Twitter Guide For Authors & Illustrators > The Basics > Ok, I'm ready to join Twitter. Where should I start?
Index of topics: Main Twitter Guide For Writers & Illustrators page. To go back to my blog for kidlit/YA writers and illustrators, see Inkygirl. You can find me on Twitter at @inkyelbows (focus: writing and illustrating children's books) and @DebbieOhi (livetweets, chat, photos, personal ramblings). Also see my list of Other Useful Twitter Guides For Authors And Illustrators and Twitter Lists of: agents who represent kidlit/YA, kidlit/YA editors, children's book art/creative directors and K-12/teen librarians on Twitter.
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Q. Ok, I'm ready to join Twitter. Where should I start?
Before you sign up for Twitter, have a clear idea in your mind about WHY you're joining. If you don't, you may just end up frustrated.
- Do you want to participate in writer chats?
- Promote yourself as a writer? If your sole goal is to promote, I'd think twice before joining Twitter. And whatever you do, DON'T jump in and immediately tweeting about your new book. Please do browse the rest of my FAQ first, especially the section on Twitter etiquette as well as promotion.
- Establish your expertise in some area as part of your platform?
- Network with others in the publishing industry?
What do you hope to get out of the experience? Keeping a goal in mind will help you decide how to set up your Twitter account as well as keep your energy and time focused.
Always keep in mind, however, that Twitter is about community. It's more like a big common room than a marketplace. If you're joining just to sell something, people aren't going to want to talk with you.
Once you've decided WHY you want to join Twitter, then keep reading the rest of the FAQ.
Last updated on February 26, 2014 by Debbie Ridpath Ohi