Question about social networking:Choosing the best places

Miyaka · Oct 4, 2012

Hi,

I read everywhere that now a days people want the author especially new ones or Self published authors to be an 'active' presence in forums ,websites etc.

The trouble I am running in to is that everywhere you look , everyone wants you be be a active member of the community, not just do a 'hit and run' promo about your project.

How do you choose the most beneficial outlets for your participation?
I write full time, have no children, but I find that I can't/dont want to be on the net 24/7 like it seems some people are. I prefer the quality over quantity approach. That being said I participate in 5 major outlets,updating each, but I am wondering if I should rethink where I am spending my time.

So how do you choose, where do you choose to spend your time?

Old Hack · Oct 4, 2012

Self promotion doesn't work if you just hit and run.

No one social networking site is better than another: what's important is which one you're going to enjoy the most.

You might find this thread useful. Meanwhile I'll move this to Book Promotion, where it's a better fit.

Miyaka · Oct 6, 2012

Old Hack said:
Self promotion doesn't work if you just hit and run.

No one social networking site is better than another: what's important is which one you're going to enjoy the most.

You might find this thread useful. Meanwhile I'll move this to Book Promotion, where it's a better fit.

I don't know, I think there are some social networks better then some. Audience /contacts are important.

I will look up those links though , thanks .

spottedgeckgo · Oct 6, 2012

while browsing literary agents I've noticed that a LOT of them are on twitter now. I don't do the thing myself, just doesn't fit me, not to mention that I don't have the right phone for it. Could be an outlet for you though. Takes very little time and space. Plus it's a good way to keep your fans posted on the progress of your next book.

Old Hack · Oct 7, 2012

Miyaka said:
I don't know, I think there are some social networks better then some. Audience /contacts are important.

I will look up those links though , thanks .

You're missing my point: perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I'll try again.

If you don't enjoy a particular social network then no matter how useful it's meant to be, you're not going to use it enough or appropriately, and it won't be effective for you.

spottedgeckgo said:
while browsing literary agents I've noticed that a LOT of them are on twitter now. I don't do the thing myself, just doesn't fit me, not to mention that I don't have the right phone for it. Could be an outlet for you though. Takes very little time and space. Plus it's a good way to keep your fans posted on the progress of your next book.

I use Twitter a lot and have never tweeted from my phone--I use Hootsuite, on my laptop. You might find you like it more if you do the same.

Polenth · Oct 7, 2012

If you don't like a particular network, it's not going to help much. But assuming you're okay with any of them and just need ways to cut down, what I'd suggest would be:

* A Blog - This is your chance to show you write in an entertaining way and let people talk to you.

* A Short Message Network - Twitter is the popular one. Do make sure you're using it to actually network, rather than promotion spam.

Anything else is gravy, but if you have time for some gravy, I'd suggest looking at Goodreads. It won't need as much time as a blog or Twitter, outside of the initial setup.

Miyaka · Oct 8, 2012

Old Hack said:
You're missing my point: perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I'll try again.

If you don't enjoy a particular social network then no matter how useful it's meant to be, you're not going to use it enough or appropriately, and it won't be effective for you.

.

I guess I was over thinking what you said. Because to me if I "enjoy" a forum that caters to 12 year olds that only read Harry Potter type books , yet that is not that type of book I write, then no, its not effective in my ultimate goal. So perhaps I was not clear enough, but no matter I think we both understand where we are coming from now.

spottedgeckgo Yes I have noticed that too! It is can be a chore to keep up with so I understand where you are coming from

PolenthThose are excellent suggestions, thank you!

Question about social networking:Choosing the best places

Miyaka

Astrid

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Miyaka

Astrid

spottedgeckgo

Da Gecko

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

Polenth

Mushroom

Miyaka

Astrid