Write a blog, set up a Facebook page, get a website, Join Twitter, Join Linked-In, and all the other social media sites out there. Get a public profile. Get a platform. This is what we are told we must do if we want to sell books.
Does it work? If we manage to fit all this in (whilst also writing the books in the first place) will we have lots of sales?
And more to the point what does doing all this stuff actually mean? Do we go on Facebook and Twitter and endlessly mention our books? (yawn!) What do you do when you see yet another new book on your Facebook timeline or your Twitter feed? Do you instantly download it? Maybe if it’s free and looks good, you do. Or do you just move on to something more interesting?
My latest novel, Ice and a Slice (what do you think of the cover by the way?) is about to come out. Initially it will be released as an ebook in a week or so. I may tell you this again!
However, I am experimenting with different approaches to marketing. For instance, SJ, my main character, has her own Twitter account. Mornings or afternoons are best to talk to her as she’ll be sober then. But evenings might be quite good fun if you don’t want a serious conversation!
You’ll find her on Twitter as Sarah Jane in denial @SarahJaneCrosse
Please do go along and say hello.
SJ also has her own Facebook page at Ice and a Slice
I would love to know your thoughts on using social media creatively 🙂
Does it work? I’m not really in a position to say, not having had anything published (or written anything) except short stories in magazines. However, it’s an interesting question and one I might need to address in the future if I ever write anthing longer. I have my writing blog and that is it – no facebook, no twitter – zilch! I have tried to avoid being sucked in but might I one day need it? Maybe your findings will help. Having said that, I shall download and read your new book when it comes out and I wouldn’t have done that had I not got to know you from blogging!
thank you Wendy. And social media is excellent fun I have to say 🙂
Nice to find your blog Della. I’ve read quite a bit of your stuff in the past – so thank you for all the tips etc. It’s so valuable as a writer to have all the positivity and encouragement from people like you to help us keep going. I find all the social media a bit overwhelming – and can steal away time from being creative and getting the writing done! But I think that might also be something to do with the fact I’d rather walk the dog! 🙂 All best wishes. x
Sometimes, Ross, I have to admit, I would rather walk the dog too 🙂 Dogs are very soothing and social media isn’t. But I think it does work 🙂
Hope Ice and a Slice is going to have a lovely Facebook launch party! Looking forward to publication day.
Hi Kath, I sort of er haven’t got round to a launch party yet – that was eloquent, wasn’t it, for a writer !!
You’ve convinced me re setting up a blog. I’ve just got to find out how to do it so Google here I come.
I wish I’d read your Moving On – From Short Story To Novel (Secrets to Success Writing Series) before I got to 25,000 words!
Hi Louby, good luck with the blog. And thanks re Moving On. Glad to be of assistance 🙂