Does anyone here promote their writing through Twitter and/or Facebook etc? I'm just asking as I have read a couple of articles in writing magazines which are positive about the potential benefits of putting yourself out there and connecting with other writers, and would be interested if anyone has had some success stories and positive experiences through doing so.
Elizabeth, I think it is important and should be focussed on depending on what stage you are at the book. I have finished my first draft November 2012 and am currently editing. I have not put a timeline to when I will finish editing, but I have a fairly good first three chapters, cover letter and synopsis, which I can hopefully share in a few months. I love the name of my novel and have bought the website for it, com and ac.uk. I might link it to my FB account (or create a new one) and start some publicity at a suitable time. Only in a few months as my focus is to get the manuscript as good as possible. That is a tall enough order.
I am looking at traditional publishing rather than self-publishing at this stage, but I think having self-generated followers and publicity around the novel does help a new writer.
Twitter, I don't follow and I can't stand the thought, but might need to convert. If it means selling the book better, of course I will!
You have to use Twitter. There appears to be some sort of unwritten law in place. I have to admit that although I'm not Twitter's biggest fan, following agents to catch their pearls of wisdom is useful and any big news will in publishing always appear there first. That's currently all I use it for but I will use it to promote in the future.
Hi Adrian and thanks for answering. I am really just beginning to get more serious about my writing after having just dabbled in it up to now so am keen to explore all avenues to help me keep up to date with what's going on. It's a bit of a minefield though and I don't want to get bogged down so much that I don't leave myself enough time to actually write!