It is essential for authors to utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram, LinkedIn, Periscope, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube and blogs (Blogger, WordPress, etc.) Using these outlets will allow an author to put a face to their work. Authors should work on engaging their audience and building their platform long before they’ve even finished writing a book. Work on getting people to know and like YOU so when you finally announce your book, they’ll be highly anticipating it.