I’m getting better at Twitter.
I’ve been launching words into the world by the handful. Bon mots, fine lines, 140-character concoctions – I put time into each tweet and, naturally, no one much notices.
Last month, my fifteenth book came out, and I was tweeting about signings, blog posts, kitty cats. When I read an article in The New York Times called “Indie Bookstores Are Back, With a Passion,” I copied the link, pasted the photo, topped it with an excited #BooksBooksBooks! and aimed it at a literary friend (Peter Ginna) and the bookstore in question (Book Culture). It got shared more than usual, and that afternoon I glanced at my cell and saw: “Joyce Carol Oates retweeted your Tweet.”
My God, I thought, I have arrived.
Let me be clear. Nothing changed. There was no giant spike in my number of Followers or numbers at Amazon.
But still, Joyce Carol Oates! Thus emboldened, I’m now sharing nine tips with you. If you already know all this, kudos. It means you too have spent untold irretrievable hours staring at your device, both learning from and contributing to the global conversation.
Edit Your Bio
Underneath your name are three lines. Mine list recent titles, a link to buy, and the words “Likes kids, culture, cats.” There’s space for photos. too. This, my friend, is an opportunity. Use it and keep it updated. I learned that at ASJA.
Don’t Buy Followers
My two cents. When someone has a zillion followers, yet no Likes, RTs, or engagement, it makes me suspicious.
Don’t Bore Followers
Better to mix and match your tweets and occasionally put your device away than to overshare about your successes or margaritas. (Note: If you want a highly-targeted audience, then sure, more more more about margaritas, Martians, or Marie Antoinette!)
Be Generous
You like being liked, right? If you stumble on a tweet that tickles you, give it some love. Mentioning, quoting and retweeting costs you nothing – and, bonus, puts your name in front of the original tweeter.
Toot Your Horn
It’s 2016. It’s okay to say, “Aww shucks” or “Blushing” or “Honored to be in such company” or “So this happened.” Otherwise, how will we know what you’re up to? And if someone tosses you an “Enjoyed your article” softball, retweet. Why not?
Don’t Go Hashtag Crazy
If it’s relevant, I might add #ASJA16 or #amwriting or #kidlit or #FirstCrush or #indies or #shy or #palindrome. But I like my tweets to sound like conversation, not code.
Keep Expectations Realistic
I’ve been tweeting wildly about my recent signings, and the people who have shown up at my Ava XOX events have been friends not followers. Fact.
Remember: it’s Public
It’s no fun to scroll through clubby, insider-y, or envy-sparking notes or through endless tweets thanking others for Follows and Likes. Question: if I read five of your tweets, would I want to Follow you? I hope so.
Enjoy the Party (or Not)
Many word-nerds, like me, like Twitter for the news and connecting. If it’s not for you, no worries! Think of all the time you’re saving. Frankly, I hope I can resist Instagram. After all, I still like reading and writing actual books—offline.