by Leo Wiles
10 September 2014
I’ve noticed other writers plugging their articles through Twitter and Instagram, and tagging the magazine or the experts/case studies they’ve talked to. Is this the done thing now or will I look like a complete idiot? I find the increasing self-promotion thing journalists are having to do quite uncomfortable. Jen
You might find it uncomfortable, but get used to it because promoting yourself, your work and/or your client online is no longer a phenomenon. It’s fast becoming the norm. That’s not to say your client or editor will ask or demand that you do it as part of the commission / job / project, but we’re seeing a definite link between those writers with a healthy online presence who do cross-promote and those who get hired again and again.
Which is a no-brainer, really. A simple case of ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’. You’ll not only look like you’ve got your finger on the online pulse, but there’s every chance the magazine’s social media guru will retag and re-tweet your comments, leading to new and stronger existing connections. It’s also a non-threatening way to build a better relationship with your commissioning editor, as it a) helps them out pushing the mag out there; b) let’s them see that you’re serious about your vocation and c) shows them you understand the business side of writing. And let’s face it: with so much competition out there it’s always good to have an edge (and a happy commissioning editor in your corner!)
I do get that as an Aussie, spruiking oneself feels a lot like big-noting; something we’re trained from birth not to do. But in this new world where selfies are the norm, it’s time to put away our tall poppy syndrome fears and embrace the art of spruiking, schmoozing and promoting all rolled into one. Because, as one editor recently put it; “If you’re not online you’re invisible”.
It’s not just in the print world either. e-Book editors also take into account an author’s online klout. And ask any author – in general, as budgets are cut at publishing houses, new and established authors are expected to do a LOT of their own promotional legwork these days (be it on social media, or organising their own signings or launches). Which is why I’d be very much about tweeting and posting your work online as soon as it hits the ‘newstands’ or is published online.
Here are some key ways to #getstarted:
On Twitter: Always include the Twitter handle or page of the publication, the interviewee/s, the subject matter, key facts if you have access to this information. You want those people to see it and to re-plug it, increasing the reach and your online connections.
On Instagram: Be clear that you are only offering a teaser – so a shot of the headline with your byline or a quick snap of the cover or screen shot to pique your followers’ interest and leave them wanting more.
What to say? If your style is blatent:
Shameless plug ahead… Check out my story on X for XYZ…
Woo hoo! Here’s my cover story from this week’s copy of X…
So stoked to be in @thisawesomemag and loved the tips put forth by @No1Expert…
Thanks to @thisgreatmag for having me write this month’s X section; mag on newsstands now…
If you want to be more subtle:
I talked to @fabspecialiston4WDs today about X for X…
So thrilled to be asked to be a part of X coverage of X, coming out Friday…
Or you could blog about it:
Do the backstory, what you learnt and of course how thrilled you were to be asked.
Putting the clipping on your website:
Check with your editor before you imbed a PDF or scanned tear-sheet of the article as you may inadvertently be infringing their copyright.
Do you promote your work online and if so, how? Do you feel pressured to promote articles you’ve written – more so than you ever have?
Another great piece Leo. The only thing I’d add is that you often don’t get much of a response – except from friends and family – at first but it’s the sort of thing you need to keep plugging away at, eventually you’ll hit a tipping point.
This is great Leo, love the topics you’ve been covering the last two months. It’s all the things I’ve been looking to work on. Talk about being motivated now!
The tips on Twitter are handy. I’ve been plugging my stuff there, just bit the bullet and buried the spruiking malaise you mentioned. I use bitly [I like it to look neat!] and it’s great fun when people retweet to their audience.
Interestingly, I’ve found of all the social media, Twitter works best for my articles.