So you’ve written a book, a modern masterpiece destined for bestseller lists the world over, but so far all you’ve heard are crickets? What’s a future Pulitzer Prize winner to do?

From beginning to end, the process of writing a book is a decidedly solitary effort, but the crucial step is connecting with your audience and getting that blockbuster into the hands of your readers. So after you’ve put a period on your project, you’re really just getting started. Or, as Pliny the Elder (an author himself) said, “From the end spring new beginnings.” Ol’ Pliny was on to something way back when, and Twitter marketing is the new beginning today’s authors need to mix with masses and ultimately sell more books. These strategies will help you grow your following and optimize your impact on Twitter.

Twitter Profile for Authors

Set up a complete profile. This point bears repeating . . . set up a COMPLETE profile. It’s not enough to give your name and occupation. Social media marketing is about connecting people to people, so include a nice profile picture that fits your personality. Let your audience know what genre you write and what your interests are – anything that helps them get to know you better as a person. Also include links to drive traffic to your websites and other social networks. If they like you, chances are they’ll be interested in your writing as well.

Get more specifics on how to write an effective Twitter profile.

When to start tweeting…

Start tweeting when you start writing.  Though it’s never too late to “tweet your own horn,” the best time to start talking about your book is when you start writing, or even before. You can get more engagement by taking your readers on your writing journey, keeping them informed of progress and pitfalls and occasionally asking for advice if you find yourself stuck in a literary rut. This brings them into the process and makes them feel like your story is their story too.

Twitter Time Management

Use your Twitter time wisely. After all, you’ve got plenty more writing to do. Post regularly, but devote most of your time to interacting directly and publicly through conversation or simply by retweeting (RT) posts you find relevant or entertaining. These can come from publishing industry leaders, followers, and those who RT or “favorite” your tweets. You can also use time-saving services like Hootsuite.com or Tweetdeck to schedule posts in advance and easily keep track of your growing number of followers.

How to get noticed:

Be bold. As you do with your writing, try new things on Twitter; experiment and by all means have fun. As long as you stay true to yourself and your story, what you do on Twitter becomes a natural extension of your personality.

Using Twitter to sell your book…

In the end, you’re not selling just a book; you’re selling yourself, too. Done carefully and correctly, Twitter book marketing is a highly effective tool that has the added benefit of making the solitary act of writing a little less lonely.

Want more information on social media marketing for authors? We’ve got you covered.