How LinkedIn helps you as an author June 22, 2024
Why did you want to become an author? Probably not with the intention of working a lot with numbers or thinking about marketing strategies. You write to tell stories, to transport readers to new worlds, and to let your creativity run wild. But for people to actually read these stories, they need to know about them. Platforms like LinkedIn make it possible to be creative and build a small business.
LinkedIn was founded in 2002. Since then, it has developed into one of the most powerful online platforms for business, networking, and job searching. Essentially, it’s a large digital networking event and job fair all rolled into one.
Sounds dull? It doesn’t have to be, because LinkedIn offers numerous opportunities and advantages for authors. You can showcase yourself with pictures, resumes or text posts about new projects to reach the right people. Most major companies are registered on LinkedIn today – including publishers and literary agents!
You can also connect with other authors to exchange experiences, tips, and tricks, find workshops, or promote your own. Thanks to a few simple tools established by LinkedIn, there are always new ways to build your own community. Below, we’ll introduce you to some of these tools and their benefits.
Newsletter
As an author, you want one thing – to write texts. And what better way to showcase your talent than by regularly writing posts sent directly to your own network? Here you can write professional posts on all topics related to writing and your life as an author, thus addressing not only your existing community but also gaining new contacts! Currently, the newsletter feature is only available to people who have 150 followers or contacts – just check out LinkedIn, the platform itself has written a detailed help article on the topic of newsletters.
Groups
As the name suggests, social media platforms are naturally designed for (virtual) social interactions in their basic structure. And that’s exactly what you can use to expand your professional platform! Like Facebook, LinkedIn also offers the possibility to join various groups. This way, you can easily become part of a new network and get the chance to contact other authors. Because the writing process itself can quickly become lonely, it’s good to discuss creative questions, problems, or publication opportunities with others.
Posting, Posting, Posting
As with any social media platform – regular activity always leads to greater reach. Even smaller posts make you visible, so keep at it and also share personal insights into your daily life as an author. It’s exciting for your colleagues but especially for your fans!
Browse and experiment! LinkedIn offers tons of opportunities to promote yourself and your works while making many new contacts! And isn’t it often the case? In the end, you know someone who knows someone ;)