{"id":425,"date":"2009-02-06T07:52:54","date_gmt":"2009-02-06T12:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lisatener.com\/blog\/?p=425"},"modified":"2024-09-30T09:00:58","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T13:00:58","slug":"publicity-day-5-social-media-and-beyond-why-you-must-join-the-movement-and-where-to-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/2009\/02\/publicity-day-5-social-media-and-beyond-why-you-must-join-the-movement-and-where-to-start\/","title":{"rendered":"Publicity Day 5: Social Media and Beyond: Why You Must Join the Movement and Where to Start"},"content":{"rendered":"
Guest Post by Rusty Shelton<\/a>, managing director, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists<\/em><\/div>\n
\"Rusty<\/a>
Rusty Shelton, Managing Director, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I hope this week’s series on publicity provides you with a new outlook on the publicity process. It doesn’t have to be intimidating–or a black hole you envision at the end of the publishing process.<\/p>\n

I realize that many authors would rather write their next book than sweat in a green room before an interview but, as you’ve heard this week, publicity is an important aspect of an author’s life. Learn how to play the game and you can reach a wide audience.<\/p>\n

\n

When Lisa and I first began planning publicity week, one thing that she made sure we had on our list was social media<\/strong>. While authors hear frequently that they have to start using social networking platforms<\/strong> like Facebook<\/a>, MySpace<\/a>, and now Twitter<\/a>, few know what they should do once they join.<\/p>\n

What is a “social networking site<\/strong>,” you may ask.<\/p>\n

Without descending into the depths of geekery, social networking refers to a web tool that brings people with like interests and activities together. More and more authors and publishers use these social networking sites to their advantage. It helps you develop brand awareness, dispense information<\/strong> to potentially millions of unique visitors, and can help position a book<\/strong> to a broader demographic range.<\/p>\n

These books are getting a bump from jumping on the social media wagon:<\/p>\n

\"Twilight\"<\/a>
Twilight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perhaps the most famous social media success story in publishing is Stephanie Meyer.\u00a0 Heather Green’s article in BusinessWeek<\/a> details Meyer’s use of Web 2.0 tactics to propel her Twilight<\/em> <\/strong>series onto bestseller lists across the country and sell over 7.5 million books at the time of the article and over 10 million books<\/strong> today.<\/p>\n

The article describes how Meyer went beyond the usual author videos,\u00a0 Web site and book blogger interviews. She answered readers’ questions on her own website and posted her personal e-mail address.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, our friends at Overlook Press<\/a> had a genius idea for book publicity: hold a Facebook giveaway! While the contest has closed already – it fell, appropriately enough, on Elvis’ 74th birthday – you can follow this link<\/a> to see how they did it.<\/p>\n

The innovative idea even caught the eye of the folks over at GalleyCat<\/a>, who wrote up a nice post about it. In addition, the giveaway caught the attention of the good people at West Coast Live<\/a>, who contacted Overlook Press about the contest.<\/p>\n

This is an example of how a good social networking idea can lead to traditional media coverage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What social networking platforms must an author focus on?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Facebook<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vital stats come from the blog Web Strategy by Jeremiah<\/a> [source: Facebook’s site via the Web Strategy blog]:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 More than 60 million active users<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An average of 250,000 new registrations per day since Jan. 2007<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An average of 3% weekly growth since Jan. 2007<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Active users doubling every 6 months<\/p>\n

Facebook <\/strong>is where many authors <\/strong>focus most of their social networking energy. As seen above, authors can not only build pages<\/strong> and connect <\/strong>with those within the industry<\/strong>, but can host book giveaways<\/strong>, events <\/strong>and other gatherings online<\/strong>. In fact, Lisa created this virtual course as a Facebook event and invited her friends on Facebook to join.<\/p>\n

We encourage all of our clients to have a presence on Facebook because it provides such a great opportunity to network with authors, fans <\/strong>and other industry professionals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Where should you focus your energy on Facebook?<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Connect <\/strong>with other authors <\/strong>by joining writing networks<\/strong> and book clubs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be available <\/strong>to your fans<\/strong>\u2014answer questions posted; interact <\/strong>with them.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Network outside your comfort zone<\/strong> by “friending” authors <\/strong>you respect, media members<\/strong> on your wish list, etc.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Create reasons for potential book buyers<\/strong> to visit your page by having an updated blog, offering book giveaways<\/strong> and other offers.<\/p>\n

Here is a great article from Sachi studio<\/strong> on how authors can use Facebook effectively:<\/p>\n

How authors can use Facebook as part of their social media strategy<\/a><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MySpace<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vital stats [source: Web Strategy Blog]<\/a>:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MySpace has more than 110 million monthly active users around the globe<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 85% of MySpace users are of voting age (18 or older)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 in 4 Americans is on MySpace; in the UK it’s as common to have a MySpace as it is to own a dog<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On average 300,000 new people sign up to MySpace every day,<\/p>\n

While Facebook may be the biggest current craze for authors, MySpace <\/strong>still has more traffic<\/strong> and members<\/strong>, which means a presence here is also a big must. MySpace and Facebook serve different demographics.\u00a0 MySpace <\/strong>users tend to be younger <\/strong>than Facebook users. Companies aren’t allowed to have profiles on Facebook (although there are creative ways around that rule) while they are on MySpace, so publishing houses <\/strong> have a big presence there.<\/p>\n

You should focus your energy on MySpace in the same areas as Facebook. Connect with the larger group to build your brand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here is a good article from NY Mag<\/strong> on how authors can use MySpace effectively<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

How to win MySpace friends and influence readers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Twitter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vital stats [source: Compete via Mashable.com<\/a>]<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Twitter grew 752% in 2008<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Had a total of 4.43 million unique visitors in December 2008 after starting the year with only around 500K<\/p>\n

By now you’ve heard of Twitter. Surely you’re heard about it. If not, throw “Twitter” into Google and learn about one of the fastest growing movements online.<\/p>\n

At first I was a bit skeptical but I’ve since become a convert and now view it as a major pillar of our firm’s online platform. Here is what Twitter allows P&P to do:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Talk about our clients<\/strong> (and book media for them)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stay connected to others<\/strong> in the book industry<\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Discuss recent client wins, new projects<\/strong> and events<\/strong><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hear about the latest news–instantly<\/strong><\/p>\n

What I’ve found most rewarding about Twitter is our ability to engage in instant conversations<\/strong> and see how the book industry<\/strong> is responding <\/strong>to the newest literary and national news, new books and trends. It’s something no other platform offers <\/strong>and what a valuable tool it can be.<\/p>\n

If you are just getting started, I’m sure you are a bit uncertain how to go about building a following. Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Start following people<\/strong> that you want to follow you – many of them will reciprocate.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ask your best industry contacts<\/strong> whether they are on Twitter. You’ll be surprised how many are already there.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Add your Twitter address<\/strong> to your email signature.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To connect with others within the book industry, consult Jennifer Tribe’s handy directory<\/a>.\u00a0 If you are not already on the list, submit a comment on the bottom of the list and she will add you.<\/p>\n

(side note\u2014Lisa (www.twitter.com\/lisatener<\/a>) and I (www.twitter.com\/phenixandphenix<\/a>) are both on Twitter, so make sure you connect with us there)<\/p>\n

Here is a good article from Yen Cheong (www.twitter.com\/yodiwan<\/a>), who runs the excellent Book Publicity Blog<\/a>:<\/p>\n

What is Twitter all about? Part 142<\/a><\/p>\n

One key thing to remember is that you should always treat your website<\/strong> as your home base online. That’s the primary place<\/strong> you want media, book buyers, publishers<\/strong> and other people to go to find out everything there is to know about your work as an author. Each social networking extension<\/strong> that you have should lead people back to your website<\/strong>. For example, make sure you list each brand extension that you have on each page you keep updated\u2014your website should link to your Facebook, MySpace and Twitter accounts, your Facebook account should link to your website and Twitter account and so on.<\/p>\n

Social networking<\/strong> is all about making yourself and your books more accessible online<\/strong>. It provides something that authors have not had in the past\u2014the chance to interact with your fans<\/strong> in an efficient and easy way. Although many authors find social networking to be very daunting at first, most end up getting so much more out of it than they put in. I encourage you to make the most out of the opportunities that you have online.<\/p>\n

Today’s extra credit is found over at the Phenix & Phenix blog. What authors can learn from brand promotion<\/a> (hint: social media!)<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Guest Post by Rusty Shelton, managing director, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists I hope this week’s series on publicity provides you with a new outlook on the publicity process. It doesn’t have to be intimidating–or a black hole you envision at the end of the publishing process. I realize that many authors would rather write…  Read more<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5,10,12,1,16,17,19],"tags":[622,215,623,624,625,626,162,627,628,629,630,631,632,633,634,635,636,637,1680,638,639,165,640,439,641,482,642,166,643,644,645,646],"class_list":{"0":"post-425","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-authors-platform","7":"category-book-publicity","8":"category-getting-published","9":"category-how-to-get-published","10":"category-more","11":"category-pr","12":"category-public-relations","13":"category-social-networking","14":"tag-blockbuster","15":"tag-book-publicity-2","16":"tag-book-website","17":"tag-brand-promotion","18":"tag-business-week","19":"tag-businessweek","20":"tag-facebook","21":"tag-facebook-fans","22":"tag-facebook-statistics","23":"tag-facebook-strategies","24":"tag-galleycat","25":"tag-green-room","26":"tag-mashable","27":"tag-myspace","28":"tag-myspace-statistics","29":"tag-myspace-strategies","30":"tag-networking","31":"tag-overlook-press","32":"tag-pr","33":"tag-publicity-week","34":"tag-publishing-network","35":"tag-social-media","36":"tag-social-media-strategy","37":"tag-social-networking-2","38":"tag-stephanie-meyer","39":"tag-twilight","40":"tag-twilight-sales","41":"tag-twitter","42":"tag-twitter-statistics","43":"tag-twitter-strategies","44":"tag-west-coast-live","45":"tag-yen-cheong","46":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=425"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":279471,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/425\/revisions\/279471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jodieburdette.net\/lisatener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}