Made this thread in response to a message about social media for independent/self-published authors. Because I subscribe to a co-operative rather than competitive view of things* I decided the best way to approach this was in a public thread.
I find social media somewhat awkward, to be honest. I don't use Facebook, do have a blog (two, actually, a rambling personal one and a 'serious' writing one that's part of my website), and use Twitter a fair bit.
I also follow a reasonable number of authors, and whilst I'm not on Twitter for huge amounts of time I do think there are a few things which are turn-offs.
Tweeting about your book when it's just out, about to be released, or on special offer strikes me as absolutely fine (particularly the last). It'd be weird *not* to mention it in those circumstances.
But I feel that if a writer continually bombards followers with tweets about their books then it'll eventually become white noise, and at best be ignored, and at worst lead to unfollowing.
Not sure how good/bad my own approach to tweeting is, to be honest. I try to include progress updates (in vague terms, of course), and non-writing stuff, so the account (MorrisF1) is less about straight marketing and more about engaging with the writing process. I sometimes tweet others out of the blue, and usually reply to any stuff sent my way (a few tweets from satisfied readers were really nice to receive).
Consider who's going to be following you. Most likely, someone you either know personally or someone who found your Twitter account through your book. If they've already bought your book then endless ads for that (and others) will not gain you a sale, but *might* annoy a reader.
I could be entirely wrong, but that's how I view things. Be very interesting to hear what other people think.
On Goodreads, I'm a member of a few 'indie' groups as well as others that take my fancy (mostly fantasy but also a newish gaming group). It's often tempting to whip out my offering and wave it around in people's faces, but, as in real life, such an act would lead to revulsion and is best avoided.
Not sure how other people feel about 'liking' reviews. I've done this for every Goodreads review I've had so far (if I missed one, let me know), as a sort of hat-tip to the reviewer, thanking them for taking the time to leave their thoughts.
Anyway, footnote aside that's the end of my rambling thoughts on social media. Readers, do let us know what really pisses you off from authors and what entices you, and authors, do feel free to share any tips you might have (or pitfalls to avoid).
*Basically, I view other authors as helpful rather than harmful to my prospects. If someone buys a fantasy book by another author, it increases the chances they'll buy a fantasy book by me.
Made this thread in response to a message about social media for independent/self-published authors. Because I subscribe to a co-operative rather than competitive view of things* I decided the best way to approach this was in a public thread.
I find social media somewhat awkward, to be honest. I don't use Facebook, do have a blog (two, actually, a rambling personal one and a 'serious' writing one that's part of my website), and use Twitter a fair bit.
I also follow a reasonable number of authors, and whilst I'm not on Twitter for huge amounts of time I do think there are a few things which are turn-offs.
Tweeting about your book when it's just out, about to be released, or on special offer strikes me as absolutely fine (particularly the last). It'd be weird *not* to mention it in those circumstances.
But I feel that if a writer continually bombards followers with tweets about their books then it'll eventually become white noise, and at best be ignored, and at worst lead to unfollowing.
Not sure how good/bad my own approach to tweeting is, to be honest. I try to include progress updates (in vague terms, of course), and non-writing stuff, so the account (MorrisF1) is less about straight marketing and more about engaging with the writing process. I sometimes tweet others out of the blue, and usually reply to any stuff sent my way (a few tweets from satisfied readers were really nice to receive).
Consider who's going to be following you. Most likely, someone you either know personally or someone who found your Twitter account through your book. If they've already bought your book then endless ads for that (and others) will not gain you a sale, but *might* annoy a reader.
I could be entirely wrong, but that's how I view things. Be very interesting to hear what other people think.
On Goodreads, I'm a member of a few 'indie' groups as well as others that take my fancy (mostly fantasy but also a newish gaming group). It's often tempting to whip out my offering and wave it around in people's faces, but, as in real life, such an act would lead to revulsion and is best avoided.
Not sure how other people feel about 'liking' reviews. I've done this for every Goodreads review I've had so far (if I missed one, let me know), as a sort of hat-tip to the reviewer, thanking them for taking the time to leave their thoughts.
Anyway, footnote aside that's the end of my rambling thoughts on social media. Readers, do let us know what really pisses you off from authors and what entices you, and authors, do feel free to share any tips you might have (or pitfalls to avoid).
*Basically, I view other authors as helpful rather than harmful to my prospects. If someone buys a fantasy book by another author, it increases the chances they'll buy a fantasy book by me.