You Don't Have to Be an Influencer to Build a Writing Platform (And Other Truths That Will Save Your Sanity)
by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago

The word "platform" used to send writer Courtney Kocak into a spiral.
She wanted to be a writer, not an influencer churning out whimsical Instagram flat lays or turning lunch into "hilariously poetic Twitter moments." Sound familiar?
Yet here's the plot twist: While building a successful writing career that includes bylines in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times, plus writing for Emmy-winning shows and hosting podcasts with over two million downloads, Courtney discovered something revolutionary.
She'd built a "decent platform" in spite of herself.
And now she's ready to show you how to do the same, without losing your soul to the algorithm gods.
The BYOP Reality Check
Let's get uncomfortable for a second. Book deals today are often BYOP—Bring Your Own Platform. Publishers want authors who can reach readers directly, not just through traditional gatekeepers. This isn't fair, it's not how it used to be, and yes, it can feel like an insurmountable roadblock.
But here's what Courtney learned while landing her dream agent and crafting winning book proposals: Platform building doesn't have to feel like selling out.
What This Actually Looks Like in Practice
Courtney's platform wasn't built through viral TikTok dances or performative vulnerability posts. Instead, she:
- Leveraged her expertise through targeted newsletter content
- Created podcasts that served specific communities (Private Parts Unknown explores love and sexuality globally, while The Bleeders dives deep into book writing and publishing)
- Built authentic connections through strategic social media use (yes, even with her "love/hate—mostly hate" relationship with these platforms)
- Secured bylines by understanding how to pitch and position herself effectively
The result? A multi-faceted platform that feels authentic to who she is as a writer and creator.
The Anti-Influencer Approach to Platform Building
What if I told you that you don't need to:
- Start your own podcast (though you can if you want to)
- Post daily inspirational quotes over sunset photos
- Share every mundane moment as "content"
- Pretend to love platforms that make you cringe
What you DO need is a strategy that works with your personality, not against it.
Courtney's approach recognizes that many writers are introverts who'd rather craft the perfect sentence than craft the perfect Instagram Story. Her method focuses on sustainable, authentic platform building that leverages your existing strengths rather than forcing you into an influencer mold that doesn't fit.
Why Writers Are Uniquely Positioned to Win at This
Here's something the "platform building" gurus don't tell you: Writers have superpowers in the platform game.
You already know how to:
- Tell compelling stories
- Research thoroughly
- Meet deadlines
- Communicate complex ideas clearly
- Build narrative tension
- Connect with audiences through words
These skills translate directly to platform building. The trick is learning how to apply them strategically across newsletters, social media, and other channels without feeling like you're compromising your artistic integrity.
Your Platform Building Roadmap
If you're ready to stop shuddering at the word "platform" and start building one that actually feels authentic, Courtney Kocak has your back.
She's hosting How to Build a 'Platform' for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought this Saturday, June 7th, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM PST via Zoom.
For just $75, you'll get three hours of practical, no-BS guidance on:
- Newsletter strategies that don't feel like spam
- Social media approaches that won't make you want to hide under your desk
- Podcast opportunities (that don't require starting your own show)
- Content creation that serves your goals, not the algorithm
- Sustainable growth tactics that work with your writer brain
What Past Students Are Saying
"Just a few weeks back, I took this phenomenal workshop! Courtney Kocak was an absolute gem, sharing many practical tips and providing an amazing PDF follow-up!"
"If you find this platform-building thing mystifying, scary, or just need encouragement, you should sign up."
"Some of the best cash I've spent this year."
The Bottom Line
You became a writer because you have something to say. A platform simply ensures people can hear it.
Courtney Kocak proves that you can build an authentic, effective platform without sacrificing your integrity or becoming someone you're not. Her own journey from platform-shuddering writer to multi-platform success story isn't about luck—it's about strategy, authenticity, and understanding that your voice matters.
Ready to stop letting platform anxiety hold your writing career hostage?
Register for Courtney's seminar here and discover how to build a platform that actually serves your writing—not the other way around.
Your future published self will thank you.
P.S. If you can't make it to this session, Courtney also offers extended platform coaching and other workshops throughout the year. But if you're ready to tackle this once and for all, Saturday's your day.