Professional Development – Social Media for Authors

Social media, more than any other element of book marketing, often feels like a minefield for authors. How do algorithms actually work, how can you choose which platforms will work for you, and what content should you share? This session will cover all this and more, as we explore how to use social media in a way that won’t drain all your time, as part of your book promotion.

Programme

• Welcome, introductions and housekeeping from Francesca Howell, Head of Author Communities (5 mins)
• Presentation by Anna Caig (60 mins)
• Comfort break (5 mins)
• Q&A with audience (20 mins)
• Summary and closing comments (5 mins)

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is for writers who’d like to learn more about connecting with readers and promoting their work on social media. Whether you’re a pre-publication author looking to start building a platform or a more established writer who’d like to give your marketing a boost, this session will provide plenty of useful information and practical ideas.

What will this workshop cover?

This workshop will cover:

• What is social media and why is it important for writers?
• What works well on social media – understanding the dreaded algorithms.
• Choosing your social media platform/s wisely.
• Social media content that will work well for you – what to share to find readers who will love your work.

Send us your questions in advance

If you would like to send questions in advance, email fhowell@societyofauthors.org with ‘Social Media for Authors’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day.

SoA @ Home Fundraising Bookshop

Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in the SoA @ Home Festival. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links a percentage will go to the Authors’ Contingency Fund, providing hardship grants to authors in financial difficulty.

The line -up

Anna Caig – communications specialist

Anna Caig has worked in communications for 18 years, specialising in media relations, reputation management and strategic marketing campaigns. She began her training business to support writers to build their brand and reach more readers. She now works with traditionally, indie and self-published writers, as well as helping creatives in any discipline find a wider audience. Since setting up Anna Caig Communications, she has worked with over 250 authors to help them spread the word about their work in a way that is authentic to why they write in the first place.

Anna tutors on the MA Journalism course at The University of Sheffield and is the former Head of Communications at Sheffield City Council. She writes crime and historical fiction, and reviews books for the Sheffield Telegraph and on her blog.

Website: www.annacaigcomms.co.uk    | Twitter: @AnnaCaig

Need to know

Before the event

• Once registered, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link
• If the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox, please check your junk/spam email folder
• Please add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation, and reminder emails

During the event

• This online event will take place on Zoom Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box
• This event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen
• Attendees have the option to turn on the live transcript option
• This event is 90 minutes

After the event

• Hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome
• You’ll be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel

Booking

Book your place by using the registration below.

All #SoAatHome events are free but if you can afford to, please consider donating to our Authors’ Contingency Fund and we suggest a minimum donation of £5. The fund is to help professional authors experiencing financial hardship. DONATE HERE