"The word platform simply describes all the ways you are visible and appealing to your future, potential, or actual readership." (page 9)  Further, "Your platform includes your Web presence, any public speaking you do, the classes you teach, the media contacts you've established, the articles you've published, and any other means you currently have for making your name and your future books known to a viable readership." (page 9)

Christina Katz makes clear that without a platform where you've ALREADY attracted thousands of readers/followers, you are unlikely to be taken on by an agent or publisher.  It's simply the way the world is these days.  "Authors with platforms sell books." (page 11)

So, whether you have already written a book or books, or are yet to write a book, you need people who know who you are and are following you.

"Your platform communicates your expertise to others so you don't have to." (page 10)  And, the key to a successful platform is that it "…works for you around the clock, 365 days a year so you can do other things." (page 14)

What's most relevant to me about Get Known Before the Book Deal is how simple Christina Katz makes the process of getting known.  And how she presents herself in a style that entices authors to actually want to build a platform because building a platform can be fun.