Both of these links provide clear examples of the right way and the wrong way to go about these two important tasks.

This article from Tim Grahl contains the best reasoning I've seen for why you should begin your author platform and developing your networks as soon as you begin to write seriously and not after the manuscript is finished and the decision to publish is made. It explains why I have seen so many writers succeed with the former (eg Georgie Donaghey and Katrina McKelvey) and many more fail with the latter (do you remember our Kickstarter friend?). http://timgrahl.com/when-should-you-start-marketing-your-book/?utm_content=buffer36c1d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Now for some more good stuff from Chris Wilson, this time about writing introductory letters and emails in order get a response from decision makers (producers, art directors etc). The comparison between the two letters, one bad, one good, is instructive and easily transferable not only to seeking paid creative projects but also to the business of writing query letters (although for query letters a 'call to action' is a no no). http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e697248f247d94623b1b5bb8a&id=ecdb59b2f8

These notes from a recent local SCBWI workshop on portfolio preparation are well worth a read, especially if you are currently revamping your illustration portfolio. http://www.scbwiaustralianz.com/our-blog/2015/5/19/perfect-your-portfolio-with-donna-rawlins . Donna Rawlins' list of what to include in a portfolio contains some unusual elements. For example she suggests that you include a nursery rhyme with associated text, a story board for an already published book, and a book cover for a novel. Including black and white illustration work could double your chances of being selected as an illustrator by a publisher. "Most successful submissions clearly demonstrate the artist’s connection with and love for books."

This next article would have to be the best ever about the sales difference between marketing a book and building a platform. You have to get near the end before you come across Scenario 1 (with all the common mistakes new authors make in trying to sell their first book) and Scenario 2 (a different approach with regular blogging, and an emphasis on being helpful), but they are 'Must Read': http://timgrahl.com/when-should-you-start-marketing-your-book/?utm_content=buffer36c1d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer . The top take home tip is 'Your number 1 job as a writer is not to simply write your next book, but to build a platform that will support your entire career.'

Of course, illustrators should also be building a platform too!