IF BREVITY IS the soul of wit, Twitter is the pipeline–and proof that you can be funny–and reach a bigger audience–in just 140 characters, so much so that Martin wrote
Click here to Tweet me! @KitFrazier
a best selling book about his funny tweets and the even funnier replies from his Twitter followers.
Yeah, I know. One more way to waste time on the internet, right? But, use it right, and you’ll have a whole flock of Tweeps clamoring to buy your next book . . .
Why Should Authors Tweet?
You know, those people who read and love your book(s)? You should appreciate them, and a tweet is a great way to show that appreciation. Answer questions, ask questions, hold contests, promote things your fans are passionate about, etc.
Getting a personal response from an author is very gratifying, and it builds loyalty. It’s easy to do that with a tweet.
2. Twitter helps authors find potential fans
Which books out there are similar to yours? Now you can find people who are passionate about those books or authors with simple searches. Once you’ve found someone who tweets about the kinds of books you write, ease yourself into their field of vision.
Don’t ever say “Did you like this? Then you’ll love my book.” Ever. Look for ways to engage them in conversation about the things they are already passionate about–like that other author’s book.
3. Twitter gives authors viral potential
Be careful what you wish for–you don’t want to go viral as the crazy author who said that. But if you do something exceptional, the site is a great place for that witticism, link, or insight to catch fire and get passed from person to person. A popular tweet can be a great way to add new followers without marketing yourself.
4. Twitter makes authors easy to find and promote,
If you have an active Twitter Feed, you bump your Google-Q on not only your name (Your Author Brand) but also books, blogs and other online activity. Being on Twitter makes it easy for people to recommend you and link to you all over the internet.
Need more examples of a good tweet?
@kitfrazier: I just peed on the wrong end of the stick
@russpangborn: You are not qualified to operate a baby
I noticed a significant surge in book sales that day. Coincidence? Maybe. But writers are like baseball players–you don’t screw with a winning streak.
Kit,
As always, you’re funny and full of wisdom. Thanks for sharing your gifts. And cut yourself some slack on the pee stick. As most women can tell you, when you’re at that point, wondering if your life will forever change, it’s a miracle you can even pee.
Ok, now I just snorted iced tea . . . how was National?