Authors need Social Media to be successful. It is not only helpful but it is a requirement. According to Agents, editors, and publishing houses you must have an online presence.
I haven't met any authors who would debate that fact.
During a writer's conference workshop, we were told an interested agent WILL look you up online to see if you are active on social media. The agent wants to know you are willing to promote yourself and your writing.
Young people are genius at social media. I'm still learning how to use social media effectively. I've picked up a bit of knowledge but definitely not enough. I'm working on it.
There are people out on social media who are willing to help. If you "follow" someone on Twitter, there's a good chance they will "follow" you back. If you engage with other people on Twitter, there's a good chance they will engage with you.
Read people's profile pages and tweets before "following" them. Make sure they are legitimate profile pages. If so, engage!
I have received great help this week on Twitter from @digitalbookgirl and want to take a moment to mention her name and hopefully return the kindness. She promoted my children's book, Meet Sandy Gull by posting the Amazon "buy" link on her social media sites and "liking" some photo posts I'd put on the Sandy Gull Facebook page. I appreciate that very much. Look her up on Twitter and make contact. Digitalbookgirl also has a blog page.
Most authors on Twitter have been very social and are willing to engage. Great conversations may be had both in simply enjoying conversation with like-minded people or asking questions and receiving helpful insights. Writing contests, pitch slams, writing tips, and humor are more of the fun social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook offer authors.
Other social media avenues writers enjoy participating in are writing communities on Facebook. Jump in with both feet and increase your online presence.
Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling
