnant Instagram numbers.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to go viral to become an author. You need to connect. You need to be engaged. You need to show up with purpose, not pressure.

person sitting on stack of books while reading — Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

Big Platform ≠ Big Impact

It’s true that traditional publishers often ask about your “platform.” But let’s unpack that word a little.

When editors and agents talk about your platform, what they really want to know is:

Do you have an audience that cares what you have to say?
Will readers recognize your name or voice?
Are you visible in a way that aligns with your message?

In other words, platform is about connection, not just clout.

As literary agent Lisa Tener notes:

“Publishers are not necessarily looking for the largest platform, but for a platform that is growing, responsive, and matches the target audience of the book.”
— “The 10 Platform Myths: What Publishers Really Want” (LisaTener.com)

A 2023 Publishers Weekly survey reinforced this: micro-influencers (audiences of 1,000–10,000) often have higher engagement rates than accounts with massive followings.

And engagement—not numbers—is what moves books.

Small (But Mighty) Examples

Here are a few examples of authors with niche but devoted communities:

Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist, built his platform through his personal blog and a thoughtful weekly newsletter—well before his books took off. He has fewer than 100K followers on most platforms, yet his reach is massive because of sustained, authentic connection.
Anne Bogel, known as Modern Mrs. Darcy, built a community of devoted readers through her podcast and blog long before publishing books like I'd Rather Be Reading. Her platform wasn’t viral—it was relational.
Mari Andrew started by posting personal essays and illustrations to a modest Instagram audience. Her book Am I There Yet? hit The New York Times bestseller list—because her readers felt seen.

How to Build Visibility the Right Way

Instead of panicking about platform size, ask:

“Where are my readers—and how can I show up for them consistently and meaningfully?”

Here’s how to start nurturing a real platform:

Pick one or two platforms where your people hang out. LinkedIn is particularly well-suited for nonfiction and business content. Instagram is ideal for memoir, lifestyle, and visual brands. Newsletters create deep relationships with your audience.
Share ideas that serve. Offer insights, stories, or prompts that reflect the book you’re becoming known for.
Engage, don’t broadcast. Respond to comments. Ask questions. Start conversations. Show up human.
Collaborate. Guest blog. Go on podcasts. Host IG Lives or Substack chats.
(Your audience doesn’t have to come only from your own channel.)
Track what’s working. Engagement > vanity metrics. Focus on responses, shares, and actual conversations.

You’re not “building a platform”—you’re building trust.

Reflect: You’re Already More Visible Than You Think

Here’s a mindset shift: You already have a platform.

Every client, student, colleague, friend, podcast listener, newsletter subscriber, Instagram follower, and book club member counts. Every person who’s heard you speak or read your writing? Part of your platform.

So instead of worrying about who isn’t following you, reflect on who already is. Who trusts you? Who engages with your ideas? Who would pre-order your book tomorrow?

Call to Action: Nurture What You Have

This weekend, I invite you to stop counting followers and start nurturing your readers.

✅ Make a list of the 3–5 places where your audience already connects with you
✅ Choose one small way to offer value or deepen that relationship this week
✅ And if you're feeling brave? Send a note to someone who's supported your work and say thank you

You don’t need a megaphone. You need a message. And you need to keep showing up—one post, one note, one real connection at a time.

Your readers are out there. Start where you are. Grow with intention.