Historically, I’ve been quite anti-social media–I’ve got both the records and receipts, but alas, to all things turn, turn, turn. So yes, I have re-entered the world of social media (specifically Instagram) and am putting in a fair amount of effort, and consideration, and frankly, time. That then begets the question: Dear God, why am I doing this to myself?
Well, in short, it’s what I have to do for my authorial career. I follow a number (a lot) of literary agent’s and author’s IG accounts and the trend continues to be the same recently–while a social media platform is not necessary, it is absolutely becoming a factor in the entire publishing pipeline.
The good news, is no one is looking at raw number of followers, or likes, or actually any specific metric, but rather, the purpose of the social media platform is to show A) you understand the market and are considering it B) that you can cater to a dedicated and engaged group of followers (however large) and C) that your group of followers could be day-one buyers that will spread the word of your book on their platforms. In other words, it’s a piece of evidence for both literary agents and publishers, that you are engaged, aware, and have begun the all-important work of selling your book. At the end of the day, publishing is a business and I want to leverage it to work for my art. Thanks MBA.
But on a personal note, it has been very uncomfortable to get into social media. I have a hard time getting in front of a camera. I have an even harder time selling myself. And yet… I’m enjoying this process? In a strange turn, there has been something liberating about getting over myself and my distaste for all things social media related–and then on the other side I discovered a platform in which I can talk about a few of my favorite things. I can talk about fantasy, and writing, and novels, and literature, and yeah…a TON of medievalisms. Sure, right now I sometimes feel like I’m talking into the void or to my closest friends (who mean the world to me) but as to all things, it can take time. And I’m nothing if not relentless.
So there will continue to be a social media presence. It will continue to grow. Those interested will continue to see my crooked smile discussing the things I love most because, eh, why not? For those who want to join me on the journey–@j.i.duncan_author. Come hang. I’ve got whisky.
You Wonder How These Things Begin 