Posted by Donna on December 10, 2009 under Twitter for Writers, articles | 
In September 2009, writer and blogger Meryl L. Evans posted a great blog post, 10 Commandments for Writers Using Social Media. And, you know what happens when you break a commandment. Okay, so perhaps the outcome may not be has harsh as violating “Thou Shall Not Kill,” but what writers do on Twitter can really determine if the writer will go to social media heaven or hell…
Evans’ post provides solid advice to writers using Twitter and sprinkles in links to other important blog posts with even more tips on how not to use Twitter. My favorite of all her tips, though, is Thou Shalt Forgo the Hard Sale. This is not just true for authors using Twitter, but for anyone in any line of work. In my day job, I have to remind clients and coworkers that blogs and social media are supposed to be more conversational in nature. Same goes for a writer on Twitter. Don’t abuse this personal tool, as I also discussed in a previous post about social media etiquette, to pitch to literary agents on Twitter or to tell your followers to buy your book now. Instead, by being engaging and friendly, you will sell yourself and your brand which in turn will help you reach your goals.
Give Evans’ post a read and see how you may measure up at those pearly social media gates.
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.
Posted by Donna on June 28, 2009 under Twitter for Writers, articles |
Online magazine, Publishing Trends posted a great article back in March that I re-stumbled upon, “Twitter Isn’t Stupid- but Publishers Need to Be Smart About Using It. Here’s How.”
The three-part article discusses how writers can develop a Twitter presence, how to use Twitter to connect with your audience and finally how Twitter can increase book sales.
Overall, a very informative article and worth a read!
Posted by Donna on May 24, 2009 under Twitter for Writers, articles |
Mashable released a list of 100+ writers using Twitter earlier this month. It was a hugely comprehensive list of writers using the social media site, but Mashable on Friday released a new list, Nonfiction Tweets: 70+ Authors to Follow on Twitter. The list is broken down by categories, ranging from creative nonfiction to science and technology to hobbies & crafts to career and business and more. Once again, it’s a great list compiled by Mashable with not just links to the @usernames, but a small paragraph, a sample tweet and link to the user profile page.
The list of writers on using Twitter to promote their works is growing everyday. Check out the list for some people you are personally interested in and see what they are tweeting about. Get some ideas on how you, as a writer, can use Twitter, too!
