Social networking fails to generate media publicity

[Larry]

Just saw a piece this morning that has the results of a survey conducted by an international network of PR firms. The survey was of professional journalists as to the most successful way to obtain publicity results. Contrary to popular thinking on social networking sites, traditional methods ranked highest, with Twitter and social media press release distribution ranked lowest. Not surprising when one realizes reporters are far too busy to be constantly reading the social media sites in hopes of finding something. Here's the link: http://www.linkedin.com/news?actionBa...

I was happy to see that my position was borne out that journalists don't obtain their stories from social networking nor from social blurbs like Twitter. In fact, those categories were at the bottom of list of sources journalists use. The techniques outlined in my book, Self-Promotion for Authors are thus validated yet again.

[Brenna]

The problem with this is that it ASSUMES the ultimate point is to reach reporters. Word of mouth is much more positive than reporters, to most authors in the world. Beyond that, setting yourself up as an expert source is much better than the old-fashioned media packets for reaching reporters.

I haven't read your book, but I can safely say that most books that seek to teach authors to reach media are geared toward conglomerate authors, and most authors today are not conglomerate authors. The social media approach DOES work for reaching readers directly, and that's what many indie and self-published authors need to do. So, while the reporters can't possibly be on all the Facebook pages and Twitter pages and Yahogroups, looking for work, readers can and do follow authors there.

[Larry]

With all due respect, you are so wrong. I'm reminded of a section in my Eppie Award finalist book: "Self-Promotion for Authors where I say: "...in the frantic months before and after your book hits the streets, how many people do you think you can directly reach with a one-on-one message? A hundred? 1,000 or perhaps 10,000? Any good salesperson will tell you that a successful results percentage in selling is 1.5 to 2 percent. So, if you knock yourself out and reach 10,000 people with your message you’ll sell 200 books, maybe. If your fulltime career is sales, and you’re really good, then you might average a 25-percent sales rate for your book. That would mean 2,500 books sold. Your publisher will love you! If you’re a super-salesperson, then you might hit a 50-percent sales rate from your contacts. You’ll sell 5,000 books. But if you’re that good (There’s that pesky but again.) you should be sticking to sales work rather than knocking yourself out trying to sell books at $10 to $20 a pop."

You're correct, you haven't read my book or even my reviews, but profess to be an expert. After 45 years in publishing, I think I have you beat. My book is aimed at individual authors NOT big publishing houses. Tips on authors promoting their own book include those from several MAJOR award winners.
Don't know how long you've been an author or otherwise worked in the publishing industry, but you still have an incredible amount to learn.

[Brenna]

With all due respect, you have your opinion, and it doesn't nearly match reality, as I experience it. Media outlets often want nothing to do with an indie author. At the same time, an indie author will build audience with each additional book release and make a name with readers. No, you won't make a million in a few months. You can make that much with meticulous planning. And there's nothing wrong with selling yourself and your product, if that's what you want to do with your life.

Online marketing, done right, isn't frantic. Nor is it hard sell. As I said, setting yourself up as an expert source (which is highly suggested by many media specialists) works much better for authors than hard sell tactics.

BTW, my publishers love me. Beyond that, some indie published authors who are bigger sellers than me will tell you things like Charlee Boyett-Compo's quote about tripling her book sales when she got more than 2000 followers on one social media site. Jolie duPre reaches her market quite effectively and lists social media outlets of various sorts as the top five on her list of the ten best ways to build an audience.

Before you haul off and tell someone he or she is "so wrong," sit back and consider that what works for one author doesn't work for another. If you stink at online marketing, you do. That doesn't mean others do. Some people are VERY successful at it. Don't dismiss it as useless, by all means.

[Larry]

Brenna wrote: "With all due respect, you have your opinion, and it doesn't nearly match reality, as I experience it. Media outlets often want nothing to do with an indie author. At the same time, an indie author ..."

I've done extensive research on it, including chats with professionals who do it. All will tell you how great it is, but then clam up and refuse to comment when asked for verifiable data that proves the point. As for media specialists, after many years as a journalist and publicist specializing in media relations, I'm considered by many to be one. If you even looked at the cover of my book you'll notice many huge stories. I placed all of them.
I know I won't change your mind as it's already made up. What does "reality as I experience it" even mean? There's reality or fantasy. The only other realm is insanity.
You seem to have a loooonnngg string of titles. How many in total and what's the cumulative number of paid copies you've sold?
I've considered what works for authors for decades. I no longer think you're wrong. I'm more in agreement with Joe Konrath's blog.

Generally speaking, I can't stand terminal stupid.