How to Promote a Book on Twitter (Without Being an Annoying Spammer)

Earlier in the week Storm Goddess Book Reviews let me stop by their blog as part of my promo stop for Bewitching Book Tours. Besides a review and giveaway, I also providing a guest post about using Twitter to promote your book. Check out the entire promo stop and leave a comment for a chance to enter my giveaway for a $20 Amazon gift card and an autographed copy of my novel. Details of the contest are here and the entry form can be found on my Facebook page.

I’m sure you’ve come across a few irksome authors on Twitter: They start following you. You’re pleased to see you have a fellow writer following you and decide to follow back. Within seconds, your email inbox chimes letting you know Mr. Author has sent you a direct message on Twitter. Mr. Author invites you to download a free excerpt, use this coupon for a discount off his novel or purchase his novel on Amazon and write a review. Say what? I don’t even kiss on the first date, buddy and now I’m expected to spend my hard-earned cash on some random writer who follows me on Twitter?

Not the best social media strategy in my opinion. Five gazillion Tweets a day about how your book is complete awesomeness isn’t going to win you many fans as well. However, Twitter doesn’t have to be a complete waste of an author’s time. Here are a couple quick tips:

1) Make what you say count. You only have 140 characters, so make the most of them. Don’t overstuff each Tweet with too many hashtags, instead only stick with a maximum two. And definitely don’t continue send out a string of Tweets to complete a single thought.

2) Use Twitter to promote book giveaways. If you’re having a giveaway, you may require participants to follow you on Twitter or Tweet about the giveaway to enter. This is a great way to build more followers and bring more attention to your book.

3) Develop good Twitter relationships with other authors. Retweet their posts and follow each one back. Reply back if a user comments on one of your Tweets.

4) Schedule your Tweets. This can build your audience since international users may not be seeing your Tweets. I use Twuffer, but there are a ton of apps available.

You really need to keep up with all social media platforms. Create connections on Facebook, LinkedIn, Goodreads and Pinterest to reach as many readers as possible. Don’t only post about your book. Share the love by commenting on other authors’ posts or even taking the time to share reviews on their novels.