If you're a writer, you know you've been told:
"You must have a platform!"
"You must have an online presence!"
"You must do loads of social networking!"Hmph . . .
But hey, you get to meet great people, develop good relationships, develop your brand, hopefully get a fan base, and get your name OUT THERE.
As a writer myself, I understand the importance of LEARNING from social media. Learning about grammar, plotting, grammar, writing, grammar, how to query, grammar, stalking agents, and mostly importantly, grammar. So I am ALL for writers using social to learn their craft. After that, I'm on the fence.
Here's why: agents can't even agree if a writer needs an online presence. Scott Eagan and Mary Kole say no. Jill Kemerer (writer) did a post on several agents who say yes. And Alan Rinzler did a post on what you really need to know about a new author platform.
There's tons of information out there about it. And I think the answer lies in the writer. Think about it. Stephanie Meyer didn't blog or do anything crazy when Twilight went bat-crap crazy. Stephen King? Nope. Nora Roberts? Nope. J.K. Rowling? Nope. Sure, they might have Twitter and Facebook fan pages NOW ... but they didn't. Their FB pages and Twitter accounts didn't make them famous (their writing did that!). And you better believe that none of them have blogged.
But then there are writers who have used social media to work for them. A couple good examples would be Tahereh Mafi and Roni Loren. They blogged until their fingers bled and developed their brand like nobodies business.
So where do you fit into to the social media madness? Like I said, I'm still on the fence. Don't get me wrong, as a soon-to-be-published author, I've got every account you could possibly imagine. Am I using them to my full potential? Not yet. I WILL use them, though. But for me, it's going to be a matter of what works for ME.
Now, what works for you? How do you feel about the social media madness?
~JD
11 comments:
I started blogging because a friend told me I should because I was a writer. I had no clue. I don't FB. I only recently started Tweeting, but I don't like it. I have LinkedIn, but don't use it. I joined Goodreads but neglect it.
I don't really think you need ALL the social media. Blogging for me, is the only thing I won't give up, but I do take hiatus (hiati?) from time to time because that can be mind sucking too.
Like you said, it depends on every individual and their comfort level.
Oh lovely JD! I started my blog for my cat and now I continue to do this for fun! So I'm of no use whatsoever to this debate! LOL!
Take care
x
I blog because I enjoy it, not because I have to. And in truth, I don't bother with author blogs (with a few exceptions). At that point, it's their books that will determine if I will buy the next on, not their blog.
I follow a lot less blogs than I used to an I'll be following even less come April because of the spam-athon that will be upon those of us not participating in the big blogfest that month. Just too much clutter and confusion for me to cope with.
I don't miss most of the blogs I've unfollowed. There are just so many out there.
It's people I miss- so if a person blogs as a person not as a 'writer' or 'author' I am much more likely to pay attention to their book (and their tweets or FB posts or anything else they do.)
I took a long hiatus from FB and Twitter and only went back a couple months ago- and I went back on my terms. I won't tolerate being spammed- period. I don't care how much I love somebody if they spam on Twitter I unfollow. And that has taken all the 'crazy' out of the experience for me. Same with FB.
As a result I have had the room on my feed to meet some incredible people and have amazing experiences, including a series of events that led to being published for poetry and prose for the first time. Without Twitter it would not have happened.
So to me, it seems like social media is vital- if you really participate, are genuinely interested in people and not just selling- they can tell. Believe it. You don't have to do them all. I say pick a couple and do them the best you can.
bru
I'm a dedicated blogger right now. If I ever have a book published, I might add FB and Twitter, but for now, I'd rather spend my time writing and reading good writers (that includes blogs). I learn so much that way.
I have a blog, Twitter, personal FB page, FB writer page, and more recently, a Pinterest page lol.
Do I need them all? Probably not, so I don't stress myself thinking 'I must use all of them or people will forget me.' I just use social networking when I want to - which is quite often lol!
I blog because I enjoy it. I miss it now that I've cut back because of baby #3
Take the time I spend blogging, and then add a little Facebook and Twitter - I have absolute zero room left for anything else.
Interesting question. I don't think it's a must for sales, not at all. As you say, loads of authors are crazy successful without spending every minutes on Twitter and blogging.
However, I do think it helps in the long-term if you want to build a brand and have name recognition. Public relations doesn't necessarily lead to short-term sales, but it can definitely help long-term sales.
I don't do a lot of physical appearances, so blogging is my best bet. Outside of my tour right now, I rarely mention my books though. Ironically, most people have emailed me saying they liked me so much as a person they purchased my book. So it's all about being real.
And I am happy to share the joy of blogging friends who achieve publication! I've only encountered a couple who speak only of their books. But anyone who is on tour, I follow their stops; those who announce their new books, I add to the Ninja News to help spread the word. Most people are willing to help.
And my very closest blogger buddies all came from the A to Z Challenge - so bring it on!
I find social media is a great place to bounce ideas, a source of writing advice and, possibly, inspiration.
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