I don’t write much about it because I don’t understand it.Facebook, that is.I’ve had an account there for many years now and with the rapid changes they make it seems you might want to major in it if you want to pursue it even as an avocation.One of the bits of wisdom I’ve picked up from various marketers and publicists in the publishing biz is that you need to be visible on social media.(I’ve encountered agents who actually won’t consider your project unless you already have thousands of followers, preferably on Twitter.)The aforementioned marketers and publicists insist that you shouldn’t do all social media—who possibly can?Just stick with the big ones, especially Twitter.Especially Facebook.If you’re a working stiff, like yours truly, you’re not allowed on these sites during the day, which means building a following is difficult.
The publisher of my third book, Holy Horror, hasn’t done much promotion for it.(They also priced it higher than most of their books, forever dooming it to the dreaded library market.)One thing I found in my few pre-dawn minutes on Facebook is a group of other authors who’ve published with this particular press.We share ideas and ask questions.We try to promote our work in ways that most publishers wish authors would.In any case, we are hosting and event on Saturday, March 6, where we’ll be on Zoom talking about our books.The event will be free and lots of interesting things will be on offer.If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to see the link in my Facebook feed.It’s free. There will be a limited-time sale price on Holy Horror.
Working in the academic publishing world but not being in the academy I’ve learned that you “fall between two stools.”Nobody quite knows what to make of you.Editors aren’t supposed to write books, are they?The funny thing about that way of thinking is that many editors (yours truly excepted) are among the smartest people I know.Those who don’t have doctorates read more than most of the people who do.It would seem that if you wanted to get some really interesting books you’d ask editors to write.Of course, they may not be permitted to use social media during the day.Falling between stools is a place familiar to me.Facebook, however, seems more like an impenetrable forest.It’s a good thing I write about horror movies, I guess.If you’re interested in hearing more take a look at Facebook and join us on March 6.
