I recently participated in an online class about self promotion and the use of social media to do so. What did I learn? Not that I'm not really good at it. I almost never ask anyone to mention my books, cover reveals or releases. Though I am deeply grateful that some of my friends do. I don't know what I don't ask, something in my upbringing, because I like doing the same thing for other people.
Touting my books on twitter or Facebook isn't in my comfort zone though in this class I took, the message was to hit those venues really hard and often with promotion. So I try to do a little. I wouldn't miss tweeting or updating my status on Facebook of those two sites disappeared suddenly.
Blogging might be the only social media I would miss if I suddenly stopped. Though I have family I would keep up with on Facebook. No tweeting ever again for me. And that brought me to an article I read about a famous author who stayed completely out of the public eye. He avoided all interaction with his readers and fans. He was very, very successful, beyond even what I've dream of.
So my question in this short post, if you were really famous would you quit promoting online? Would you stay in touch with fans you've met on Facebook or Twitter? Would you put yourself out there with appearances and readings? Or would you stay at home, doing nothing but writing and reading your reviews?
If you want to touch base with me on those media spots I avoid most of the time. Here's my Facebook page and here I am on Twitter. Maybe I'll see you there.
17 comments:
I can't imagine not blogging at all or interacting with friends and fans. Not comfortable Tweeting about my books either. I almost never do it.
If I were that famous, what need would I have to promote?
This is why I doubt the efficacy of online promotion. Unless you reach beyond your comfort zone of 'friends and acquaintances', you're always sending your message to the same people.
It works for only a tiny minority--not because they're promoting, but because they have that 'it' quality prevalent in politicians and preachers.
If I was famous, pfft I go hide away and never come out to play. I'd keep my blog no matter what, twitter meh probably not, everything else I'd let die off.
I follow many "famous" authors online, just to see how and what they do. I imagine, at a certain level of fame (and income!) that they hire publicists to do it for them.
But since I'm not at that level, yes, I stay involved with much of it. I have learned, over the last several years, to regulate it a bit so it's not a monster who consumes me. Balance.
But like Alex, I enjoy the interaction and am so thankful for the writing community. I also think it's part of the business piece of being a writer. Like a handshake, the creative and business sides thrive on each other.
It's hard to promote yourself. That is one thing about publishing that has really changed. It was much easier for the author twenty years ago when the Publicity Department ran with it. Of course, there was no Facebook, Twitter, or even the Internet...
I like your points, Maria. Pat, Alex and Julie, we're all thinking the same thing.
Robin, I wish we could go back to the days when the publisher took the forefront.
I'd like to say that I'll keep in contact with my biggest supporters, in the least. I plan on working more as an editor than a writer, so I can't exactly go reclusive.
Your blog seems very nice
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I'm not on Facebook or Twitter, but I would definitely miss blogging! :)
I don't think hitting social media really hard is a good idea, but a moderate presence is probably good. If I were really famous I would probably maintain a blog presence to some extent, but the rest I'd leave to my fans and PR staff.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Following you on Twitter now! :)
Blogging is my favorite form of social media, so if I ever got famous, I can't imagine giving that up. I can imagine other things falling to the wayside, though. There just isn't enough hours in the day for it all!
I'm totally with you, I am really not comfortable on FB or Twitter but I love blogging. I'd really miss it and cherish the interactions and friends I've made through it. And I am the same as far as self promotion too, I love to share friends' releases, covers, etc, but sharing my own makes me uncomfortable. I feel like I could have written this post LOL.
When I become really famous and successful (going with the positive intentions thing, here! ;) )... I have to admit that I'd love to cut back on the amount of time I spend online. I wouldn't cut everything out altogether, but I'd do a whole lot less, that's for sure. I love all of the blogging friends I've been meeting, so I'd still read some blogs - but honestly, FB and Twitter might fall by the wayside. I'd love to be able to spend more time just WRITING.
Promotion is not my strong suit either. I guess when you're taught as a kid that it's rude to blow your own horn, it's tough to get past that. I like Facebook for the connection with friends and family more than for promotion and I've never got into Twitter. Not sure what I'd do about my blog. I like doing it and I like the friends I've found but it sure is a time eater.
I'd love to get famous and find out, but until then I can only surmise that I'd stay the same. I love people and can't imagine not staying in touch with them.
Hi Susan!
I'd miss the interaction, but I do dream of just shutting it all off for good sometimes. It complicates life, but there's joy in it as well. Now if I were famous, I'd have employees handle my social media for fans. lol But I'd still connect with friends on my own.
I think if you're famous it's doubly important to keep in touch through social media, though time restraints may make it more difficult (pure conjecture on my part!).
I'm always happy to help with your news! Just ask. :)
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