Thank you, Kourtney, for inviting me to your blog today to chat about social networking and why Twitter and Facebook are essential writing tools. It’s great to be here and fun to be talking about such an interesting topic.
Published, or unpublished, an internet presence is essential for writers in this fast-paced world. Twitter and Facebook accounts enable writers to connect with other authors, share rejection woes, release joy, and connect with readers.
How social networking sites help writers:
1. The most important reason for writers to have social networking accounts is because editors and agents want to know you will be able to help promote your book. Often, they will require you to include your social networking links in your query letter.
2. Social networking gives you the opportunity to network with other authors. Often authors post requests from their publishers on Twitter and Facebook pages and spread the word about a call for submissions before the information is listed on the publisher’s website.
3. Twitter and Facebook accounts make it easy for readers to find and contact writers.
4. Social networking sites help writers publicize blog visits and published material. Lots of writers use Twitter and Facebook and they are some of the most generous people around. If you mention your blog visit or a new release and ask people to retweet the information and/or send them to your link, you potentially reach thousands of people. If only a few followers retweet your post, you’ve likely reached 5,000 more potential visitors to your blog. When I announced my debut novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, I received invitations from Twitter users who offered to host me on their blogs to help promote my book.
5. Editor requests and tips. Lots of agents and editors are on Twitter. Frequently, they’ll post their needs. Recently, an editor with a New York house tweeted that she needed paranormal romance submissions.
6. Do: Use your account frequently. At least a few times a week. It’s a back-and-forth conversation and you don’t want followers to feel like it’s one-sided. Do: Be entertaining. Let you personality shine through. It’s important to remain professional, but have fun, too. Don’t: Only post when you want people to do or buy. Posts start to look more like ads when you bombard people with requests every day.
Want to learn more about using Twitter and Facebook? One of the best sites for information is Emlyn Chand’s website http://www.novelpublicity.com/blog/marketing/
Have fun as you promote yourself, your books, and make new friends.
Find Joya on the web: http://www.joyafields.com/
Follow Joya on Twitter: @joyafields
Excerpt from Beneath the Surface:
“I…I can walk you back to your own room before I head to mine.” Garrett’s voice broke as he whispered.
Brooke swallowed hard. She couldn’t do this right now with him. Too many obstacles stood in their way. But as she looked in his somber eyes, she realized none of those complications were bigger than her need for Garrett.
“Let’s go to your room,” she said, her voice shaking. She moved her hands inside his shirt and ran them over his tight abs and chest. Heat soared through her body at the feel of him. “Together…”
Buy links for Beneath the Surface:
The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=4738
Bio
Joya Fields has had over 100 stories and articles published in local and national magazines and her debut novel, Beneath the Surface, a romantic suspense, and Love Delivered, a romantic comedy novella, are now available. www.joyafields.com
Beneath the Surface trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHqQBDMeRAE
33 Responses to Guest Post: Joya Fields on The Importance of Social Networking