How to Build Your Author Platform, with Nicole Meier

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of building your author platform? Not sure where to start or how to connect with your readers? You’re not alone! 

In this week’s episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I sit down with author and certified book coach Nicole Meier to break it all down into simple, actionable steps.

Nicole is the author of The House of Bradbury, The Girl Made of Clay, and The Second Chance Supper Club, and her latest book, City of Books, is out now! She’s also a developmental editor and co-founder of Bookworks, where she helps writers create an engaging author platform that aligns with their goals.

In our conversation, Nicole shares why so many writers feel stuck when it comes to marketing themselves—and how to move past the overwhelm. If you’ve ever thought, Do I have to be on every social media platform? Do I need a newsletter? What kind of content should I even be sharing?—this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Start with Your “Why” – Before diving into social media or email marketing, take a moment to reflect on what you want from your platform. Do you want to connect with readers? Build credibility? Attract an agent? Understanding your purpose will help you make smarter choices.

✅ Go Where Your Readers Are – Not every platform is right for every author. Romance writers might thrive on Instagram, while nonfiction writers may find their audience on LinkedIn. Nicole shares how to identify the best place to focus your energy.

✅ Less is More – The biggest mistake writers make is trying to be everywhere at once. Nicole recommends choosing one platform and showing up consistently rather than spreading yourself too thin. Quality and consistency matter more than quantity!

✅ Be Authentic – You don’t have to dance on TikTok or create elaborate content if it doesn’t feel right for you. Share your writing journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights into your creative process—authenticity is what truly connects readers to authors.

✅ Newsletters Are Gold – Social media is great for visibility, but email lists convert better when it comes to book sales. Nicole explains why a newsletter (via Substack or another platform) can be a game-changer for your author career.

✅ Avoid Common Mistakes – Nicole highlights the top three mistakes authors make: not knowing their purpose, overcommitting to too many platforms, and feeling like they’re not “worthy” of having a platform. She reassures us that small, consistent efforts are what really matter.

If you want a step-by-step plan to grow your audience, this episode could be exactly what you need!