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I am hardly an expert on Social Media. This whole idea of social networks like FaceBook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, and so on just throws me for a loop. The main thing is, I don't have time for it. I don't want to make time for it. I don't like to do it. But here I am, on FaceBook and Twitter. FaceBook isn't so bad, I suppose, but Twitter just defeats me. I am now "following" 100 people, and have a whole 29 people following me. But I've just decided I'm going to delete some of those I'm following, like book publishers and agents.
The whole idea behind all this social networking business is: selling yourself. Not your book, YOU. I'm on an Authors Forum, for my publisher, and I'm getting all kinds of advice about how to be on Twitter. Good advice, like how to use Twitter to YOUR best advantage. But my Lord, it takes time. A LOT of time. Usings Lists to catagorize people. One author told me she keeps her lists to 100 PEOPLE, because any more takes up too much time. Even thinking about that sends my brain into a spiral. Another way is to "favorite" Tweets and "retweet" them. That is how you interact with people, and get them to interact and "know" you. Another brain spiral, this time into a brain freeze.
When, in the name of Heaven, do you have time to write?
With all that's going on in my family, I don't have that time to spend. Except, of course, between midnight and 6 AM, which my husband suggested. Sleep? Who needs sleep?
So what do you think? Do you believe that the only way you are going to sell your book is through Social Networking? Do you believe that is the very best way to go for Marketing and Promotion? How much time do you spend on selling YOURSELF, not your book, on Social Media? Is it really worth it? I hope you'll send me your comments and what you think about Social Networking.
Until next time,
That's a wrap.
You're not alone Mikki. I think it comes with age. The dislike I mean.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I really think this whole social networking thing should just be for anyone 40 and younger! But with even the Big Six publishers no longer doing much for the author in the way of promoting books, I guess we're stuck with it. There's just no way I can give up as much time as everyone seems to say I need do, however. Family comes first, even if at the expense of selling a book.
DeleteI don't like it either, and I am under 40. But I do it, just because "they" say so (ha!).
ReplyDeleteI guess "they" are right when they say it's important for authors to be social. Sigh...how did authors become "social" and sell their books before the days of the Internet??? You know, back in the Dark Ages? LOL
DeleteGreetings fellow MuseItUp author. I find social networking is about making connections. Genuine connections. Not jus adding numbers. I've met a lot of my CPs and have developed a big supportive group of children's authors who rally around me in times of need and for whom I can do the same. I LOATHE Facebook and only just now added an author page when I MG released last week. Twitter is my social network of choice. I've been on for several years and have learned how not to let any of this stuff be a major time suck, because you're right, other things are way more important. The best advice I've heard re. social networking is do what you enjoy and have time for and forget the rest. I'm happy to meet you! Angelina (AKA Ace Hansen)
ReplyDeleteWell, greetings back! Hi, Angelina aka Ace...like that! I guess my main problem with Twitter is not really knowing how to make those connections you mentioned. But I do know that it's important, and even though I'm not the social butterfly type, I'll keep at it until I learn how to do it right...i.e.connect with people who will support me and with whom I can be equally supportive. Thanks much for your comment!
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