Tag Archives: linkedIn

Which social media platforms should a writer use?

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Which social media platforms should I as a writer, have a presence on?

By Rory C. Keel

As we discussed on my blog post last week called Basic Social Media for Writers, that Social media for business has become the norm. For a writer it is no different, you are a business and your customers are your readers.

With literally hundreds of options to choose from such as Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube, it could drive a person mad. Before deciding on which social media venue to have a presence, you need to do your research.

RESEARCH

First, you need to develop a platform of readership. Choose a B2C social media platform. B2C simply means a business–to-customer platform that will allow you as a business, to focus on your genre and connect with your readers, the customers.

Second, understand what the venue is and how it works.

A Blog is a place to publish thoughts, tips, ideas. Regular blogs provide keyword-rich content for search engines and can help create you as an expert in your field.

Facebook, Google +, Myspace and other similar platforms, are used to connect and interact with your audience with personal and/or business pages

Twitter allows you to follow and connect with a target audience.

Tweeting about your writing with excerpts, answering questions, and offering helpful insights can help to build loyal readership.

YouTube is the top site for user generated video content. It’s a place to share your business by how-to videos, video readings, discussions, or simply a video introducing YOU.

Other social media sites use the medium of photos to share ideas and communication, such as Instagram and Pintrest.

Another type of social media platform is a B2B platform. B2B simply refers to a Business-to-Business platform. In another words a wholesaler to you as a business.

As a writer, you need access to editors, publishers, or agents. You might even need connections with an ink cartridge and paper supply company. You as a business can connect with others who offer services you need.

LinkedIN is an example of this type of platform and has a business focus.

Having the proper research and information, you can begin to formulate an idea of which social media platform to focus your attention.

With that in mind, next week we will discuss how to best manage your social media so that you will still have time to write.

 

Basic Social Media for Writers

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Basic Social Media for Writers 

By Rory C. Keel

 

After mountains of research, hours of keeping my rear end in the chair and wearing out the keyboard, they expect me to do what?

Yes, that’s right, as a writer you need to have an internet presence on social media.

Recently, I was asked to present some basic materials about social media, to the Ranch House writers, a group of writers who occasionally gather for a meal and encouragement from others in the writing community.

This blog will be the first in a series of four, dealing with the basics of social media for writers.

What is Social Media

Simply put, social media is a varied group of internet based applications that allow YOU to create and share content.

Early in the development of the internet, most websites were static. In other words, much like a billboard on the highway, it was costly to change and no had ability to interact with consumers.

Today, social media platforms give writers the ability to create, share, discuss ideas, and publish user-generated materials.

These applications are often categorized into groups such as networking sites, blog sites, video Sharing sites and even photo sharing sites. There are hundreds of applications and Facebook, Twitter, Google +, YouTube and Flickr are just a few examples.

Will Social Media benefit me as a writer?

While there are many reasons an individual might use social media, for the writer it’s as simple as Business 101.

Writing is a business

Have you ever read the reviews of a restaurant before going out to dinner? Have you ever researched someone on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIN, before meeting for an appointment?

It is estimated that in 2015, 93 percent of all businesses will use some form of social media. For both consumers and businesses it has become the norm and is expected.

Using Social Media

Using social media as a writer allows easy communication between you and your readers. It is a medium that allows the ability to develop relationships by having accessibility to groups where individual time is not possible.

And finally, social media allows you multiple mediums to develop your brand as a writer. By blogging, posting, tweeting, google plus-ing, you can establish yourself as a writer and build a large readership.

Next Tuesday we will discuss which social media platform to use. See ya’ then!

 

Book Signing Success

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Book Signing Success

By Rory C. Keel

I want to thank Bob “Crocodile” Lile, owner of the Lile Art Gallery, for hosting my book signing, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers. Surrounded by beautiful paintings and sculptures on Old Route 66, his gallery made a wonderful setting for a book-signing event.

Book Signings

Book signings are one of many tools a writer can use to market their writing. A signing allows the author to meet and interact with readers while promoting their work. I had the opportunity to meet several interesting people such as car club enthusiasts, a motorcycle rider, and a waitress from a pizza restaurant, all who had their own interesting life stories.

Prepare

Before you can have a successful book signing, you as a writer must prepare.

1. Secure a location. The usual places such as bookstores and libraries are excellent places to start. However, don’t overlook stores or businesses that relate to your story or are in a high traffic area.

2. Bring the necessary supplies. Have a sufficient supply of books and business cards and have the ability to accept payments, whether cash, checks or credit Cards.

Promote

To help you have a successful book signing promote, promote, promote. Place a listing in your local newspaper or community publication. Publish the event on your website, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other social media outlets. If you have a blog, write an entry describing your book-signing event.

Success

The opportunity to meet new people and promote yourself as a writer means success and you might even sell a few books!

The Social Network

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The Social Network

 By Rory C. Keel

For a writer, social networking sites are beneficial in several ways. First, they can help you make connections with other writers who are trying to achieve the same goals. The ability to discuss with others the techniques that work, and those that might not, can help you as a writer avoid mistakes and pitfalls by increasing your knowledge of the writing craft.

Second, social networking sites can provide the ability to contact and reach out to successful writers and their publishers, creating opportunities that you might not otherwise have. Due to the high volume of manuscripts received by publishers, many good writers may be overlooked. By networking with publishers, agents, and the authors who write for them, your connections could turn into an asset when you are ready to seek publication.

Third is marketing. As much as we would like for our writing to sell itself, or for our publishers to do all the marketing, we will need to do some of it, if not most, for ourselves. A majority of publishers will want to know your platform – in other words, do you have an audience? With social networking sites, you can develop a potential vast audience for your writing.

PPW Window, Volume 2009, Issue 6, Presidents report By Rory Craig Keel

roryckeel.com

Promoting YOU is Business

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Promoting YOU is Business

By Natalie Bright

When my story “The Race” was selected for Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler’s Soul, I realized few have heard my name, but everyone knew about this international series. Following is a list of tips for organizing a promotion in your town or neighborhood.

1. Compile a mailing list NOW.

Gather addresses for a mailing list, or email list, into a database that is user friendly now. Don’t wait until you need it. It should be versatile for printing labels or for sending email notices. Everyone you meet is a potential consumer of your work either at the present time or in the future. Continually add and update names to keep your list current.

2. Think outside the bookstore.

Consider holding a book signing in unique places that have a direct connection to the work you are promoting. Our local Wal-Mart was so excited about hosting a local author, they even provided fresh flowers and goodies for the table. We scheduled the event around Mother’s Day. Other different kinds of stores might be willing to host an autographing. What about scrapbook store, floral shop, or espresso bar?

3. Plan a merchandise tie-in.

Inexpensive give-aways to coordinate with your book are fun and will add a unique component to your event. My toddler, eating nothing but fish crackers, inspired my story in Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler’s Soul. The store manager contacted a vendor, who agreed to provide free crackers for the autographing.

4. Remember holidays.

Does your anthology relate to an important retail day or holiday? Schedule an autographing the day of or prior to that special day. On the day before Mother’s Day, the time of my event was set during the busiest traffic being after lunch through middle afternoon. My table was located on a main aisle in front of the book department. I had a steady stream of shoppers the entire time.

5. Spread the Word.

You’d think that most locales would do everything they can to promote the events they’re hosting. In reality, that is not always the case. Never depend on the store to do all of the promotion. They have other deadlines, work duties, and they’re as busy as you. I know the truth stings a little, but your event might not be a huge priority on the list. Instead, you might have to make it easy for store owners to help you sell books by providing flyers, press releases to the local newspaper, etc. Never underestimate the power of “buzz”. Your family, friends, and fellow writers will generate talk about your event. Social media is FREE so take advantage of the medium. Ask people to “share” or “retweet”.

I’ve been an organizer for several author events and I’m always shocked at the number of people who don’t feel they need to help with promotion. A post on Facebook, linkedIn, quick email or several tweets is so easy these days. Why would you not want to tell all of your social connections when and where you’ll be signing your book?

6. Get personal.

I think personal contact is crucial to a successful promotion on the local level. Contact bookstore managers, provide them with the ISBN number, and outline your plans to promote the book. I was turned down by the manager of our local bookstore chain because he couldn’t find the Chicken Soup title in his computer, however because of someone I knew who knew the Wal-Mart Manager, my event came together. Store managers may require several memory joggers because your event is not the only issue in their busy day. Be considerate, but be persistent. For example, after a telephone conversation follow up with a letter outlining the specifics of your event. In addition, always do what you say you will do. Build a cooperative reputation right from the start and don’t take anything personal. It’s business.

If you hit stumbling blocks, and you will, remain professional. One neighbor could not believe I had a story published and told me I had too much time on my hands. On the other hand, our city’s mayor bought a copy for her and her daughter when I was seated next to her in a local eatery. Always carry extra copies in your car. You may be surprised how quickly word about your writing buzzes around your town.

www.nataliebright.com

Natalie Bright