I just got this comment from Anonymous:
Hi Kae, Are you on Twitter? It's fun, informative and there are numerous agents, editors and publishers that tweet about the industry. It's also very addicting!
OK, here's the brutal truth. Yes, I have an account on Twitter. And, yes, I have Twitted, but here's the rub. I can't, for the life of me, figure out how this is going to help our business(es), our standing with authors and publishers, my bank account or my general well-being.
And it's not for lack of trying! I really, really want to be part of the Twitisphere. Peter Shankman says I must. Friends say I must. The industry Twits constantly. What's WRONG with me that I haven't found the key to life, love and happiness through Twitter? Jon and I both feel that this is a cute fad that takes up time, but will wither on the vine in good time. Are we wrong? Why?
So, dear readers, help me out! How will my regular Twits (Tweets) help me as a literary agent? How does Twitter help you?
2 days ago
6 comments:
Take for instance this blog posting. On Twitter you can post a Tweet with a link to the blog, bringing in more readers. There is no doubt about it that blogs help promote your business. Also Twitter can help us authors ask you direct questions. I think being a "Twit" is very beneficial to you. Especially in a world where the internet is so prominent. As for me, I keep an eye on agents such as Nathan Bransford and Rachelle Gardner to see when they have posted new blogs or if they have handed out beneficial advice. I also have to admit, it is comforting to know that, they too, are just people. It makes it all a little less frightening.
Take for instance this blog. Now that you have posted it, you can also post a Tweet, creating a link to the blog. This draws in more readers. And who doesn't want more people reading their blog!?!? In a world where the internet is so prominent, you need to take advantage of websites like Blogger and Twitter to promote your business. As an aspiring author, I find it especially helpful when agents Tweet. It's nice to know when they have posted a new blog or given advice to another author. I highly recommend you become more active in Twitter. You can start by following me ;) http://twitter.com/mbsmith090801
I used to feel the same way. Now, I'm always on twitter and I consider it time well spent. Through twitter I've gotten to know several agents well. I hear what they look for in queries, how they approach editors, and what their relationships with their clients are like. They in turn get to hear what I'm going through as a writer as I aim for publication, and what I'm working on. Sometimes when I have a question an agent will answer it. Sometimes it is other writers who answer. A month ago for example, I asked on twitter what writers conferences I should go to for YA fiction. Someone recommended Big Sur and I went. When I got there I already knew a few people who had been following me on twitter. I got to talk to agents that I knew through twitter as well. I've also learned a lot about the industry from following publishers and editors, what they're doing to address problems with the economy, what they think about e-books and the Kindle, etc. So yeah, I know twitter feels like a fad but actually the more time I spend on it the bigger and more permanent it seems.
-- @iWriteFlops (couldn't resist).
I follow agents and authors on Twitter. They'll often post when one of their books is released. I usually look up the book, especially if a link is provided to Amazon or the author's website.
I don't know, Kae. I think you're right. I looked at it and can't figure out what good it would do either. This blog of yours is good enough, if you ask me. Although...two people in the last week have asked me if I'm on Twitter. Maybe there's something to it, after all. But maybe not. I think you should forget about it, move those cats, and read the partials that are sitting on your desk. That's just one girl's opinion, though.
Honestly? Twitter makes all the difference. It's the fastest and easiest way to reach thousands of people (provided you have built your network), and it's a chance to make some great friends in the world of writing/publishing. When I signed up for it, I had no idea my life would actually change for the better. Not to mention it's one of the best word-of-mouth techniques to date. After all, things go viral on twitter. Why not use it to profit our businesses and build our platforms? Gotta love it, truly.
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