So I’ve always had to think outside the box, especially when advocating for authors of color whose platforms sometimes look a bit different. It’s been par for the course getting publishers to see platform more broadly since SM has become so popular. Big SM following doesn’t equal big sales.

I remember acquiring and pitching proposals before social media was a factor. :)

Social media has always only been one indicator of sales potential, though some publishers have put more weight on it than it can hold. Email list, speaking engagements, personal/professional networks, sales on services and merch are other factors that are considered when predicting sales potential.