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.