I love authors and I love books. I do. And I honestly believe that they make the world go ’round.
However, many authors have crossed the line of promotion into spam. One particular author (now blocked) sent me a request on Facebook. No problem! Almost immediately afterwards, she inboxed me and asked if I wanted to purchase her book. I told her that I’d check it out when I got a chance. I guess my timeline was not quick enough for her because, for the next two days, I was inboxed the same question. #Unfriend
In another instance, I attended an event as a vendor. The facilitator seated me next to the only other author-vendor at the event. His behavior, though it could have very well had much to do with his personality than title, was unacceptable. He would walk up to potential customers, throw his arm around their shoulder, and escort them to his table. End of the night results? He ended up moseying over to my table, asking how many books I’d sold. Me? 13. Him? 0. #Unnecessary
Once upon a time, I was a member of several online author groups. That was definitely a brief phase. If the admins of the group do not have strict rules and enforcement of those rules when it comes to self-promotion, then I can’t do it. I can’t. What ends up happening is that the member of the group who has their book cover as their profile pic will continuously flood the timeline. My book club had to end up stop allowing members to post due to this issue. #Unfollow
Don’t be the spamming author. Read the group’s policies before posting (or requesting to be added). If you are only interested in participating in social media as a promotional platform, then find a creative way to do so on your page only. Or, find relevant groups to pitch to. In doing so, count the fact that moderation is key. Spamming is an indication of a poor marketing plan. #Unlike
A better suited plan will host social media campaigns and parties. They build/expand a brand. They segment the book’s themes into conversations. They will ask users questions from multiple perspectives to involve us and spark interest. They are far more personable and less…automated. They relate. They convey and not convince.
Do you have any spamming author horror stories?