Well, hello again. What does this make it? Three weeks? Doesn’t time fly?
You’re probably chomping at the bit to start the writing process but I’ll let you into a little secret. You’re already doing it.
Writing starts way before you type ‘Chapter One’ a third of the way down the first page.
Firstly, there’s all that preparation you have to do. Oh now come on, stop your whining. We all have to prepare for something or other. For example, take builders. They wouldn’t build a house on mud, (unless you’re watching TV show Cowboy Builders), because their house would sink within a couple of years; pretty much like your novel would.
No. The builder has much preparation to do: Dig foundations. Get Building regulations approved. Add concrete. Bring up the damp course. Only then does he start to build his house. – And in case you’re impressed by my knowledge of building, don’t be. My father is a builder and I can build a brick wall 🙂
It’s much the same with writers. Preparation is a MUST! Without it, you’re novel is guaranteed to sink. Trust me.
Still with me? Tantrum over? Excellent. Let’s move on.
After last weeks post you should now know what genre you’re writing for. But why do we have to talk about social media now? Isn’t that something to think about after we finish writing our novel? And where do we even find a social media site?
I’m glad you asked.
What is Social Media?
Social Media is exactly what it says.
‘Social’ is the social interaction between two or a group of people. It’s similar to going out at night and getting together with friends, or meeting and making new pals.
‘Media’ is media. Just as newspapers and magazines report news, entertainment, local stories, and fashion, your ‘media’ runs pretty much the same. With your friends and ‘new’ cyber pals, you build relationships and discuss everyday life…as well as your work, writing, and upcoming releases.
Building a Brand
Remember, our name is our ‘brand’. The only way we are going to build on it is by using it…. All the time.
Decide what social media sites you are most comfortable with and plaster it ‘everywhere’. The more you use it, the more you become associated with it. You want people to remember it.
When I first started using twitter I had a random name, like most of us do. We hide because we don’t want to be ‘seen’. But that isn’t going to help us when it comes time to sell our books. Make sure it’s your name (or your pen name) that you use on the social networking sites. To my knowledge, Waterstones, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble don’t have the resources to find me if someone asks for a book by ‘EssexGirl71’.
But why do it now? Wouldn’t it be better to wait until I have written my book before I start promoting myself?
Well, you can but other than your mother and her friends at the W.I., you’ll have nobody to buy it. By building your brand now, you’ll have a loyal following of friends all queuing to read your book when it’s finished.
And, an extra tit-bit of information. I regularly hear that if a publisher or agent likes your book, the first thing they do is Google your name to see how big a presence you have on the internet. A well written book just doesn’t seem to be enough anymore.
Promotion
The promotion package no longer comes wrapped in glittery paper and tied with a silky smooth bow. Here’s why:
Pre-internet: Author wrote a book. Author personally delivered, or posted, manuscript (remember those days?), to the publisher. Author returned home for a well deserved cup of tea before starting their next novel. Publisher runs around like a headless chicken promoting book.
Post-internet: Author writes a book while tackling social media. Author publishes novel either via traditional, indie, or the e-publishing route. Author works their ass off promoting and marketing the novel. Publisher relaxes with a cup of tea.
Promoting and marketing is exhausting and time-consuming and when you first start out, you’ll be doing everything yourself. Try different things. Watch what method makes the biggest impact.
Er, just to clarify, I am not telling nor condoning you take the same drastic action as Russell Brand, but if you do, send me pictures 🙂
Social Media Sites
So, that brings us to which social Media should we undertake?
There are many out there: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, MySpace,Google+, LinkedIn….. the list is endless. And you will never have the time to join all of them. You have a book to write, remember? So, pick two or three and throw them into the mixing bowl.
Although I can be found on Google+ and Linkedin, I have two main sites I frequent; Twitter and Facebook. Not surprising as they are both listed in the top ten of social networking sites.
So, you’ve chosen ‘your’ social media sites. What do you do now? How much do you update them? I try to visit my sites at least ONCE a DAY. I update my status, have a chat and a giggle with people, and generally walk away with a smile on my face. Social media can be FUN!
Still not sure? Check out my Facebook page and see how it works for yourself.
Blogging
Okay, now we’ve reached that word that scares the hell out of some writers. Blogging. Take a deep breath. Hold it. Hold it. Breath out. Blogging. Say it. Blogging. See, it’s not so bad, is it?
Blogging is another way to meet the world outside your window. And it’s a wonderful way for writers to enhance their writing skills.
But what do I blog about?
Hey, you’re a writer with a fabulous imagination! Trending topics are reviews and information on gathered research. Start by blogging once a week until you find your feet. Most importantly, be consistent with the timing of your posts.
Remember, you are a writer the moment you decide to write your book. Be proud to call yourself a writer.
Need more help on the art of social media and blogging? Social media Jedi, Kristen Lamb has two fabulous books on the subject.
So, your task this week is to check out which social media sites you wish to build a presence on. And let me know in the comments section. It will be interesting to see what are the more popular sites.
You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin
Fantastic post. It has been so amazing watching you grow as a writer and I am thrilled that I could be a part of your process. Your writing is just WONDERFUL. Thanks for the mention and the support, and I am SO GRATEFUL you are part of my team and my inner circle *hugs*. Wouldn’t have happened without Twitter.
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Yes! Twitter has a lot to answer for. Since we met I now write scary crap, shoot guns, and abuse school kids at bonsai gardens. SEKURETY!…. Hmmmmmmm, can we really blame Twitter for all that? *pointing no fingers*
Love ya, sweetie. You’re my guru jedi and always a dear friend xxx
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Another great post, Donna!
Yea… writers have a boatload of work ahead of them if they want to get anywhere, but I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog (thus leading me to Kristen and her books) early on in the process. While sitting on two manuscripts, I had just started a blog and a FB fan page. I made them because somebody said I should, and I had no idea what to do with either of them! After reading WANA, I made getting my ME-dot-com a priority, and I am building up that site strictly to connect with my audience. I will make it public once I’ve built it up more. (This blog I will keep as a connection to all you great writers!) I made my personal FB page public, and started using a Twitter account that had laid dormant for years.
I’ve learned so much it almost blows my mind, and it isn’t nearly as scary as I once expected. (Consistency is the thing I need to work on the most.) While I’m polishing my manuscripts, I can focus on meeting more and more of the wonderful people out there… and I can do that without trying to sell them anything, since I have nothing to sell… yet!
Thanks for all the advice.
Laura
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So pleased I could be of some help. When I was coerced into upping my game on social media (mentioning no names..*cough* LAMB *cough*), I thought I’d be swallowed whole and never see daylight again. But, if you find a rhythm and are disciplined…okay, I’m still working on that part… then it can be a lot of fun. Plus you meet the most awesome dudes!
Laura, I loved reading your story on social media. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for spending the time to comment. xx
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I have already finnished my novel, but your post really helped me with the media side of things. I have fb, twitter, and wordpress, but I think after reading this I am going to branch off into some of the others you listed. My book is about to release in three weeks so wish I would have read this sooner. Check out my fb page for updates on my book, The Vangeretta curse if you like.http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ChristinaMobleyAuthor
See already promoting hehehe. Would love to hear any further tips you have on promoting it. Great post and looking forward to exploring all of your post.
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Hey, it’s never too late! Like you, I frequent FB, twitter, and this blog. I do pop by Google+ etc but you have to be careful with social media. They are addictive and if you’re not careful you’ll have no time left to write your books.
Let me know when your book is released (and congratulations!)
Oh, and ‘MomTheWriter’ – change your name to YOUR name. How can I buy/download your book? 🙂
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[…] https://donnanewtonuk.com/2012/03/16/so-you-want-to-be-an-author-part-three-social-media/#comment-167… […]
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[…] From Donna Newton: So, You Want to be an Author, Part 3 – Social Media. […]
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It will be out in three weeks to buy on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel and digital download as long as I can figure that one out. 🙂 I have been trying to figure out how to change my blog name. I change it and it stays mom the writer when I check it. Thank you for the tip. I am about to add a video trailer for it to my blog too. I’ll try to remember to send you a link for the book when it’s up on Amazon.
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I’m looking forward to it. Also, check out Jenny Hansen’s blog. She is a website guru and I’m sure you will find something on there on how to change your name 🙂
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Although I dreamed as a teen I’d be a famous writer someday, I forgot all such aspirations as soon as I graduated. It’s only recently (~two decades later) that I began working on my writing skills, and then mostly to enhance the reception of a message about which I am very passionate.
For years, my FB page was on lock-down, with no one outside my real-time friends and family even able to search for it, nor did I have a Twitter account. I opened my FB page up perhaps four or five months ago and I have to say, Donna – you are spot on. It has been an incredibly enlightening experience! I’ve met so many wonderful, kind-hearted people. Some have even had a major impact in my life, despite knowing them only virtually and for such a short time!
I am now reading both your blog and Kristen’s regularly, and just joined Kristen’s WANA FB page. Through these blogs, and my new but very dear friends, I’ve actually gained enough excitement and… faith that I already have my first two books named. *grin*
Best regards!
Tracy Dion
http://www.CatCentric.com
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That is wonderful. I think many of us *cough* older *cough* writers veered off into careers before finding our way back into writing. I’m so glad you’ve returned 🙂
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[…] are you guys finding things so far? Remember in Part 3 I referred to the preparation of writing a book like building a house? Well, by now you should […]
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[…] So You Want To Be An Author? Part Three – Social Media from Donna Newton. […]
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