Over the last week an online conversation has emerged about platform building. Beth Moore calls us Christward when she writes:
“This is what I know for certain. It would be unspeakably better for us to drop into obscurity than sell our souls. We may have to make the biggest sacrifice in our entire social media culture: we may have to settle for being unknown.”
Oh Beth. You are a gift to the body of Christ. Your grace, your humility. May we all continue to learn from you—in what you teach, in who you are, in how you live.
I wrestle with this issue every day—both for myself and for those I coach and mentor through the Write Brilliant Academy.
I’m passionate about raising a generation of writers who transform people’s lives with their words.
These are men and women who know they’ve been entrusted with a message and they’re stepping out to answer the calling on their lives.
To tell their story.
To become a thought-leader.
To allow their words to transform countless lives.
They aren’t on the sidelines. And they know that as they move forward with traditional publishing they will be required to answer questions about platform? That means Twitter, Facebook, and Insta followers. Blog traffic. Email lists. Speaking schedule. And more.
So how do you do this well? How do you navigate the landscape as a follower of Christ?
I feel a responsibility to help others do this well.
Perhaps because over the last 20 years, I’ve made countless mistakes.
I’ve written blog posts that have felt like bait and switch to readers (something I never intended yet deeply regret). I pushed a product too hard, and others not enough (to a publisher’s disappointment). I responded to tweets in anger and made statements that were a waste of everyone’s time. I became addicted to Twitter feeds and Instagram feeds and Facebook feeds that left me soul- starved. I started to believe in online friendships more than living, breathing ones. I started to believe the screen was my savior.
I’m still learning…every day.
Here are 4 Little Known Ways to Build a Platform and Still Protect Your Soul:
1. Root yourself in community.
You can have all the online friends you want. Just make sure you have more in real life.
For eight years, my husband, Leif, and I travelled together. I spoke and he managed me. For several years, we were on the road more than 200 nights per year.
My marriage would have dissolved if we didn’t travel together.
During those years, we became detached from our local community. I held onto a handful of long-time friendships, but we were out of sync with a normal paced life. We weren’t free for weekend barbeques or bar mitzvahs with neighbors.
I nurtured long-distant relationships with friends around the country via phone and text, but I missed the local, real-life connection.
Since then, Leif has gone on staff at Capital Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.
We are nestled into a community and I’m loving every minute of it.
No one cares about my profession. They care about me. And that’s a beautiful gift.
Jess and Matt’s kids attack me with bear hugs, Leah hunts treasures with me at garage sales, Ann and Andrea take long hikes with me in the rain, Greg and Jeri share their favorite restaurants, All are all antidotes to that toxic lollipop.
One little secret: I’ve spent a lot of time with the headliners of the largest Christian conferences and all of them—sooner or later—beg to get off the road.
I wish someone had told me that sooner.
2. Practice an abundance mindset.
Several years ago an upcoming writer and speaker asked, “How do you respond to Shauna Niequist since she’s your competition?”
“What?” I asked, stunned.
“You’re both Zondervan authors trying to reach the same market,” she said.
“First, she’s not my competition; she’s my friend,” I said. “And our audiences are people who need Jesus. At last count, I think there are at least 300 million in America. Together, I hope we reach all of them. And you know, it’s a good thing if someone loves Shauna’s books and mine.”
When I sat down to write Flourish, I called Shauna and asked for wisdom. She had released her best-selling, stunning devotional Savor. I asked if she learned any lessons. Shauna said, “Margaret, 365 devotions is a lot! I’d really suggest looking at writing a shorter devotional if you don’t want to feel overwhelmed.”
Because of her wisdom and generosity, I wrote a 52-week devotional with longer meaty entries that wasn’t overwhelming to the reader (or me). I’m so grateful for Shauna.
Yet the original question about Shauna has stuck with me, because it’s so easy to slip into a scarcity mindset in Christian writing, speaking, and publishing.
Budgets have limits. Event host select speakers. Publishers pick key titles each season.
When you’re tempted by scarcity thinking, look up and all around.
Turn to the left or right in your neighborhood and you’ll find someone who needs Jesus.
Who needs your story? Your message? Your encouragement?
Focus on the abundance and your life will fill with gratitude.
Side note: One reason I don’t see others as competitors is because I pray for them. I keep a list of speakers and writers who I pray for regularly tucked away. None of them know. But what if you made your own prayer list?
3. Keep some secrets to yourself.
I’m always haunted by the image of the temple prostitute. She gave away everything and transformed the sacred into the profane.
I’ve watched people who publish every thought, tweet every emotion, Instagram every moment, Facebook every minute, and I can’t help but wonder, What’s left?
This is a personal conviction for me so please hear my heart.
I’ve written many books and Bible studies and shared intimate details of my life, my marriage, my failures, my relationships with you. Each was written with a desire to draw you closer to Christ and life you’re meant to live.
But there’s so much I haven’t told you.
Oh, the treasures of Scripture. The tender words Jesus whispers in my heart. The aha! moments that transform me forever.
I hold many of these back. Why?
These are my greatest treasures and I savor them.
Some of the discoveries, particularly in my relationship with Jesus, well, they’re just between me and Him.
I love you, but I treasure Him more.
So don’t live a life where you feel like you need to publish every thought or whim or insight or aha!. Learn to keep your secret treasures to yourself.
4. Love, love, love your audience.
The students in the Write Brilliant Academy hear this over and over. We drill it into every lesson, every homework assignment, every step as they learn to put together a book proposal and grow their platform.
Writing is primarily an act of self-sacrifice.
Writing is never meant to be about you.
I know, it’s your story, your experience, your discovery.
But it’s still not about you.
Have you ever read a blog and felt like someone emotionally vomited on you?
Have you ever read the first chapter of a book and soon realized that’s all the author had to say?
Have you ever finished a book thought, Wow, I just paid $15 to listen to someone’s therapy session?
I believe writing is meant to be an act of service and love.
That’s why my students are constantly being challenged to write to the needs of their audience. To serve. To self-sacrifice.
I want to raise up a generation of writers who pen books that transform lives and have a lasting impact.
That act of self-sacrifice, of truly serving their audience, is meant to shape everything we do.
Our blogs. Our social media. Our emails. Our interactions. Our conversations. Our speaking.
So the next time you sit down to write—whether it’s a blog or book, a speech or sermon, a social media strategy or marketing plan—what if you paused to ask, “How can I love, love, love those I seek to serve even in this?”
I don’t have all the answers. I, too, have many questions. I will continue to make mistakes and face new temptations just like you.
But together we can learn from each other, encourage each other, and pray for each other.
Please know I love you and I’m for you,
Margaret
Ah, Margaret! I just had a filling, satisfying “breakfast”, and I haven’t eaten yet. 🙂 Wise wonderful words! Amen, dear sister.
Thank you Robyn! Huge hugs 🙂
Yes, Margaret. I agree. I always like to “pray” before I speak or write. Sometimes words spoken aloud are not needed. There are times when listening is best. 🙂 Thank you for this wonderful message.
Thanks for sharing Melissa! You definitely have to have a balance between speaking and listening!
Yeas yes yes. This is what we all need to hear. Love you friend
Thanks Lindsay!
Beautiful Margaret, I have read several responses and none struck me as deeply as yours. I love the idea of praying for other writers/speakers and not telling them. Thank you!
You are welcome! Prayers are so powerful by themselves!
Margaret, it’s so great you took the time to write this. I am glad for you enjoying community, having your marriage, and growing in your writing.
I must admit that when i first saw Write Brilliant, i prayed that you have not gone the way of the usual… so i listened, and I hear your love!
Thanks for the reminder too to keep bits just between Jesus and I. yes, i pause and ask, do i really want to share this nugget with everyone?
I just wanna share that I am from Asia, but God has brought me to USA to begin writing 15 years ago, and right now I am in USA again…writing. Just amazing.
You stay snug in Jesus dear sister-soul!
Jenni! So glad you are writing! What a gift!
Thanks for this, dear friend.
“Writing is primarily an act of self-sacrifice.” Yes. I am slowly learning this by heart and, I hope, I am finally ready to write. Such a wonderful post, Margaret, thank you. I love your heart. Blessings upon blessings!
Thank you for the encouragement, Mari-Anna
Wonderful words, aptly timed and with clear Christ-centered intent. Thanks for inspiring other writers to point the way to Jesus!
Thank you for this!
Excellent Read. Thx.
“Treasure Him more”
and “love, love, love”
Sounds a lot like our LORD’s words for how to live.
I appreciate this post so much. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, even the lessons you learned through mistakes. I am sure Abba is very proud of you. He draws near to humble children like you.
Thank you for the encouragement, sweet friend.
Such great words of wisdom here. Thank you for everything you do to encourage the body of Christ.
There’s too much of many authors that promote books in the guise of Bible study. If we want to join in, then buy my book. I’m not saying that the books aren’t worth buying or the author doesn’t deserve to sell books, but why is it always selling something? I’ve seen countless people respond to studies, workshops, cruises, conferences, etc who would love to join in and really need that outlet but can’t afford to. There’s not enough offers of scholarships or donating to those who really can’t afford the newest book, etc. I do get irritated when the emails I get from a number of sources are always selling something. My husband and I serve at a mission church with people who have little income. Our church can’t afford much. We love to do studies. But by the time the DVD sessions and then student guides are all added in, $100 could be spent. It just gets frustrating when people are wanting to grow and change and there’s not a lot of opportunities for them to go to retreats or read more in depth about who God is.
I hear you Bobbi! There are some great workshops and other events I would love to participate in but can’t afford. Here are a couple options that I have found useful —
1) There are a couple publishers who have started putting Bible studies online. The videos are made available online for free! All you have to do is buy the workbook, and they usually give you a reduced price even if you buy only 1 workbook.
2) If your ministry is under a larger church, see if that church would sign up for RightNow.org. This group makes many Bible study videos available for free. Each individual can watch the video once the church registers their email with RightNow to give them access. What I did for several Bible studies, was I would show the videos during the Bible study group time, followed by discussion. Again, only the workbook needed to be purchased.
I hope this ideas can help you!
Thank you sweet Sister for your focus on Jesus, willingness to be genuinely transparent and gentle leadership. I too loved your admonition to secretly pray for others in your field. Loved it! Your faithfulness to following Jesus first is honest to your life. Love it! Keep walking … we’re skipping along behind! 🙂
Blessings and hugs,
Kathleen
Kathleen, thank you for your kind words!
Margaret, this is one of the reasons I admire you. I see the love of Christ shine in you in everything you do! I love how your words inspire and challenge me to be all that Christ would have me be. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I needed this refreshing word this morning! Much love to you!
Glad this was refreshing! Huge hug to you!
I love the way you write, the way you love and the way you reflect the Lord! Thank you for setting a Godly example for us to follow
Very, very good! Thought-provoking and practical. Been enjoying this topic and the remarks made by you ladies that I look up to so much. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for these words–beautifully written, so helpful for this aspiring writer.
One thing for sure, Margaret, your love shines through all of your writing. It was your genuine smile and caring words that got me to start reading your books. I have read many of them, and I have loved them all! You have always been generous to your readers. It is authors like you that got me to start a list of authors that I pray for. I don’t know that I will ever write a book myself, but I enjoy encouraging Christian authors and helping launch their books when the opportunity is given to me (as I have done on two of your books). This post gives writers great advice! Thank you!
This is great advice, thank you for taking the time to share it. I’ve learned from you from a distance for many years now, and this resonates so much with my heart and my desire to write.
Beautiful, sensitive response–and super practical challenges–as always, lovely M.
Met you at Fresh Grounded last year in Little Rock, and still enjoy hearing your words. Everyone should really see you in person because you can totally grasp ho you are even more and I love this!
Margaret,
I am participating in your WB group, though behind the scenes more than others. I have learned so much from you and JM. In many ways even if I never write a book, the material and instruction have helped me immensely in ministry.
In the past two months, I have attended CLASS training, a Propel Workshop in CA, The Gospel Coalition Conference as well as following the twitter feed that prompted the blog from Beth and the article by Karen Swallow Prior. I have to be honest, I was a bit confused that in WB and CLASS, I was taught build a platform, while the leaders at Propel Workshop, and Gospel Coalition (Tim Keller in particular) said don’t worry about building a platform.
While the message was different, I want you to know because I trust your heart for God and ministering to others, I know there was more behind the work and I am glad you took time to explain. My primary ministry for the past 35+ years has been discipleship to next gen women. I read and follow so much of what is happening culturally, I am grateful women seasoned in ministry, are addressing the allure of the platform at the expense of depth in ministry. How I wish I could discuss all of this over a cup of coffee with you! Thank you for your continued faithfulness to to reaching so many women with the Hope of the Gospel. Do not grow weary in doing good, sister!
Warmly,
Kathleen
My Dear Friend from A-far,
What more could be said. that hasn’t already been stated. Thank you for these words of wisdom. I too see your heart in everything you write. Not to mention you have been given the gift of words.
I’m a blogger and I admit I sometimes I worry about building a platform and putting myself out there in such a vulnerable capacity. You have no idea where your life in writing goes and who is watching. There is so much “evil” in the world. People who are out to scam or abuse in some way or another. I try to not let that stop me, but admit it’s never far from the back of my mind.
You my friend are a breath of fresh air to my soul.
Hugs,
P.S. I’m totally okay with being unknown. As long as my writing accomplishes the goal the Lord has set before me. After all, He is the reason I write.
Thank you. Thank you. This was so helpful and so good.
I love this so much. So much wisdom. Thank you.
Thank you for these wise and encouraging words! Saving this one to re-read.
Thank you. I see more changes He and I can work on together.
Platform building. For years I have stumbled over it, fretted over, worried over, felt sorry for myself over it – all the over it I can name and still I’m not over it – I’m getting better though. 🙂
So I have determined to let a sneaking suspicion settle over my soul: that when the Books are opened it will be revealed that I helped and influenced more folks for good than I am thinking I have now and in order for that to continue happening my platform must continue in this season to be small — He’s protecting me from myself. 🙂
Wow, such thoughtful truths t hang on to. Especially love the way you humbly refute the idea of “competition”- isn’t it so much better to see other creatives as co-laborers?! ☺️ Grateful for your wisdom and example.
Great stuff as always, Margaret! Let me ask – is there anything about “being on the road” that you do miss, that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise? Can you have a writing career without the hassles and highlights of the road? – hmmm. Thanks again, Dayna
Goodness, thank you Margaret for speaking such truth and grace into this “topic” right now. Mostly, I’ve been encouraged by the posts I am reading…but deep inside, I have felt a growing tension. I can’t not write, you know? It’s how I love Him, it’s how I long to serve Him, and others.
At the end of the day, it comes down to motives ~ He alone knows the degree to which we delight in Him. And it is He alone who grows the desires of our hearts. May we only strive to be faithful stewards of the trust He has given us. Whether our written words impact one or one million.
And oftentimes, as writers, our word-wonderings impact us, more than anyone. I think that may just be the difference between platform-building and platform-being. If we aren’t living, breathing testimonies of our own words, and ultimately His Word, then no one needs to listen anyways. And that takes time. That takes courage. That takes bending the knee to His way ~ which is always in the shape of a Cross. Less of me, more of Jesus.
Thank you, again, Margaret for your wisdom and for cheering us on in love and faith.
I am a missionary and every few years I go back to the US to visit my supporting churches, sharing about what God has been up to over the past few years since my last visit. Every few months I write a newsletter to keep people updated in between my physical visits. I use social media to share prayer requests and other items of interest. What you have written here is a great help and encouragement to me. Thank you.
Also, my Bible study group here in Japan and our little church plant loved reading through John together during lent. So encouraging! It was exciting to see so many digging into scripture.
I was just starting to berate myself for not posting on my blog this week, but nothing felt quite right to write about. I needed this reminder that our story doesn’t always fit into a formula or square up neatly to be put on a ‘platform’ – we need to just be God’s children. Be obedient to Him. I thank you for being obedient, Margaret and helping so many others do the same. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us – but to YOUR NAME we give glory.”
Margaret, thank you!
You don’t know how much your post means to me in this season.
This is beautifully written, but more than that it’s beautiful truth spoken in love. I’m so grateful for your guidance. Thank you for being more than a Write Brilliant coach to me.
I couldn’t love this any harder. I feel like it’s a tightrope walk, assuring myself that I’m not self-serving in my writing. Thank you for the encouragement and reminder.
Great points. Thank you.
Thank you sweet daughter of the King. I appreciate very much your candid approach to writing to and leading your audience. Everything you had to say makes so much sense.
My fears and inadequencies become ‘less’ as Loving and Serving others becomes ‘more’. I don’t have the “Why” for my writing fully sorted out. Praying God gives me clarity and renews my strength day by day. I can’t share and encourage others if I am not taking care of myself and continually living out the gospel. Thank you for staying true to your message.
I love what the Bible says in John 3:30
John who had the ministry of being the Baptizer says about Jesus…
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
Thank you for this encouragement. It was sent to me by a friend who is encouraging me in my writing journey… so she shared YOU! Isn’t that awesome! This is balm for my introvert heart … Blessings on your day!
Margaret,
We are all on the same team! God’s perspective is unifying, grace-giving and generous. He would never pit his kids against one another. Not only that, competition requires comparison — and comparison always sucks joy out of any situation. All God’s best to you!
Thank you. His words through your fingertips resonated deeply within. There is so much pressure out there to “get a platform” and truth be told so often that pressure is received with a mutual pull of our (cough cough… my) own fleshly hearts. My love for whatever platform He gives me has to be greater than the platform that the world demands. One built by the world will surely crumble; the one laid before us by Him is guaranteed to sustain us and flourish us. And the flourishing from Him is one that ultimately draws others to Him.
With all the words about platform buzzing around the ‘net, I believe these words are confirmed in my spirit (don’t want to sound overly – and trust you get my heart here). I have self-published nine books and working on my tenth. I write because He told me to back in the 90’s, “You write, I’ll take care of the rest.” The “rest” has never meant traditional publishing, but, you know how it goes…”obedience is better than sacrifice.” Thank you, Margaret – glad I clicked over read this. xo
I’m grateful your response to the “competition” question was what it was. My heart is grieved as I see and hear, and have bought into at times, the idea that we are competitors rather than what we truly are: siblings in Christ, doing His work, collaborating…and that there’s room for everyone at the table. And to disappear into obscurity isn’t what Christ’s work did in us. He said that we’d do far greater works than Him and it says, if everything He ever did were written down, the books on earth could not contain it. We are His living stories, walking it out, and He is meant to shine through us, for His Kingdom, in and thru us, because we are His vessels, not in spite of us. Loved reading your heart here, Margaret! xoxox
Margaret,
Your words are like salve for my SEO weary writer’s soul! This post yanked me out of blogosphere oblivion and back into crafting my art to serve others.
I try to practice the balance of selflessly serving others with my writing, but there is the need for bread and butter.
Your post offers insight on how to balance both endeavors.
Thank you for sharing such good thoughts, Margaret. I am grateful for this advice.
Margaret, I truly value your wisdom and heart here. The story you shared about being quizzed about competition between you and Shauna shocked me. If jealousy and comparison ever become part of my journey, I may as well give up writing altogether. One practice that has helped me stay grounded is attending my local writer’s guild meetings. I have found other writers, no matter what genre they work in, to be amazingly supportive and affirming. We all know how hard it is to build a platform and we stick together. My monthly meetings are like a soul vitamin, and they encourage me to keep moving forward with humility. I’m bookmarking this post–thank you.