Attend any marketing workshop or read any agent/editor/publisher blog and you will quickly learn that an author needs a strong social media presence. Authors must have a following even before they’re published. But, whether you’re a published author or new to the writing scene, there are some guidelines we must follow as we build our brand as writers on social media.
First, writers MUST have a social media presence. Today, a writer’s Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram (plus Reddit and other sites) serve as the gateway for readers and writers to connect. Websites may be where writers showcase wares for their readers, but social media is where readers go to figure out whether or not a writer is worth their time.
Second, what a writer puts out (both content and regularity) either helps or hinders fan following. I suggest avoiding politics and social issues on your author page. You may have strong feelings on an issue. You may want to cannon-blast your emotions to the world based on some world leader’s decision. You may HATE or LOVE a new movie, book, or creative personality. Do not post it on social media. No. Stop. Do. Not. Type.
There is no faster way to public death, dropped sales, or sidelining as a crackpot extremist than to spout off your politics and social stance on your author page. Separate your politics from your profile.
If you’re political, or want to share your viewpoint on issues via social media, set up a separate profile to do that.
I know so many authors that alienate their reader base by decrying their political or social stance publicly. My recommendation is to create a separate, personal account to spout off on politics, et al. if you must! Personally, keep that shit to yourself. Show your values with your vote, not with your social media voice.
Weak! I hear you yelling. I hear you, I do, but I’m not listening. Study after study shows people ARE NOT SWAYED by online arguments. So, either hold your bluster for the ballot, or set up a separate account to espouse your opinions. Bottom line: keep your politics apart from your publishing.
