Navigating the Digital Age
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Question of the day: I'm hoping to sell my manuscript in the next few months, and I was wondering, now that the writing process is mostly over, what I should be doing to build my platform: blogging? Tweeting? Do I need a FB fan page?
The is a wise question in the new digital age, and the truth is, that the possibilities for self-promotion online are both endless (which is good) and exhausting (which isn't). As ad budgets from publishing houses dwindle down to about zero, authors are increasingly asked (and expected) to handle a lot of their promotion on their own, and to that end, I'd say that all of the above - in your question - are beneficial. That said, they're only beneficial if you use them wisely, if not, they're just a literal waste of your time.
What I mean by that is that, for example, blogging can be, of course, a wonderful way to build your platform. I think that my blog has been invaluable in doing this. That said, there are soooooo many bloggers out there that unless you have something unique to offer or a different slant on things, I don't think that you can either ask or expect someone to read what it is that you have to say. Maybe they will, but more likely, your traffic will dwindle, and you really won't be writing for more than a small subset of people - which, if selling your book is the ultimate goal - really isn't worthwhile. So yes, blog, definitely, if you think you can carve out your own little niche. If not, to be honest, blogging takes up a lot of time, and I just think you'll be spinning your tires.
Tweeting is miraculous. I'll admit that I was a twitter-doubter when it first started, and that obviously, I've come a long way since then. I really believe that there is no easier or better way to reach new readers and new audiences than via Twitter (other than word-of-mouth, but we're talking about digital promotion), but again, you have to have something to say. No one wants to follow someone who is dull as paint (is paint dull? I might have just made that up), and so you need to find your own spin on it. I tweet about a blend of pop culture and writing subjects - I don't think people strictly want to hear about the industry over there from me, and I tend to get the most feedback on universally-appealing subjects. So that's what people can expect from me, and I tend to stick with it. Of course, when I have something to promote, I certainly do, but I think that all-promotion, all-the-time on Twitter is a mistake, and likely to get you unfollowed.
Facebook fan pages probably aren't worth it for you at this point pre-sale and pre-publication. Maybe closer to your publication date, but for now, it's probably just one more request that will go into your friends' inboxes and be ignored. I use mine to connect with readers whom I don't know personally, which works well for me. My FB profile is private, but then I get to go on the fan page and chat with readers which is a nice balance and line - for me, certainly not everyone does it this way - between personal and professional. Some writers, like Rebecca Skloot, have really leveraged their FB fan pages into commodoties. I haven't, but that's not to say that it's not worthwhile in the end.
So those are my thoughts. Overall, I'd say find the medium that allows you to inject your personal flair into it. And don't forget to get working on manuscript #2!
Anyone want to chime in on which platform-builders have worked best for them?
Promotion
Reader Comments (6)
It's never too early to think about a web presence, but there are a lot of things you just can't do yet. Do: get on Twitter and start following other writers, and buy the domain yourfirstnameyourlastname.com. Blogging is great but if it's just you blogging about your book -- or your hunt for publication -- there isn't much audience, and as Allison said above, it is quite a time commitment. If you have something else to talk about, great, but if not, it's certainly not a requirement. I started the SIMMER blog shortly after I finished the book and before it was sold, but it's primarily a food blog, with book news thrown in occasionally. Don't forget that even after the sale you'll likely have a full year before publication. Are you ready to commit for that year-plus?
Don't spend a lot of time or money building an author website or book website at this point. The time will come. But do take note of what other authors are doing and make a lot of notes, so you'll be ready to spring into action. Other people's web presence is going to matter as much as your own, so learn and learn and learn.
(And *absolutely* start working on the next book!)
I'll just say this: I came across Allison somehow on the Twitter, started following her and THEN sought out her books. I so enjoyed her Twitter personality that they all but forced me to go read her novels.
Aw, thanks Neil! Right back atcha!
So I just finished reading your entire blog, all archives, over the past few days. Huge thanks for all the ideas and feedback and thinking. I do appreciate your time on this venture. And I have to admit, you have a great voice. So thanks again!
I agree that twitter is the most time-effective way to make an impact as a writer. The publishing industry is very active on twitter -- agents, editors, published authors, aspiring authors. It's a great way to learn the latest buzz, pick up tips and tricks, and get exposed to great writing-related articles.
Twitter may appear overwhelming at first, but the key is to follow the right people. Search out folks in the writing business -- check out directories like wefollow, or find active twitter authors like Allison and see who she follows, then follow those publishing folks and see who they follow, and so on. Twitter is fun, a great way to network, and full of free valuable information.
Good luck!
JAEL- It's a relief to hear you say that! I found out yesterday that I was a quarter-finalist in the Writer Unboxed search for a new blogger. Looking through the list, my name is one of the few that doesn't link to an already-established blog or website. All day I've been wondering if I should start a blog. My instinct has been NO and I'm sticking with it after reading what you and Allison have to say on the topic. Until I have something special to add, I'm happy to be a commenter for all the great blogs already out there.