The Author on Social Media

It recently came to my attention that a few friends and family don't think I should be using social media to get the word out about my writing and books. This shocked me. After all, this is what my publisher insisted that I do. He told me I needed a presence on social media, a website with regular blogs, and other efforts to grow a fan base. I complied and have seen great blessings and another ministry come from it.

It's also what all other authors I know do, and facebook has many pages designed just for this. The one person with a book I could name who doesn't put out information on social media doesn't view himself as a writer but a pastor, and his books haven't sold over a hundred copies in years. I have a personal example of this. Three weeks ago, I published an indie book, With Summer's Songs. However, I found too many mistakes in it and wanted to correct them before I announced its release. It has been on amazon and other sites for a little over three weeks now, and not a single copy has sold. It will begin selling when I announce it's release on social media after I get a clean copy.

Those who follow my writing and anticipate the books I publish love the fact that they can keep up with it all on social media. Instead of a nuisance, they see it as an opportunity to connect with a writer they enjoy. It's all in attitude, perspective, and a heart for people. I write this blog, hoping to encourage understanding and at least tolerance, if not support. I want my books to get in the hands of people and pray they'll encourage, inspire, and deliver God's personal message to each reader. I see writing Christian books as my calling, and all my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.

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