Writer's Groups

I feel it's safe to say one of the most common pieces of advice for writers is to join a writer's group.  (Heck, I've probably said that myself!).

Now, what you are looking to get out of a group may vary from person to person (or even at different points in your own career), but I can tell you without a doubt that even just a casual group of writers, willing and able to provide general support and guidance, can be invaluable. As an editor, I belong to an editing association, and the internal discussion group there has helped me immensely - just with general knowledge and help with specific questions.

Depending on your needs, you might find a local group where you meet together and review each other's manuscripts. Or learn about storytelling vs. plotting. Or learn about world-building or marketing techniques. 

But now you are not limited to just physical meeting groups - there's the Internet!  The big, wild, wonderful Internet! You can join all sorts of forums, websites, chat rooms - find your fellow geeks or diehard HEA believers, your companions through the seedy side of mystery and mayhem. 

And then there's Facebook...those groups are powerful!  There were over 1 Billion (yes, that's Billion - with a B)  people using Groups to talk with like-minded people.  Surely there's a group or two you as a writer should belong to! 

So, what writer/writing Facebook Groups do you belong to? Or know about, but for one reason or another you are not a part of?

I know of a few: Author Support Network, Indie Author Group, Trauma Fiction.

But I am sure there are a ton more out there.  So, what groups do you belong to? Let me know in the comments!

Social Media for Authors

Okay, I know it's been forever since I posted last.  My apologies.  But my authors have been keeping me busy with some great manuscripts (and some long ones, too!).  I haven't had any time between projects to think about a blog post, much less write it!  And, actually I still don't.  But I have a problem and I wanted to vent a little to the Internet (you'll all listen, right?).

I'm sure, as an author, you've read blog post after blog post about "building your author platform" and the importance of social media.  You've probably felt the heat to be active on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, your own website/blog, and whatever else is out there.  Maybe you try, maybe you don't.  Maybe you don't have a webpage with contact information.  Maybe you don't want everyone in the world to find you on Goodreads.

But guess what?  Those annoying little time-sucks?  Those are connection points for more than just your (potential) readers.  They are backup communication tools for people YOU want to talk to.

Here's my problem, folks: I have an author I've worked with before on a project.  She's emailed me twice (once Tuesday and once on Thursday) asking me to work on her next project. I emailed her back - using the Reply button - twice on Tuesday and once on Thursday.  In each instance, I've gotten an "Undeliverable Email" notice from Yahoo (her email address provider).  In the second email, she's basically asked if I'm too busy to respond or work on her project, and if I am, can I recommend someone. 

I can't find Valerie anywhere on social media.  Not Facebook, not Twitter, not Goodreads, not LinkedIn.  I'll admit I don't have a Pinterest account, but when I search for her name on the almighty Google, there's no one who fits the description (location or job) of my author.

So I'm posting this in the thinnest of hopes that she will 1) be looking at my website/blog and 2) recognize herself and 3) comment on this post so I can talk to her about her project.

And please, for the love of God or whatever higher deity you may believe in, make sure people you work with have more than one way to find you online - don't rely just on email!

Expose Yourself

How exposed are you?  I don't mean in a steamy video sort of way...I mean, how are you getting the word out about your book(s)? There are tons of ways to get exposure (again, in a good way - not an expose on TMZ!).

Here are a few of my clients and what they have done:

Julie Napier released her book Tender Thorn in March.  She shared a video with me from her local news show where she was a featured guest.  Pretty cool, huh?

 

MJ Pullen had a Twitter chat with WritersKaboodle to reach out to fans:

There's always speaking engagements, too.

Kelly Ilebode has worked with her local Barnes & Noble to give a presentation on self-publishing.

 Guest posting is another great way to get exposure.  Kevin Hardman was featured on Joe Konrath's blog

And don't forget the power of the simple interview.  I feature an author each month in my newsletter.  The newsletter gets exposure to the mailing list, Facebook, and Twitter - a great way to get your name out there.


What other interesting ways have you thought of to get the word out?  Feel free to share in the comments!