From Viral Tweets to Bestselling Novels

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with each other. It has also had a significant impact on the writing industry, transforming the way writers create, publish, and market their work.

An author can't just be an author anymore, they also have to be a social media manager, and their own marketing manager regardless of whether they have an agent and publishing company behind them. 

The rise of social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have given writers the ability to connect with readers and build a following like never before. Writers can share their work, interact with their audience, and gain valuable feedback, all in real time.

One of the most significant ways that social media has impacted the writing industry is through the rise of viral tweets. In recent years, viral tweets have been responsible for launching the careers of numerous writers, turning them from unknowns to bestsellers overnight.

For example, in 2015, writer Tomi Adeyemi tweeted, "I would legit give up a body part if it meant I could write full time." The tweet went viral, and Adeyemi's debut novel, "Children of Blood and Bone," became a #1 New York Times bestseller, with film rights already sold before the book was even released.

(I'm still waiting for this luck to happen to me and you're more than welcome to drop me a follow there https://twitter.com/BarbaraKingxx)

Social media has also given writers the ability to self-publish and market their work. Platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing and Barnes & Noble's PubIt! have made it easier than ever for writers to get their work out there without needing a traditional publisher.

Additionally, social media has enabled writers to market their work directly to readers through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. By building a following on these platforms, writers can create a dedicated fanbase that eagerly anticipates new releases and helps spread the word about their work.

However, there are also downsides to the impact of social media on the writing industry. The pressure to be constantly connected and engaged with readers can take a toll on writers, leading to burnout and a lack of focus on their craft.

Furthermore, social media can sometimes lead to a focus on writing for the algorithm rather than for the art. Writers may feel pressure to create content that will go viral or generate clicks, rather than writing what truly inspires and moves them.

I try my best to publish at least once a day to the five main social media sites Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube, almost all in the form of shorts or reels as that seems to be the best way to market these days. This task is daunting and draining. Instead of writing, I have to think of all these things that I need to be posting about my new book before I have even had the chance to finish writing it. 

I'm supposed to start marketing now, and although I believe I am writing a normal romance at the moment, I haven't gotten far enough along in it yet to know theater I'm going to through in some thriller elements or even a ghost to two. 

In conclusion, social media has had a profound impact on the writing industry. While it has opened up new opportunities for writers to connect with readers, market their work, and build a career, it has also introduced new challenges and pressures. As the writing industry continues to evolve in the digital age, it will be important for writers to find a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of social media.

Keep Writing and keep posting!

With love,

B.K. xo xo

*If you've liked what you read you can show your support by subscribing, pledging your support, or leaving me a tip that directly supports and aids me as a writer.

By joining Vocal+ you can earn more per read on every story you publish on Vocal.

Click my link to start your 7-day free trial today and start earning more for your stories.

_____________________________________________

This story was originally posted on Medium.

If you would like to experience Medium yourself, consider supporting me and thousands of other writers by signing up for a membership. It only costs $5 per month, it supports us writers, greatly, and you have the chance to make money with your own writing as well. By signing up with this link, you'll support me directly with a portion of your fee, it won't cost you more. If you do so, thank you a million times!

If you love what you've read you can also show your support by buying me a cup of coffee to fuel my writing. 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/barbaraking

*Contains Affiliate Links