It's an ongoing discussion. I watch people talking about whether a publisher really cares about social media, blogs, websites and such. Maybe the response I just got from a major publisher will shed some light on it.
The editor said she really liked the project we submitted. It went through several levels of committee . . . until it got to the level where the marketing people were involved. She said the editorial people really liked it, but her website was not functioning properly and she hadn't posted in social media for months. They passed on the project but said they would take another look at it if she could address their concerns.
It's not the first time I have heard comments like these from editors. I'm sure there are publishers that don't look at these things very closely, but it is clear that there are those who do. One thing about it, I never saw a submission rejected because an author had too MUCH social media and online presence.
One of my clients said that authors have to be careful making changes that don't get reflected in their submissions. For example, she said she had quit putting emphasis on her author page and had begun to concentrate on her profile instead. Her rationale was the fact that Facebook now tends to reward those author pages where they buy advertising.
It's about platform. It used to be that platform was only important in non-fiction. But then it used to be that much more marketing and promotion was done by the publishers. Things change. Now whether at a large or small house the author is expected to do a great deal or even all of the marketing and promotion. And platform matters, even in fiction. What publishers are looking for is authors that are fully engaged.
I'm sure the discussion will continue with people deciding for themselves whether to invest more or less time in social media, blogs and websites. But as for me, and what I tell my clients as I see the responses coming in on submissions is . . . you can't have too much media presence.
10 comments:
Thanks for this advice. And on this note, I will Tweet this!
Boy, you hit it on the head, Terry. So many times publishers love the story, but find the platform too weak to take a chance. Really sad to see so many wonderful books that might have been!
That's very reaffirming to hear. As often as things change, one is never too certain. Thanks, Terry.
Sometimes it's scary how important platform is.
Adding this one to my list of articles on the importance of a platform. Thanks, Terry.
I appreciate the advice. I try to blog twice a week, but I backed down to only one blog.
I'm on Twitter quite a bit and try to appeal to a wide audience. Christians, writers, readers, tennis and football fans are my primary focus.
I'm on FB also.
Do you have any advice on making my platform more solid?
Thanks!
Different people have different opportunities, skills and abilities and have to think in terms of maximizing the opportunities they have available to them. What is important is getting their name out there however possible in order to create a buzz.
Thanks, Terry.
"Create a buzz...." I'll be reflecting on this. I appreciate your advice.
Thanks, Terry, great advice!
Thanks for the advice!
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