As a self-published independent author, one of your sole priorities is making valuable business connections that will ensure a long and successful career. A great way to get started is to take advantage of online networks that connect professionals and enthusiasts within the same industry. Take a glance at the following tips and guidelines on using social networking to begin your self-publishing career.
- Know your goal. Above all, presenting yourself as a reliable and professional presence to fellow authors, editors, publishing professionals, retailers, and readers is your priority. Relationships made solely for financial gain on behalf of the self-publisher can rapidly backfire. Instead, use social networking to make yourself known and valuable to others.
- Make connections that matter. Rather than merely requesting the friendship of every literature enthusiast on the Web, consider choosing your acquaintances more carefully and giving each one a fair amount of your time and attention. Nurture the friendships you acquire.
- Make book promotion a secondary goal. Again, your first goal is becoming a recognized and reputable name, not selling. Overly promotional social networking pages are offensive, seem selfish to other users, are synonymous with spam, and in some cases are prohibited entirely due to site use regulations.
- Be willing to follow up. Your social networking connections do not have to remain solely online. Phone calls, letters, and personal interviews, if requested/permitted, are an excellent way to cement your new business relationships.
- Spread the word about your page with care. Again, making numerous “friend” requests for the sake of faster promotion may lead to more denials and spam accusations. Research and study other users for a moment before making their acquaintances formally. Be sure to include a note about why you feel the connection would be beneficial to you both, being careful not to seem pretentious.
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