leave a responseHere’s another example of the power of social networking.
Last summer, I connected with a reader on Shelfari by the name of LaTessa Montgomery. Not only did I discover another romance-a-holic who shares the same passion I have for the romance genre, I also learned she was one of my Sorors (Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.) as well as a senior reviewer for Romance in Color. We continued to stay in touch and in May of 2008, met each other in person at the Romance Slam Jam conference in Chicago.
Since that time, we’ve stayed in touched via blogging and several social networks. Last week, I had the wonderful pleasure of being one of the featured authors at Romance in Color. This would not have been possible without us connecting on a social network. Thanks, LaTessa for a wonderful interview!
The power of social networking can’t be emphasized enough. Every author should be engaged in some form of social networking, whether they have an upcoming title release or not. If an author is serious about their career, then they understand the importance of viewing it as a business, and every successful business engages in some form of networking. A recent post by Marion Freijsen and Adrie Reinders underscores the importance of social networking for authors, perfectly.
Network, network, network!! You never know how that chance meeting with a literary colleague will benefit you down the road.
Until next time – stay well and be blessed.
Hey LaConnie, great advice.
I, for one, hate networking, but as a marketing professional, an aspiriing published author, I fully understand the importance of it.
I also sent your link to my critique group, so they could benefit from your advice as well
Thanks so much for mentioning me in your blog
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
To both La Connie and Tessa.
I also wonder if the power of social networking is what Zacharius meant when stating as the reason for Kensington Press sitting out BEA 2009: “…given the state of the economy…we decided it makes more sense to spend our marketing dollars where it will have more of an impact on sales…”
http://www.anjuellefloyd.com/2009/04/07/kensington-press-sits-out-bea-2009/#more-552
Could social networking has more impact on sales than spending tons of dollars attending BEA never mind the cost of shipping books to the event site?
I think so–when considering how much time readers and potential readers spend in front of their computers.
Thanks for this timely reminder of what we all know we need to do as writers and authors of the 21st century.
I’m a HUGE proponent of networking for writers, both online and in real life.
Every single day I learn something, meet someone, or find an amazing resource that makes me stronger, happier, and more connected to the community I love so much.
I totally agree with you. Social networking is key for book promotion and ideas on great books to read. You defintely know how to get your network on … Stay strong.
YID,
Deltareviewer
@LaTessa:
Hi Soror LaTessa:
Many thanks for weighing in on this discussion and for sharing with your critique group.
One thing I’ve discovered about networking is that we can often incorporate the opportunity to network with activities we’re normally engaged in. This way, it doesn’t seem so daunting.
@Anjuelle Flyd:
Hi Anjuelle:
I, too, agree with you on this point. More and more, I’m seeing NY publishers engage in on-line marketing and incorporating many of the popular social networking sites in their efforts.
With the downward spiral in the economy, I guess everyone wants to get the best bang for their buck.
@Don Lafferty:
Hi Don:
I love it when I’ve got a question about a particular topic and can post it on-line. Within moments, a slew of answers, links and other resources come my way that I didn’t know existed!!
@Deltareviewer:
Hello My Soror:
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. For those authors who have not yet grasp the reins of social marketing, I’ve got one question: what are you waiting on??!!
social business networking…
Your topic Niche Social Networks As A Viable Business Model was interesting when I found it on Sunday searching for social business networking…