“If your platform doesn’t feel like YOU, it’s not a platform—it’s a costume. Build something authentic. The right audience will find the real you. The wrong audience will unfollow. Both are wins.”
— L.A. Walton, The Book Maven
The pressure to have a ‘perfect’ author platform can make you lose sight of why you started creating in the first place. You’re so busy optimizing your bio, curating your feed, and chasing engagement that you forgot the point was to connect with readers through your WORK.
Authentic Platform vs. Performative Platform
| Authentic | Performative |
| Shares genuine creative journey. | Shows only curated highlights. |
| Voice matches who you actually are. | Voice is copied from successful influencers. |
| Engages in real conversation. | Broadcasts without listening. |
| Energizes you. | Exhausts you. |
| Attracts your people. | Attracts everyone and resonates with no one. |
Building Authentically
- Share what YOU find interesting. Not what the algorithm rewards. Your genuine enthusiasm is magnetic.
- Be imperfect publicly. Sharing struggles alongside wins builds trust and community.
- Say no to things that don’t align. Not every opportunity is your opportunity. Protect your brand’s integrity.
- Create boundaries. You don’t owe the internet your entire life. Share what feels right.
- Remember: the platform serves the WORK. Not the other way around. If platform-building is stealing time from creating, recalibrate.
Your Move, Creative
Audit your online presence. Does it feel like YOU? If not, change one thing this week to make it more authentic. Your platform should be a reflection of your creative identity, not a mask over it.
Stop letting your stories stay stuck.
