Do Writers Need LinkedIn?

You may wonder why I titled this article the way I have.

The simple answer is I keep meeting writers with reasonable LinkedIn profiles and a decent number of connections, who do absolutely nothing with LinkedIn to promote their books.

I’ll ask them why and I’ll get an answer something along the lines of, “Why should I? I’m not looking for a job.”

(I could probably live with their reply except that many times the respondents look at me like i have two heads.)

Let’s talk about this!

(That is, the use of LinkedIn and not whether or not I have two heads.)

Many of the writers I meet either have day jobs or have had a career that they were successful at.

They did the right thing and prepared a LinkedIn profile and built up a decent amount of connections.

Then like many out there, they don’t think about LinkedIn again until they need another job.

What they’re missing is that this is a wonderful opportunity to promote their books and their literary events.

In some cases, their book sales are significantly less than their first degree connections on LinkedIn.

This is a major missed opportunity!

Why?

Simple.

The people you know and who know you are quite likely to buy your books if no other reason than to say they have because they know you.

Yes, I know, you’d prefer for them to read the books and leave great reviews on Amazon.

But, nothing enhances a writer’s reputation with agents and publishers like book sales.

Don’t worry if the buyers are only using them as door stops, the fact remains that they bought them!

OK, now, don’t go running off and start asking everyone to buy your books on LinkedIn and saying I told you to do so.

Since that’s not what I’m saying.

What I’m saying is to invite your connections along on your journey.

Tell everyone that you’re writing a book.

Share your progress, your frustrations.

Occasionally, give some samples of your writing.

Invite feedback, ask for beta readers.

Interact with other writers.

Connect, follow, and engage with people in the publishing world.

Share your research.

When your book has a launch date, announce it.

Then and only then, ask people to buy your book and leave a favorable review if they like it.

(Trust me, you don’t have to ask them to leave a review if they don’t like it.)

Display the link to Amazon or wherever you’re selling it.

Keep your connections up to date on your book’s sales.

Let them know when you’re having events and readings.

What I’m saying here is to include your connections in your writing experience.

Not everyone will buy a book, but enough will to make it worth your while.

One last point, you can treat your LinkedIn profile as your website if you have neither the time or the means to get one up now.

Give it a try!

That’s it for now!

Please check-out my 8 step approach for developing a social media program to get some more ideas on how to use social media.

Also, never forget to reach out to either ask questions or to ask for help from someone like myself!

In the meantime, thank you for following and reading my blog!

I look forward to any and all comments that you may have. I will reply to any comments made to this blog post as promptly as I can.

And, remember!

I do this for a living and if I can be of any assistance to either you or your organization, please feel free to call on me. Our initial discussion will be of no charge to you.

I can also be reached at conpsweeney@someddi.com.

My Twitter handle is @conpsweeney.

Stay well!