SMO Etiquette Advice: When is it okay for a writer to follow/friend an agent or editor?

Posted by Donna on July 9, 2009 under Twitter for Writers, articles |

Is it kosher to send a friend request to an agent on Facebook?  Is it accepted to follow an editor on Twitter?

Since Chuck Sambuchino’s informative article “Protocol and Expectations When Contacting and Befriending Literary Agents on Social Networking Sites Like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter” was published on his Guide to Liteary Agents blog (Feb. 2009), social networking has become even more popular. But, writers should still heed his solid advice because the rules haven’t changed, and in fact, are probably more pertinant today as there are more people joining Facebook and Twitter every day.

Chuck interview six unnamed agents who gave their valuable insight as to what is accepted and what is not in the social networking sphere. He puts emphasis on “writers” and opposed to “authors.” The verdict seemed to be the Facebook remained private, while the nature of Twitter encourages the following of folks of social value. The key with Twitter is that agents and editors can be picky about who they follow and who they don’t. But, this is just the nutshell version.  Read Chuck’s full article here.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to comment.