As the costs of publishing continue to escalate and competition continues to intensify, many publishers — especially book publishers — are demanding that their authors have strong platforms from which to launch a new title. Even magazine editors prefer to work with known writers, because established writers tend to require less hand-holding and training than rookies. Don't get too discouraged, though. There are many ways to build a platform for yourself that will make you more attractive and more salable to all kinds of publishing markets.