Hootsuite and Social Media for Authors by Connie Vines

And the debate rages on in the Social Media world!
Hootsuite vs. Buffer—What is the Best Social Media Management App for 2016?
As we (or at least I) have discovered that managing a (my) “mini-social media empire” can be a bit of a mess.

So what makes up Connie’s mini-social media empire? you ask.
• Website (www.novelsbyconnievines.com)
• A Weblog (http://connievines.blogspot.com/)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/connie_vines)
• Author Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorConnieVines/)
• Good Reads Page (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/205731.Connie_Vines)
• Cold Coffee Press (http://www.coldcoffeepress.com/connie-vines/)
• Google + (https://plus.google.com/110488573394262216964/posts)
• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gothicnovelist/)
• Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/novelsbyconniev/)

Is there more?  Of course.  I guest blog at additional sites for book promo and name recognition (for myself and BWL).  I also have my book trailers, podcasts (under construction), promos via CTR, RST, Manic Readers, etc.

Obviously, I was happy to discover that specialized tools have been developed to aid in management.  Of course, Twitter, is still one of the most powerful media tools. Hootsuite and Buffer are two applications that are designed to present a neat interface with social media.

While Hootsuite and Buffer both have similar primary functions; they allow you to manage posts to social media websites by cross-posting at a specific time, thus allowing you to hit the key ‘read time’ of followers/trenders.  Both offer tools to interpret data such as views, click-through links (other customizable tasks are available at additional cost).

My Hootsuite Feed - There is also a scheduling window that will pop-up.

Buffer’s main focus is on Twitter.  While Twitter is a great social media there is a 160-character limit.  Buffer’s claim is for smaller business with less of a focus on profits.

I use the FREE Hootsuite account which allows me to manage up to 3 Social networks.  Since I am able to advance schedule both my social media announcements via Hootsuite and blog posts via Blogger, it’s frees up my 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM time for my writing.

Positive reviews for Hootsuite 2016 can be found at:  www.webmasterwarriors.com/hootsuite-review/

Hootsuite Alternatives:
Buffer
SproutSocial
Viralheat
TweetDeck
Sprinklr
SocialPilot
SocialOomph
SendSocial Media

I have zero personal knowledge of these programs.  However, Tweetdeck looks promising and is FREE.  However, since I already use Twitter, I don’t really see the point of this program.
Writers, are there other social media programs that work for you?

The Standard Twitter Feed

Readers, what is your personal favorite way of connecting with authors?  Is there a social network you really, really like?  Snapchat?  Vine?  Wanelo? Slack? Blab?

Please post comments. I’ll try out the new social media app that readers like and use on a daily (or nearly daily) basis.

Happy Reading and Writing,
Connie Vines

It Goes On and On and On and On...

I used to consider myself successful at multi-tasking, but now I'm beginning to question my capabilities. The more I do, the more I have left to do.  How does that work? 

This morning I awoke to 300 emails, even though I'm on digest.  I skim the digests, but all I see in the subject line are: excerpt, promo, contest, new release.  OMG, it seems that everyone who was a "reader" when I first started this venture is now an author.  I spent several hours yesterday at Love Romance Cafe's big bash and anything I posted was lost in the avalanche of emails.  I pictured authors everywhere huddled at their computers, vying desperately for the attention of a "reader."  Yes, I know authors read, too.  I do, but I'm looking to tap into someone who isn't competition.  Is that selfish?  I don't think so. All who have books available are hoping to find the mother lode of readers and achieve a best-selling status.  Honestly, it's more like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

When I got to my individual emails, I found the usual few word posts: Thank you, I'm sorry, I forgot, I'd like to blog, put me down, happy birthday, happy holidays, condolences, and of course, I'm blogging at ______today, please stop by.

As much as I want to support my fellow authors, if I visited every blog to which I've been invited, I would never get anything else done. So how logical am I if I expect my fellow authors to visit mine?

I've already given up Farmville on Facebook, taken a leave of absence from my critique group, gone on digest for most of my yahoo loops, and tried to find a new avenue of promotion on the Amazon Communities, only to be beaten to a pulp by some of the folks there who are very territorial.  It seems there are those who don't like authors who talk about their own work.  What's up with that?  If I don't, who will?  I still crave Farmville, but I'm staying strong.  I imagine my crops have all withered and died, and I've probably been reported for cruelty to my animals.  I'm sure my farm is generally in  bad repair, but there's no way I can have a look without wanting to fix everything.  At least I kicked the habit on my own and didn't need counseling.

Honestly, the towel is looking pretty good lately.  I've considered throwing it in a few times, or at least waving a white flag, but I'm too invested in my love of writing to quit.  I keep visiting shared links and viewing success stories written by authors who had sold hundreds if not thousands of copies on Kindle. I want to post that announcement just once.

I have several new releases in 2011, so maybe one of them will be my ticket to stardom... well at least a few sales.  :)

JSM's Promo Viewpoints

Publicity. Love to receive it, hate to generate it. I was raised in a time and place where ladies did not put themselves forward; it was considered vulgar to work at drawing attention to oneself. Today I know that attitude is archaic, but the lessons learned earliest are learned best.

So – what to do about publicity? I deal with it. When I can afford it, I hire a publicist, and that is wonderful. Things are set up and all I have to do is go in and talk, which I do both at length and extremely well. As an ex-performer, I find TV and radio interviews a breeze, as normal as breathing. Booksignings are almost like holding a party and as hostess I must speak to everyone. As long as I don’t have to set the booksigning up. Calling someone I have never met and telling them I am so wonderful and talented that they have to have me is pure agony.

At booksignings I speak to everyone who comes near and have a smile on my face all the time. I have pens with my name and website on them and use them to sign the books I sell, then give the customer the pen as a gift. Also, I take little gifts – a mug or a small reading light with my name and website on it – for the store/library/wherever liaison who set up the signing, and occasionally for others who are helpful. I hand out personalized coasters of shocking pink to one and all. I have book-related displays and hard candies on the table, but will only give one to a child if his parent is there and says so. It avoids problems and gets the adult within reach of my sales spiel.

The internet is more problematic. When I sell a book I create a PR file with excerpts and set a regular schedule for posting excerpts and pertinent info to a myriad of readers lists, but I rarely join in extended on-line discussions. Quite honestly, I’d rather be writing, Plus, if you do all the internet PR most publishers seem to want you to, you’d never do anything else, including eat, sleep and clean house. I write for several publishers and doing sufficient PR would be an unattainable goal, even if I liked working on the internet, which I really don’t. I even have difficulty keeping my website current. Like I said, I’d rather be writing.

Here’s the commercial – go to my website and take a look. There are excerpts from all my currently published books, and as I write all over the map (mystery, adventure, time travel, traditional Regency, all with a romantic flair) I’m sure you’ll find something you like. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks to Ginger for this opportunity.

Available at Red Rose Publishing

A Pause for A Chuckle with MaryAnn Miller

As we talk about the serious business of promoting -- and honest to God I have no idea what works and what doesn't - I thought it would be nice to inject a little levity.

I've done lots of signing events and spoken for civic groups, writer's groups, and at conferences, but the toughest audience was at a senior center connected to a nursing home. The activities director had assured me that there were lots of avid readers among the residents and they would love to meet an author. I was scheduled to follow the late-afternoon Bingo game when folks would already be assembled and willing to stay since dinner would immediately follow the talk.

I knew I was starting to lose them when a gentleman sitting up front asked if I was ever going to get the glass of water he’d asked for an hour ago. Then three women got up and left, muttering loudly that they must be in the wrong place since dinner wasn’t coming yet and it was past time.

In an effort to salvage something – anything – I abandoned my prepared speech and tried to engage the rest of the audience on a more personal level. I asked if they liked to read. One woman said she couldn’t read but she liked to sing. I told her that was nice, and she asked if I’d like to hear something. Before I could respond, she launched into a lusty version of You Are My Sunshine.

The other residents cheered when she was finished, so I took the hint. We spent the rest of the hour in a sing-along.

-------------------

Maryann Miller is an author, editor, and part-time farmer living in East Texas. Her latest books are One Small Victory and Play It Again, Sam. Visit her at her Website and her blog.

Here's to Promotion

Hello Folks, I'm Raven Starr...

Like most authors promotion isn't the first thing I wanna do after writing a book, but it goes hand in hand. You can't expect to have good book sales if you don't get out there and sell your book.

You have to Pimp Your Book!

Yep I said. Pimp Your Book. In my experience I like to start posting blurbs and excerpts as soon as the final edits are done. It could be weeks or months before the book even hits the shelves. Drumming up interest is always a good form of promotion. Leave your readers wanting more with your excerpts.

Join as many yahoo writer groups as you can manage to keep up with. These sites are a great way to reach readers as well.

Everyday I am learning of new ways to promote myself and my work.
1 Interviews
2 Set up chats
3 Blog ur butt off.
4 Invest in a website

No matter what you do to promote urself keep in mind that you have to be unique. Sometimes depending on what story I'm writing one of my characters might stop by to run my Facebook and take questions. Or try free reads, free is me, so I know folks like the freebies. LOL

Speaking of free sign up for the free for now sites like Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, these are easy ways to reach masses of folks.

In the last few months I've been working with a Publicist. When I need her she's there and she has great ideas on how to Pimp My Book! LOL.

So in the nature of promo here are my newest creations coming soon from Red Rose Publishing.
Tainted Blood by Raven Starr



I had a ball writing this story. My first werewolf book. Make sure you check it out.. (gotta throw in a little promo) :)
The next is The Perfect Match by Raven Starr



This story has a twist.

Okay now last but not least, ask questions. Ask what other authors do to promote themselves, bounce ideas off your friends.
Have a great day today. Stay blessed and I hope you've had a good time learning about promo. Leave me a comment and I'll hit ya back.

Blessings,
Raven Starr

MORE LUCKY WINNERS

Lucky Winners!

Well folks, as promised I'm ready to give the following people a FREE pdf of one of my titles:

Virginia
ddurance
peggy
Theresa Norris

If you would email me Privately at: pthib07@hotmail.com and put Blogfest Winner in your subject line, I'll send your choice of book.

Thanks for participating!
Pamela S Thibodeaux
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Pamela's Website

Pamela's blog

A Blue Ribbon Day

As Pam has already declared, today is the last official day of my blog fest. I would truly like to thank all my friends who spent time, posting and entertaining my readers. I'm constantly amazed by the abounding talent found in small publishing. As you can see by the excerpts and interviews, many of these authors rival those on the NY Best Sellers List. I can't recognize each and everyone, but I thought by opening up my blog, I could at least let them know I think they ALL deserve a 'blue ribbon' for being such great friends and dedicated authors. I wish each of them continued success and we'll do this again sometime.

READERS - DON'T FORGET! YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO LEAVE A COMMENT WITH ANY POST AND IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A READER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE DRAWING FOR A VIRTUAL BASKET OF READS. DON'T MISS OUT. JUST LEAVE A NOTE. :)

Hugz,
Ginger

My TWRP Titles by Pamela S Thibodeaux

Wow, so many great posts, blurbs and excerpts! I really love the interviews with characters...that is so neat! Maybe when I get my "to do" list shortened a bit, I'll interview my characters.

Just in case you're wondering what the TWRP stands for in my title for this blog, it is The Wild Rose Press. Though fairly new in the publishing industry TWRP is making a splash, releasing titles in Ebook and print in every romantic sub-genre imaginable. Writers, check out their submission guidelines here. Readers, find out about their lines and what's happening here!

This year TWRP is spotlighting their individual lines in a monthly promo extravaganza with games and prizes. This month is the White Rose (Inspirational) line and TWRP is having a Jelly Bean Hunt!

I have 3 titles available through the White Rose line.
My debut single-title novel, The Inheritance was released last year and is available in Ebook and Print.

The Inheritance is about the chance we all long for…the chance to start over. Widowed at age thirty-nine and suffering from empty nest syndrome, Rebecca Sinclair is overshadowed by grief and loneliness. Her husband has been deceased for a year, her oldest child has moved to New York in pursuit of an acting career and her youngest child is attending college in France. Having spent over half of her life as a wife and mother, she has no idea what God has in store for her now. Will an unexpected inheritance in the wine country of New York bring meaning and purpose to her life and give her the courage to love again?

US Postal worker Raymond Jacobey has been in love with the little widow since he first set eyes on her. A wanderer searching for the ever-illusive soul mate, Ray has never stayed in one place too long. Raised by self-centered, high-power executives, he’s longed for the idyllic life of residing in a cozy house in a small town with the love of his life. Will he gain the heart of the lovely widow or will he lose her to the wine country of New York?

As well as novels, TWRP offers short ebooks for your reading pleasure!

My short story Cathy's Angel received a "Recommended Read" from MyBook Cravings!

Single mom Cathy Johnson is tired of running her life alone…what she needs is a well-trained angel to help out. Jared Savoy gave up the dream of having a family when he discovered he is sterile. Can a confirmed bachelor and the mother of four find love amid normal daily chaos?

Choices won Reviewer's Top Pick from Night Owl Romance!
Best-selling novelist and songwriter, Camie Rogers has penned numerous accounts of the secret love she holds in her heart. Country-Music Superstar Kip Allen has changed from the shy, humble boy, to the epitome of “star.” Can the two rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour?

A Hero for Jessica is coming March 26th!
Anthony Paul Seville is known as the ‘most eligible bachelor’ in New Orleans, possibly even the entire state of Louisiana, but finds himself alone—completely and explicitly alone. Jessica Aucoin is a writer on her way to fame and fortune, but is haunted by a man from her past. Will the “champion” lawyer and the author of romantic suspense find love written in their cards?

Well folks, I hope you've enjoyed this sneak peek at my TWRP titles. Don't forget to run over there and participate in the Jelly Bean Hunt!

Until later take care, be BLESSED! and remember......There are Angels among us and if you make the right Choices in your life, God will set YOU apart for an Inheritance and very possibly bless you with a Hero of your own.

Pamela S Thibodeaux

"Inspirational with and Edge!"

PS: Attn. Readers! Leave a comment and one lucky person will WIN a pdf of one of my TWRP titles!