Today I had the honor of interviewing author, Bonnie Bruno. Bonnie has been a professional writer for 25 years. At one time, she was a student at The Institute of Children's Literature and later served as an instructor. Today, she combines her love of photography with her love of writing. But it's her experience that she brings to the interview. Discover why it's vital that authors find their platforms and utilize their platforms to sell books and their writing.

What is your platform as an author and how do you work it to help promote your books?

There was a period in my writing career when I didn't think I had a platform simply because I wasn't a speaker. Public speaking was not my gift, so I left that to those who felt tugged in that direction.

I've reached the conclusion that a writer's unique style-how she weaves life experiences and specialty interests into her work-is what builds a unique, predictable platform. Readers come to expect that a certain writer will deliver a specific type of product. In my case, the majority of my writing has been geared for the CBA market, and appeals to children and families.

Recently, though, I completed a new book for the adult division of Standard Publishing, WHEN GOD STEPS IN: Stories of Everyday Grace. It will include a collection of fifty inspirational stories, as well as my black and white photos. It's scheduled for release in 2007, and will broaden my platform as both a writer and a photographer.

My books sell mostly through networking, personal contact with bookstores and churches, and through my website (www.bonniebruno.com), which serves as a launchpad for new projects. I belong to several writers' organizations and discussion groups, and I've had a website since 1995.

A web presence is a must for a writer today. If you can't build a website yourself, hire someone to do it, or barter with a talented friend. Readers appreciate being able to find you on the web, and it gives an author the opportunity to publicize her work, talk about current projects, and announce upcoming releases. It doesn't have to be fancy; just a space to sink your Web roots. A blog can also be an effective promotion/marketing tool as well as a way to offer visitors a sample of your writing. I've kept a blog (http://macromoments.blogspot.com) for the past couple of years and it hasn't cost me a dime.

How can a writer discover his/her platform?

Pay attention to what compels you. What interests keep tugging at your heart? How has God uniquely gifted you? Pray for direction and insight.

Writing is a process of finding your special niche and filling it. If you long to write for children, how will your writing differ from what's already out there? Narrow down your field and see what matches your interests, gifts, and abilities. It's sort of like finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. Run a search online and you'll find hundreds of recipes, each with chocolate chips, yet differing in other ingredients. Your platform is the nuts or oatmeal or whatever else sets you apart from the others.

Make several lists-interests, abilities, life experiences-and see whether a pattern forms. How might you translate it into writing that would "brand" you and attract a specific type of audience? Ask yourself, "Who will care"? If you happen to speak as well as write, what sets your message apart from the kazillion others who travel to speaking engagements? Are you funny? Inspirational? Encouraging? Again, find a niche and you'll discover your unique platform.

What advice can you offer writers when seeking a Christian publisher?

I've been writing for publication for over 25 years, and learned the ropes by reading every writing book I could get my hands on. With so many resources at our disposal (including some excellent websites that teach the basics of marketing), it's amazing how many writers still want to take shortcuts to publication. My best advice is to save yourself a headache by doing it right the first time. Do your homework. Don't depend on an outdated copy of a marketing book, or on web marketing lists that may or may not be updated regularly.

Leave home! Visit bookstores and see what's currently out there. Ask store managers what works, and what has fizzled. I once asked a local Christian bookstore manager what she felt was missing from her shelves. She shared what she would love to see, which helped steer me in a fresh direction. Take a notebook and jot down titles/topics that are overworked. See if you can identify subjects that would fill a gap. Keep an eye on the types of books a publisher likes. Remember, no two publishers are alike. At first glance, they might appear similar but dig deeper, ask questions, and do the legwork before you approach them. And never, ever tell them that God sent you! Wow them with a proposal that matches their needs and you'll grab their attention.

Learn from the experiences of others, too. Terry Whalin, for example, shares valuable tips and pointers gleaned from his writing and editing career in his popular book, Book Proposals That $ell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success (http://www.bookproposals.ws/) . He maintains a blog, The Writing Life (http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/) that includes helpful insight for writers. Author/speaker Mary Yerkes ( http://www.maryyerkes.com/) says she knew since the age of nine that she would like to write for publication, and her enthusiasm radiates from her website. Folks like Terry and Mary share what they know. Pay attention and learn from them. It may shorten your path to publication.

Visit her at http://www.bonniebruno.com/

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