WAG PRESENTATION: SOCIAL MEDIA for writers

significantly better results. Word of mouth will spread well enough, so concentrate on writing interesting material rather than focusing on how many people you get.

Alka emphasizes that writers need to be aware of their image, the self vs the public and gauge which and how much they want to publish. However, both emphasized that personal anecdotes, personal opinions are important but there is a line in the sand of which the writer must be wary. Be careful to avoid hitting ‘hot buttoned topics’ or ‘hot polarizing comments.’ What political party you support and why may cost you engaged readers. Presenting arguments tends to drive people away rather than engaging them in any meaningful way.

Ginger is becoming a supporter of the new form of social media use, podcasts. She described her idea of the small-town general store and interviewing clients. It might be a way to test out new ideas of writing humour in her view.

The last word is that Social Media is a tool writers should consider using to promote their work. However, with that exposure comes some risk. Writers must avoid ‘heating’ up their posts with material that may be politically or socially charged. The two panellists agreed that entertaining and well-written social media material would attract readers and subsequently, book sales would likely follow.

Some useful LINKS to follow up:

Social Media Can Sell Books

Medium.com