I’ve noticed what appears to be a percolating trend out there on the Internet: fatigue with social media. From people letting their blogs slide to celebrities quitting Twitter to an entire university taking a week off, it seems like quite a few people out there are needing a break from the web.
Though, I suppose if you’re taking a break from the Internet it means you’re not reading this right now. Conundrum. WHAT IF I YELL OUT LOUD CAN YOU HEAR ME??!!
Anyway, according to my completely unscientific Pulse-of-the-Internet-Meter (patent pending I’ll sell it to you for seven billion dollars), it seems that a lot of people out there are having a collective “Wait, why am I doing this again?” moment when it comes to social media. So I thought I’d circle that back to books and a recent topic in the Forums:
Does social media work? Does it help sell books? Have you bought books because you heard of them through social media? Or do you simply follow the people whose books you’re already familiar with? Do you think the time spent is worthwhile or is it a glorified time-waster? Are certain activities more productive than others?
Poll below. If you’re reading via e-mail or an RSS feed you’ll need to click through to see it.
I am right at this moment working on a presentation extolling the virtues of social media in technical documentation – giving new meaning to the term, "Perfect timing."
To answer your question: YES!!!!! (Can you hear me now?)
For proof, consider this list:
Day One by Bill Cameron
Numb by Sean Ferrell
The Avery Cates Series by Jeff Somers
Not on Her Own by Cynthia Reese
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
All authors I'd heard about through Twitter and all (but one) authors I would NOT have read if I happened to find their books on my own. I would have read Cynthia's and Kiersten's books, assuming I'd been able to find them without Twitter, because they are my favorite genres.
The Cates books are so far outside my typical reading fare, I'm pretty sure I'd have put the books back on the shelf and run from the store in horror, assuming I'd even found them in the first place. But Jeff's tweets intrigued me enough to wonder what the books were like so I gave his stories a shot.
*grins* They are my new favorite series. Cates ROCKS! I even dream about this character.
Likewise, I would have shrugged at NUMB and DAY ONE but because of the Tweetships that developed online, I was compelled to read (and be dazzled by) these stories. I don't think I've ever read such vivid descriptions before reading Numb or been as shocked by a plot twist as I was reading Day One.
I would have missed these experiences. *shudders*
Given that publicity budgets – especially for a debut author – are never high enough, I think we'd be foolish to ignore the power of social media to sell books.
And, I think it's worth noting – these folks never directly asked me to buy their books. It was just something I had to do after following them for so long, being part of their "process". I had to learn how it all turned out!
And I am so glad that I did.
Thanks, reader! 🙂
Sorry, but I have more thougths that I feel compelled to share.
The other thing that concerns me about social networking is it may distract from a viable and effective form of marketing: advertising. Ex. Patterson, who runs T.V. ads and sells tons of books.
If there were research, you would want to measure not only the effectiveness of social networking, but its effectiveness measured against other types of marketing with a cost/benefit analysis (time spent, etc.)
Reading these comments though – it's helpful. I'm starting to think that social networking is filling a gap – readers want to know what to read, and social networking is, at base, a recommendation system.
But it's also important to remember that nothing goes viral unless it's really really good.
For example, if Kiersten's book wasn't good, it would drop right off the NYTimes list. Sort of like a movie that's promoted but fizzles. Fortunately for her and for her readers (me) it's very good! I recommend it. 🙂
Hmm… it looks to me like some readers took this to mean reader-to-reader social networking, while others took it to mean author-to-reader. Based on the inciting Forum posting, I assumed the latter.
I guess I'm an oddball, because I don't want to meet the authors of the books I read. I don't want to interact with them. The artist is not the work. Many artists are withdrawn or unpleasant—one big-name author committed premeditated brutal murder as a teenager.
If I were ever to become a published author, I wouldn't want to meet my readers, either. Which pretty much kills any possibility of my ever becoming a published author these days.
If people read your blog and it's interesting, I think they will be interested and keep coming back to your blog, and eventually buy your book.
However, if people read your blog and you're boring, it may be detrimental to the book-buying thing.
I think that it does work. Especially if you're writing YA, you almost have to have a web presence of some kind because that's where the teens are. But it also has to be, like a few people have stated already, a respected source.
Maybe we should have a Q&A about what would make a website/blog/twitter/FB account something refreshing to read or visit so that you can build a respectable web presence….
Can I just say that I tend to defriend myself of those authors on FB who ONLY talk about their books. Yawn. I'm there for grins, folks, not commercials. I'm not saying never mention it, but a little goes a long way. Etc. Plus now one obnoxious writer posts it about four times in a row since the online version of FB is so sketchy.
But I do really like Scalzi's Whatever book column and I tend to buy from it. Also, I tend to buy at cons and conferences, too.
The hardest part of social media is finding readers over writers. Writers read, but not as much as pure readers.
I think your poll is a little skewed by the fact that it's all writers or wanna-be writers visiting this site. Will social media help you to sell a few copies? Sure, but will it make you a best seller? Probably not. Most people I know, unless they're really into books, do not visit author's websites or join their blogs or even visit Goodreads. And it is a huge sucking machine that gobbles up a writer's time. It's much better to spend your hours writing and perfecting your writing than to think up tomorrow's blog post.
Now, excuse me while I go work on my blog….
The fact that everyone else in my facebook feed mentioned reading "The Hunger Games" I had to read it. Word of mouth via the internet has been a big motivater in my buying books. I say this from personal experience. Goodreads and Blogs that review books have also influenced my reading. I LOVE reading and if *certain people* give a book a raving review, I will read it.
I agree with Angie. A lot of book sites are really writers selling books to other writers. Even a New York Times best-selling author doesn't always earn that much money: here.
I have most definitely bought books I've read about though blogging and such and have also been on the receiving end. I know others have bought my book because they read a review of my book on a website.
I'm much more aware of what books are coming out because I surf the blogosphere. And I'm not one of those wander-through-the-bookstore-and-pick-up-a-random-book sort of people (although kudos to you if you are – you must have a lot of faith in your gut:) ), so almost all the books I read are ones I first heard about online.
Oh, and there was an update to the Blog by the New York Times best-selling author who published her sales figures: here. The author made $24,517.36 in net profit on her book, and didn't expect to see any more net profit for the next year or two. (The publisher, however, made around $453,839.68 in gross profit which the author estimated would mean about $250K in net profit to the publisher.)
I've certainly bought books I heard about through social media. But I'm with Anon 1:12 about book trailers. Meh.
But I do think writers get way too caught up in the social networking thing. On my blog I've been advocating "Slow Blogging"–suggesting that writers blog three times a week or less (consistently.) If we don't have time to write the books, what's the point?
anon-
Please see my follow-up post regarding that post.
Mira – I don't social media necessarily distracts from traditional advertising, but I think it is a viable outlet for authors especially. Authors just flat-out do not get big promotion/advertising budgets unless they're James Patterson or Stephenie Meyer.
I think that's part of the reason social media is so huge for businesses and individuals right now – it's "free" advertising. The only thing needed to invest is time. And some people can't afford a lot of time, but at least they don't have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a printed ad or a television spot. It's a way for new or mid-list authors who aren't normally "heard" to get the word out without breaking their bank.
While blogging and other similar networking may help sell books (but not become a bestseller), I find it difficult to believe Twitter Timewaster does anything worthwhile, to deem it worthy of the time spent. Of course, that could be merely because I don't like Twitter and refuse to participate. Ever tried to read Lauren Myracle's novel, ttyl? It's all in IM abbreviations and Twitter-like chat. Aaaagh! (I resorted to skimming the novel.)
Nathan, I read your post on the day you published it. My point is that a New York Times best-selling book doesn't necessarily bring an author very much money to live on. If, for instance, an author tried to support a family that included a few children on the financial amount reported by the Blog author, they would be trying to survive below the official U.S. poverty line. I was questioning the popular misconception that, if social media leads to becoming a New York Times best-selling author, the social media has worked. It may have gotten the author on the New York Times best-selling list, but it didn't raise the author above the poverty line. J.K. Rowling does no social media whatsoever, and she's one of the richest people in the world.
anon-
I don't disagree with that at all, just wanted to make sure people saw the clarification about what the publisher was making out of the deal.
I'm not sure it's about selling the book, but rather about using as many media out there at your disposal to get your voice heard. Very interesting poll results- what does it mean when we're pretty much split down the middle on this issue?
Greetings,
I believe social media, like all media is very effective: IF done right. Many think… "ooh if I have a blog, Twitter, and Facebook, then I'll become famous."
Many use it, however, without knowing how to take advantage. There's an exact science behind twittering/Facebooking the right words, phrases, and links to draw a larger crowd to your cause.
It absolutely can attract more than word of mouth, but it's not easy to do and takes experience (or money).
~Eric
Steph – I agree with you. The attractiveness of social networking is that it's free. And I do think that authors need to avail themselves of whatever tools are available.
However, my concern has more to do with what you said: "Authors just flat-out do not get big promotion/advertising budgets." Agreed.
I'm concerned that both authors and publishers may fool themselves into thinking that's okay because social networking will do the 'trick'.
It may not.
And then the 'blame', if there is any, goes to the author for failing to network appropriately, when the real problem may be the lack of advertising budget.
Nick said…
If people read your blog and it's interesting, I think they will be interested and keep coming back to your blog, and eventually buy your book.
This is exactly what I do. I understand why not all authors blog, but I'm always disappointed when I get a book recommendation and the author doesn't blog. As a reader, my answer is an emphatic yes – I've probably bought and liked 25 books this year (that I otherwise might never have heard of) based on reading the authors' blogs first. I've also bought a few I ended up not liking – but a blog and those first sample pages reduces the likelihood of that considerably.
Yes, I'll buy books for my book clubs, I'll occasionally browse bookstores and pick stuff that looks interesting, I'll read anything my favorite authors write, and of course Amazon/Kindle recommendations have changed my life – but blogs are by far my favorite tool for finding authors I hadn't read before. I’ll read Nathan’s book when it comes out, having read his entire blog first – it’s the same way I discovered Kristin Cashore, Justine Larbalestier and Tessa Dare recently.
But I still haven't figured out why people tweet. 😉 ~shrug~
Or not. Maybe it's not advertising, and social networking actually works better.
I just don't know!!!
Now, I'm arguing with myself.
As a former book reviewer, I say:
1) Know your readers and be where they are.
Some are rabidly on-line. Some don't even do email. Figure yours out.
2) Mr. Bransford, dude, seriously, put your cover art in your profile so every time you comment anywhere in cyber-space someone will see it.
Readers don't always remember titles or authors' names. When that happens, you want them to see your cover art in the store (or on Amazon) and go, "Ah! That's the book by that funny guy, whathisname!" And they'll buy it.
At leat 8 of the last 10 books I ourchaed and read I first heard about through some form of social media…blogs, youtube trailers, tweets, etc. I've (unintentionally) sold numerous books I can trace back to soc med too. I think it's here to stay–in one form or another.
I've bought plenty of books as a result of finding positive reviews in blogs linked to facebook and Twitter. Many of those books I would never have bought on my own, just stumbling over them in a store. But if you want to make certain I buy a book, just ask Ken Bruen to drop your name in one of his novels. He's absolutely the last word in great crime fiction, both writing it and recommending it.
I voted "no," but I'd like to add a caveat: I have bought books because they were positively reviewed in a blog of someone I trust. I'm less likely to buy a book because it's hyped by its author or publisher on Facebook. (I don't tweet, so can't comment on that.)
Sorry but social media has no impact on the books I actually buy. It is a platform to increase profile and to gather information that may be of value to a wannabe author. People need to get things in perspective.
I don't buy books based on anything on twitter, or book reviews, etc. but if I read your blog religiously, and you write a book, I will buy it.
Like the sartorialist and the selby.
Speaking as a reader, not even a writer — YES. The last few books I bought I purchased because I'd heard of them via Twitter/blogs. THE ART OF NON-CONFORMITY, THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, TRUST AGENTS. It works.
I just read an article–of course I can't find the link now that it's relevant–that gave some evidence for posting excepts online having a positive impact on book sales.
Personally, I keep my blog because writing is so often an exercise in howling gibberish with only one's self to hear. I need to connect sometimes, especially to other people going through the same. I like to think it keeps us all from going barking mad.
I am interested in Marylin Peak's comment. I've seen this observation before. Maybe my "n's" are too small, but is there a trend that social networking is more common for genre fiction and less common for literary fiction?
Personally, I select books mostly based upon:
1. Personal recommendation (in person or via email)
2. Reading reviews (frequently from the New Yorker)
3. Hearing about books on the radio, for instance author interviews on Fresh Air
4. Sometimes via Amazon.com's "other people who read this book selected these books"
It would be helpful if you didn't HAVE to join to read the social comments (for the most part you seem to "have to").
I joined once (for about fifteen minutes when-to my dismay- the network grabbed my mailbox and sent ALL my contacts-professional and friends alike- an email with my birthday and age and asking them to friend me-YEACH!)
I quit my "membership" immediately and –years later– I STILL get up to four emails a day asking me to "friend" complete strangers.
Social networking=nightmare theme!
I buy books I've heard about through social media, but until I started writing fiction myself, I didn't follow the blogs and tweets and facebook pages that now lead me to these books and authors.
So, my answer is I think social media is a great tool for reaching writers, reviewers and avid readers. As for reaching the general reading public … yeah, I still think it can be effective.
It's like word of mouth amplified.
When I like a book, I tend to post a comment and link on facebook, and that might lead a few of my 300-ish friends to read it and comment on their own facebook pages, reaching another potential 600-ish people. That's got to be more effective than mentioning it over dinner to a couple of girlfriends, right?
At the very least, it complements the old word of mouth method pretty well.
This post is very funny. I like it.
It encourages me to look at the author's other work.
Therefore, social media at least helps to get a potential customer's eyes onto the books.
Social Media is another medium for word of mouth marketing and that is a strategy that isn't going away.
I'd say yes. All the books I've brought in the last two years have been because of online reviews or because I like someone and I'm curious.
The secret to social media is that you have to sell you and not the product. Be authentic, its a conversation to a stranger, be polite. I don't respond to hard sell. I promote people online because I genuinely admire what they're doing.
Social media has gotten me an invite to NY State. I haven't been yet and I've got another invite. When I have a book published this will sell books. I've people already asking.
Yes, social media is hard work and time consuming. If you're not successful then I'd re-evaluate what you're doing. Everyone is interesting. Don't be afraid to be online in your pj's.
Thanks Nathan for the quick response. I'd like to have a project for you, you're a cool guy.
Great topic, Nathan! I actually wrote about social media in the last two posts of my blog…without a doubt, social media is a great way for people to communicate with each other and share things digitally, so to a degree I think social media does help sell books. In addition, authors and publishing companies themselves can create their "Facebook Groups" and "Fan Pages" to recruit more consumers and advertise their products (in this case, books) that way as well.
By the way, very amusing poll. 😛
~TRA
https://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
The more I think about it I feel that Social Media can sell books, but I have mostly seen it used for networking and trying to make the world of publishing a smaller place for the authors, which indirectly can help sell books.
Social Media makes it possible for me to write this comment on a blog that is associated to an agent that passes on advice to aspiring writers. I can guarantee that a few of the other people commenting will read my message. Again, while I am not selling a book, my name is noticed in a world where it may have never been seen and long term that may help me sell a book or find an agent that before was unobtainable to me. No matter how you break it down I don't see how this could have a negative effect on a writer.
I say keep on blogging and Nathan please continuing to offer your excellent advice.
I voted 'yes', but with an addendum.
I don't use twitter and I consider facebook more a means of keeping in touch with friends than a way of learning what books I should check out.
For that, I read several industry blogs. I've thereby encountered several excellent books I might not have picked up otherwise.
I think for debut and newer authors, the internet is a great way of getting noticed. It's easy to walk into a bookstore and find the latest bestseller by 'famous author'. It's a lot harder to find books that are less well known (simply because fewer copies are stocked).
I just self-published a little novella of mine, and yes, social media has been an integral part of my marketing and selling copies. 🙂
It works for some, not for others, I think.
Social media helps to a certain degree, but it's not everything. I've found that it's more of a way to communicate with readers in different parts of the world than anything else. They feel more comfortable sending pm's on facebook instead of e-mails.
People get tired of SN like FB. They get bored and move on to the next best thing. But the interesting thing is there are still new people just discovering these social networks so I don't think it's going to disappear soon. It seems to go in cycles. The same people will be addicted for weeks, or months, then they drop off and a new batch pops up.
Places like FB are also good places to look up authors to see what they write and what they are about. I do it all the time, and I know people do it with me.
I can just about say that I owe my career to social networking sites.
All the fiction I've bought this month I found out about, or was reminded of, through social media. Just sayin'.
Without blogs telling me about books, I'd miss many of the new ones. Looking on bookstore shelves is fun, but much more time consuming. I buy based on recommendations from bloggers, friends and family, and the workers at my local bookstore.
I definitely think social media helps sell books. The only reason I bought Looking For Alaska was because I'd read your analysis of John Green's character development on this blog (thank you for featuring him, by the way; that book is now one of my favorites!). I've also bought several books simply because I saw my friends discussing them back and forth on my facebook news feed, and they sounded like interesting reads. Social media is an easy way to spread the word on hot new reads to the masses – if they're listening.
The last two books I bought were ones I learned about on twitter.
Emma Rathbone, The Patterns of Paper Monsters and Therese Walsh, The Last Will of Moira Leahy. Both very good!
If you believe that authors can sell their books to readers, then you have to believe in social media. However, the internet is millions of people all screaming for attention. It's very difficult to get strangers to read your content; to build up a regular audience of blog readers you have to produce worthwhile posts on a near-daily basis. If you can somehow manage to become an internet celebrity, it will help your book sales. But that's kind of a long shot.
It's a little easier to get people to follow you on Twitter, but it's not clear that Twitter followers convert into book buyers in any significant percentage.
Social networking can't hurt, unless you say horrible things and embarrass yourself. But if you're looking at it as part of a business strategy, it probably yields less than $1 in earnings for every hour spent. If you enjoy blogging and tweeting, do it. But the author is probably better off letting the publisher do the marketing; his time is better spent writing the next book.
I never, ever, ever try to get people to go to my blog from here, but I JUST BLOGGED ABOUT THIS THIS MORNING! Basically, I looked at the top ten books on the NYT Bestseller list for MG and YA, and I looked up the authors and worked out how long they've been blogging/tweeting/facebooking/etc., and then I looked up the date of their debut novel's release.
Only one of the top ten books currently in the NYT list was written by an author who had not already established a significant online presence before the publication of their debut novel. Only one.
So, yeah, I think social networking helps sell a debut novel. After that, a lot depends on how good the debut novel was. But to get the first book into people's hands, social networking seems to play a pretty big role. Look at Kiersten White's PARANORMALCY, for example. Another is THE SECRET YEAR – I only bought it because you had talked about it and it was by one of your clients.
It also largely depends on knowing who your social stream audience is. I became a heavy twitter user as a librarian, and there are still a ton of librarians there and on friendfeed. When my first book came out, those professional connection helped me because many did not just buy my book, they bought two copies and donated one to their library. If you follow people willynilly without a plan, plugging a book can be annoying; if you're someone people feel they know, they'll give you more latitude and be supportive. it's not a replacement for building relationships with people, it's just another tool you can use to do so.