Are you a writer, struggling to get to grips with using social media? ย Are you wondering if it canย be usedย to promote a book?
You are not alone! ย A few months ago, I received a call from a good friend who has written and published her first book. ย Sheย wanted to know whether social media was the right place to promote it, and if it could work to raise awareness about her work. ย My answer was ‘Yes!'
But since then, more and more writers have approached me for help. ย ย Authorsย are following me on Twitter to ask questions, and joining my Facebook page for advice. ย And, if you are reading this article, thenย you may also be a writer with questions too!
How Do You Take a Book To Market?
With the UK online book market alone worth ยฃ300m in 2013, more and more people are putting pen to paper (or laptop!) and realising their dream of writing and publishing a book.
But then what? ย Yourย book is published…….but how do youย promote and market it? ย This is an especial problem if you are one of the growing number of people who self publish every year, and who do not have the weight of a publishing house PR campaign behind them. ย Or a marketing budget. ย Or time!
Like my friend, many writers are turning to social media as a means to reach hundreds of thousands of potential readers. ย But many alsoย find it overwhelming, or confusing to use effectively. ย And have questions about how to make it all work.
How Should a Writer Useย Social Media?
In an effortย to understand the particular pain points experienced by writers in trying to use social media, I recently asked a group of writers what they most wanted to know about how to market their books online. ย I was inundated withย responses:
- What should I say?
- Should I just post quotes from the book?
- What social media networks would work best for my book?
- Do I need to write a blog?
- How do I use social media and still have time to write?
And many, many more!
The sheer volume of questions made me realise that help is needed! ย But I want to know more. ย So I can help best I can.
What About You?
Are you a writer struggling to get to grips with Facebook and Twitter? ย Do you simply not know where to start? ย Or is it just not working as you would like?
I would really appreciate it if you would complete theย very short and simple survey below, to tell me what you would most like to know about using social media – I promise it won't take much of your time.
Thank you