I’m just gonna come right out and say it - I was far more productive before I learned I had to social network to sell my books. Countless ethernet mavens have advised me that social networking is imperative if I want to reach the reading pubic, build a platform, grow a brand, develop name recognition and achieve that elusive something known as discoverablility.
Prior to acting upon this, by all accounts, deeper wisdom, I released seventeen books in two years. Now I’m struggling to complete a single WIP. Why?
A. Real life. I lead a busy life. I have a husband, kids, pets, parents, and responsibilities that have nothing whatsoever to do with writing.
B. I maintain this blogsite because I love blogging. It’s important to me. This is how we connect, you and I, or as Martin Buber calls this dialog… “I and Thou”. This is our conversation. I put a lot of energy into my blog because I care about you. I try to post interesting content. I may not be a comedian, but occasionally I’m kinda funny. I’m definitely weird. The last thing I want to do is spend all my blog time promoting my books. Blah. Blah. Blah. How boring. Buy this book. Buy that book. Like me. Vote for me. Tag me. Blah. Blah. Blah. That’s not your job. I simply appreciate your visits and your comments. If you decide to mention me or read my books, oh baby, that’s gravy. Icing on the cake. But that’s not a requirement when you stop here.
C. Facebook.
D. Triberr.
E. Twitter.
F. Goodreads.
G. My Amazon author page.
H. Google +
I. Linkedin
J. Klout
K. Guest blogs/interviews/blog hops/giveaways/review requests… All of which are essential promotional tools. I don’t have a PR person. I’m it. The buck stops with me. Those of you who are authors know what I’m talking about. You know exactly how hard it is to stand out in the crowd regardless of how much time you spend networking or even how good your books are. Sometimes I think it’s better to write a really sucky book, gets you a hell of a lot of attention.
So what’s my point? Hmmm. I’m taking stock in 2012. Economizing. Deciding where I can cut because more than anything I want to write.
The floor is now open to suggestions and opinions. Take it away, Thou.
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LOVE it! It may be your post, but the words are straight from MY heart - and probably every other writer thrashing around in the social networking whirlpool. Enough of that! I’m finishing this really great (if I say so myself) novel I’m writing THIS year. Will drag myself away from it to come and see what you’re up to from time to time, because you really gave me a good laugh and I needed it. What’s it they say? Misery loves company?
It’s funny because I planned a blog similar to this one today. I’m finding it difficult to write now that I’ve broken down and joined some of these social networking sites. I knew there was a reason I stayed away! lol
Okay, so I don’t know what D or K are…that might be a good thing.
My advice for everyone…..your social networking should take no more than 15 minutes per day. For a regular day. That’s how long it should take to write a quick blog post. You can add maybe 10 extra minutes to do facebook/twitter updates. Any more than that is taking away critical writing time.
If you have a book release, then you need to increase your promo time. You will obviously be doing a lot more….blog tours, etc. Otherwise, see it as a quick part of your day, or a fun break from writing. You also need to prioritize your social media….pick one or two that seem to work best for you, and not attempt to do everything.
Happy Day!
Shees, I saw your tweet about this blog while I was collecting info for a blog that deals with this very subject.
*Cue spooky music once again*
One of my problems is that I really like blogging. I like it a whole lot. I’d rather screw around on my blog (and the blogs of others) than write fiction. The instant gratification is addictive. Sigh. Gotta work on that.
Past a certain point, social networking is a huge creative drain. Put your writing first.
XXOO Kat
I agree, Kat. There is a lesson to be learned here.
Jaye - LOL! I have the same problem. My blog is just so damn fun to write!
Good advice, Miss Penny. I know, I should follow it.
So Amber, write your blog. I want to read it.
Thanks, J. P., and thanks for coming by. I’m glad you’re finishing a really great novel instead of social networking!
You were productive as far as writing output but did you sell more or fewer books? My suggestion is that the blog be your primary marketing tool and that you use the buffer http://bufferapp.com/ to reach Twitter and FB. Then the “social” part of your networking should be something you enjoy away from work. I have blog networking and Friend networking. I tweet my posts a couple times a day and hope for the best. Someday I will go viral.
A lot of writers struggle with this. Some have an admin type person handle some stuff for them for a small annual or monthly stipend.
I do think it is a particular issue with non-traditional and indie publishers.
Hi Steph. Yup. It’s a big issue.
I just had to chime in. I’m facing the same dilemma. Everyone says you must promote yourself (the degree varies depending on who you ask), but I still believe that writing more books is the best way to do it! I’m plotting my next book right now. I stuck my head out of the writer’s cave because my “Julia” senses were tingling!! I’ll visit you on whatever platform you decide is best for you. Count on it!
Boy, you hit the nail on the head. Social networking is such a time sucker. And I always wonder how effective it is to be marketing my books to other authors who are marketing their books to me. I work as a substitute teacher. I always take assignments at the high school where the teachers leave worksheets or a video of some sort for the students. Therefore, I bring my laptop and write while they do whatever it is they’re doing. Since there is no access to the internet at school, I get a heck of a lot done. When I have a day where I’m writing at home, I get a whole lot less done, cause everytime I hit a snag in my story, I start checking e-mails, FB, etc.
Yeah, Callie, I need a cave! Thanks for the comment.
LOL Casey! Love it - your Julia senses! I’m flattered. Yes, write your next book. Pick and choose your venues.
Okay, I’m just blown away that you quoted Martin Buber, “I and Thou.” you are such a smart sassy lady & if you didn’t network, I would have never met Thou. I’m bedeviled by the same balance, have decided I need to hire a PR person to free me up to do what I want to do. That’s one solution.
Hugs
Sharon
Huh. I suppose we’re all getting sick and tired of being sick and tired…I chat once a month. I blog most every day. Usually about something that has little to do with writing. I post to FB a couple times a day.
The rest of the time…I write.
If you don’t write, you’ll have nothing to promo.
However, if you don’t promo, you can still write.
I have absolutely no proof that promo-ing sells books. Actually, I kinda believe it doesn’t. I have to confess that every book I buy is a book I PLANNED to buy because it was written by an author I read. ONCE IN A WHILE, I buy something I’ve seen mentioned by another reader. THAT’s where promotion is. Readers recommending to readers. For that-you need to write a book-an interesting, grab you by the throat, good book.
Anny, you are so right. I have no idea if promo helps or not. No clue.
Hi Sharon - happy 2012! Martin Buber influenced me very much when I was a teenager. I’m glad I met Thou also. I don’t make enough money to hire a PR person. But let me know how it goes!
Hello Callie! Yes, a time sucker. And you do have to wonder if anyone looks at your promo aside from authors. I don’t have the checking of email issue as much as a lot to do. I’m actually more productive if I leave with my computer and go to Starbucks.
Thanks Casey! I want to believe that writing more books is the best way, but I’m just not sure…