Monthly column on writing with DiAnn Mills<\/p>\n

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Writers hear from agents, editors, and other professionals within the publishing industry about  the importance of developing a social-media platform. Most of us heed the advice of those who are aware of what makes a book zoom to the top of a reader\u2019s list. We crave the title of hard-working, flexible, and dedicated. But what\u2019s the reasoning behind a writer\u2019s involvement in social media? Does it even sell books?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Branding and building an online platform take time, research, and a willingness to discover where our readers hang out\u2014then more of the same to figure out reader needs, along with how each platform relates to those who use it. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Social media requires writers learn how to:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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• use hashtags<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
• create memes<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
• produce videos<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
• develop post content<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
• comment with respect and compassion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
• share content<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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  If we are to expend energy and slice into our writing hours, we must understand the value of adding social media to our writing careers. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. The primary purpose is to build relationships. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

  Online communication has caused the world to shrink. News and events report instantly to our devices, attracting those who share similar interests. These groups form communities that range from hundreds to millions of people. Social media is a conduit to provide unique information and increase relationships with like-minded people. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  2. The goal is to embrace the attitude, \u201cIt\u2019s not about me.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

  Writers offer their expertise and knowledge to readers and other writers who have specific questions and requirements. This means the connection is about what the writer can offer the reader. Maslow\u2019s hierarchy of needs asserts the basic needs for every human are self-actualization, esteem, love\/belonging, safety, and physiological. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  3. The distinction of a brand dominated by integrity and trust <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

  Readers long for writers who entertain, inspire, inform, and encourage them in whatever they are going through. This means transparency for the writer and posts and comments that are well researched and reliable. Writers who stand on their promise reflect integrity and trust. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  4. The input from established relationships<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

  Writers appreciate feedback from readers. Their suggestions, questions, and advice help define our writing projects. When readers contribute to a topic or project, they feel a part of something important. That\u2019s a win-win situation for all involved.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  5. The hope of book sales<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

  We may consider social media further down our list of priorities\u2014after all, we are writers first, and we long to put our published books into the hands of readers. Ask yourself from whom would you purchase a book\u2014a writer who exists in a cave and never surfaces or a writer who is transparent, approachable, and gives of him\/herself?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  Perhaps now is the time to further explore how to enhance our social-media presence. The reward of a job well done improves every writer\u2019s optimism. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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