Build Your Platform with a New Perspective
By Edwina Perkins
When I meet first-time authors and even some seasoned ones, I love their excitement as they share about their manuscript. Their eyes are expressive, their smiles broad, and their entire being illuminates enthusiasm. They talk about their characters as if they’re old friends, describe plot twists with animated gestures, and quote their favorite lines from memory. The passion is palpable, contagious even.
Then I ask the question many authors dread to hear. “Tell me about your platform?”
That one word can elicit moans, fear, dread, or that deer-in-the-headlights look. Enthusiasm quickly fades like air seeping from a balloon. The writer may explain why they feel they have a limited platform, listing all the reasons they’re not “big enough” yet; not enough followers, not enough speaking engagements, not enough name recognition. Sometimes they offer no answer at all and try to steer me back to their manuscript, desperately wanting to return to the safety of discussing plot points and character arcs. Some even look away, as if avoiding eye contact will make the question disappear.
I understand the reaction. In our modern publishing landscape, “platform” has become synonymous with numbers. It can feel like a popularity contest where only the loudest voices win. For writers called to the quiet work of storytelling, this emphasis on self-promotion can feel opposite to everything they believe about their calling.
But I ask the question not to discourage authors or to make them feel inadequate. I ask because I want to hear about the audiences they’re trying to reach and the hearts they hope to touch. Who are the people God has prepared for them to have an impact?
I wonder if I sat with Jesus and talked to him about his platform, what would he say?
In my imagination, the conversation unfolds like this:
“So, Jesus,” I invite him to sit across the table from me, “I’m excited about your story.”
He smiles in a way that suggests he understands far more than what I’m asking. “It’s one God gave me to tell.”
I nodded, making a note. “Most authors tell me the story they’ve written was given to them by God.”
“I imagine they would if they’re Christians.” He crosses his legs and continues to watch me as if waiting for my next question.
Please tell me about your platform?” I am preparing to document his answer.
“Yes, I would love to.” Enthusiasm fills his words as he leans forward. “First, I want to tell you about my audience. I wrote to people who are lost, hungry, hurting, and in need. The overlooked. The forgotten. The ones society has written off.”
I take notes, my pen moving quickly. “Go on.”
“I built my platform in several ways. I shared the words God gave me—sometimes in synagogues, sometimes on hillsides, sometimes in boats pushed just offshore. I spoke to large audiences, thousands at a time when they gathered to hear, and sometimes very small ones—a woman at a well, a tax collector in a tree, children when my disciples tried to send them away.” He pauses, as if remembering each encounter. “I also had dinner engagements—sometimes with those whom others disapprove of, the tax collectors and sinners, because that’s where the need was greatest. And I had help with writing my book. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are a few individuals who helped me. Sixty-six chapters is a lot. My writers each told the story from their unique perspectives, reaching different audiences.”
I’m writing furiously now, not wanting to miss a word.
“Through all of my social media,” He continues with a slight smile. “Whether it was one-on-one conversations, small group teachings, or addressing crowds, my message remained the same.”
“Oh? And what would that be?”
“I shared the good news—my Father loves them.” He places his folded hands on the table, and the simplicity of the statement strikes me. No complicated marketing strategy. No carefully crafted brand identity. Just truth, spoken with love, again and again.
“That’s impressive, Jesus.” I rest my pen on my notepad, overwhelmed by the clarity of his approach. “I wish others understood the possibilities of using their platform this way, not as a burden or a popularity metric, but as a mission field.”
“Just remind them,” he says gently, “if they believe God gave them the words to write, they can build a platform. It’s part of their mission, an extension of their calling. Every conversation matters. Every reader and connection is an opportunity to share what God has entrusted to them.”
“Can authors do this through fiction and nonfiction books?” I ask, thinking of the writers I mentor.
“Yes. Stories have always been powerful teachers. Parables reach hearts that sermons sometimes can’t. And I know there are readers who need their words, readers who will see themselves in a character’s struggle, who will find hope in a fictional or nonfictionjourney.”
Jesus stands to leave, and I realize our time is coming to an end.
“Is your book already published?” I asked not quite ready to let him go.
He tilts his head and the smile in his eyes embraces me. “Yes.”
“Do you believe it’s a bestseller?”
“It is.” He turns and walks away, leaving me with a transformed understanding.
A new perspective. Building a platform isn’t about accumulating impressive numbers or achieving social media fame. It’s about reaching people with the message God has given you, one heart at a time. It’s about faithfulness in the opportunities before you, whether you’re speaking to thousands or sharing over coffee with one.
I hope the next time an editor or agent asks you, “Tell me about your platform,” you’ll lean forward with that same enthusiasm you had when talking about your manuscript and say, “I would love to.” Because your platform isn’t just about what you’ve built, it’s about who you’re called to reach.
Regardless of the number of books you publish or followers you accumulate, when your words reach the right person at the right time, touching the heart God prepared for your message, it will be a bestseller in the economy of heaven. And that’s the benchmark that matters most.
Edwina Perkins serves as Co-Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she also coordinates Mentoring Moments and manages Sensitivity Between the Lines. As Managing Editor for Harambee Press, an imprint of End Game Press, she champions diverse voices in Christian publishing.
A long-term member of Word Weavers International, Edwina now serves on its advisory board alongside her role on the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) advisory board, where she previously served as Emerging Leader Coordinator.
An award-winning writer and experienced educator, Edwina works as a speaker, freelance editor, mentor, and authenticity consultant. She teaches at conferences throughout the year, advocating for honest, inclusive storytelling in Christian fiction. Her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies.