Monday, October 19, 2009

Twitter Tips from my Tweeps...

Last week I was working on an article on Twitter for the SCBWI Bulletin and asked my Twitter followers to answer this question:

@alicepope: I’m writing an article on Twitter (aimed at writers and illustrators). What’s your best Twitter tip (in 140 characters or less, of course)?

In a matter of minutes my question had been retweeted several times and I’d gotten more than a dozen tips (from writers, editors, and other publishing professionals) which you’ll find below. This served as a great demonstration of how one's Twitter community can be useful. I suggest you follow each of the wise tweeps who replied to me—and follow their advice as well.

  • @HeatherMcCorkle: Twitter tip: Never write anything you don’t want to read on the front page of the newspaper. Could hurt your career later!
  • @aliciapadron: tweet how you like to be tweeted
  • @GirlsSentAway: Follow 80/20 rule: 80% professional tweets, 20% to show your personality. Interact.
  • @EyeOnFlux: Avoid TMI (overly personal information). This begs the question: what DO most people use their Twitter accounts for? Professional? Personal? Should the two mix?
  • @glecharles: Be relevant, always add value and remember, it’s SOCIAL media, not just an alternative RSS feed.
  • @loniedwards: Tip: Download an add-on like tweetdeck to help sort. Especially during kidlit chats!
  • @KateMessner: Just aim to be a friendly, helpful human being online. It’s much better self-promotion than shouting about your book.
  • @Lynne_Griffin: I found this helpful “RT @EliseBlackwell @thefictiondesk “Be yourself, not your book.”
  • @RuthSpiro: My tip: Connect w/folks OUTSIDE the writing/publishing world; they don’t encounter authors daily, and think you’re really cool!
  • @wendy_mc: If you want your funny stuff to be retweeted, shorter tweets are better (leave room for your name)
  • @BrianKlems: Be honest in what you post, be it personal or promotional. If you wouldn’t read it, don’t post it.
  • @mitaliperkins: Strive for the same integrity, vision, and authentic voice on Twitter that you pursue in your vocation as a whole.
  • @WriterRoss: Keep it tight. Omit connecting words. Twitter is a wonderful tool for learning to edit extraneous information.
  • @vboykis: Don’t overpromote yourself. Reach out to other writers and champion the ones whose writing you love.
  • @inkyelbows:Twitter tips: Follower count should NOT be your main goal. Support other writers. Make every character count.
  • @rachelsimon: My best Twitter advice is to act on here as you would in real life. You are essentially “meeting” the same people.
  • @nialleccles: Re: call for Twitter tips... Do not allow it to distract you from writing or illustrating. Tweet during scheduled breaks.
  • @marisabirns: Twitter tip: It’s a great place for linking writers to online resource material.
  • @leewind: Twitter does 3 things well: 1. drive traffic to links. 2. real-time discussions via “#” 3. under 140 trivia/wisdom—like this!
  • @CynDraws: My tip—Be of service to others and avoid complaining or negativity at all costs. Our art should inspire others and so should our tweets.
  • @joanna_haugen: Tip: Make sure tweets are relevant, interesting and concise to your audience.
  • @KarlShoemaker: Twitter = watercooler. Remember Water Cooler Politics Guy? WC Medical History Girl? WC Nosy Questions & Advice Person? Don't be them.

9 comments:

Vicki said...

So many great comments! Thanks for adding me to the list.
-@vboykis

Shauna Leigh Atkinson said...

I haven't started Tweeting yet, but maybe I'll have to. If you see an add for Fresno Books Examiner, that'll be me. :)

Donna McDine said...

Fantastic tips. Thanks for sharing.

Regards,
Donna
Children’s Author
Write What Inspires You Blog
The Golden Pathway Story book Blog
Donna M. McDine’s Website

Cynthia Narcisi said...

My favorite from Alicia: Tweet how you would like to be tweeted!

Thanks Alice!

Hilary Wagner said...

Alice, great post! Twitter is such a fantastic tool! My tip @HilaryWagner1 Don't be a stranger! If you forget about others, they will forget about you! Ask people how they're doing and answer their tweets. :)

Heather said...

Amidst so much great advice, I'm honored to have made the list!

SCBWI said...

Thanks to all who offered tips here and on Twitter.

Melanie said...

These are some great tips, definitely something to keep in mind.

Joey Malone said...

I haven't been tweeting long, but all this advice will really help as I go forth.

Thanks,
R.J.