Facebook is to grammar what an orgy is to sex: a medium in which anything goes. (I’m assuming this about orgies, just so you know.) But this isn’t the reason I am relatively non-existent on Facebook. When I log into Facebook and see all of my friends’ profile pictures staring at me, I start to get social anxiety and can’t think of anything to say. But this is no longer acceptable. I have to buck up and let go of my Facebook and Twitter inhibitions because… drum roll, please: I got an agent for my book Missed Periods and Other Grammar Scares, and MY AGENT (I’m sorry; did I write that in all-caps?) said that I needed a comprehensive social networking plan for my proposal that should incorporate Facebook and Twitter.
Here’s my thing: I don’t really know what I could write on Facebook and Twitter that I don’t already write on my blog. I already set up a Missed Periods Facebook and Twitter, but they’re just sitting there neglected, waiting for some action. I’m wondering if you have any tips or know of any resources that could help a poor wallflower engage in the orgy of social media.
Also, while I’ve got you here, I need your opinion. This morning, MY AGENT (Sorry, did I do it again? Geesh!) and I were discussing the primary market for the book. Based on what you’ve seen on this blog, do you think it’s geared more for the general public or the college classroom?
Update: I just added the Twitter and Facebook links to my blog. See them over there on the right (assuming you are facing your computer). And it only took me all day to figure out how to do. Please follow me!
22 comments:
Congratulations! I may just be biased because I revere grammar, but I think the general public would find your book delightful.
As for the Facebook and Twitter, my very best advice is to get a savvy teenager to help you. They have it going on there.
CONGRATS ON HAVING AN AGENT! :)
You know, w/ your blog title & now book title you'll get LOTS of fans/friends/followers/whatever on these sites.
Congrats! Wonderful news! Oh general public. Is it as funny as your blog? If so, yeah, general public :o) CONGRATS!
Yeah, I agree with Jessica. If your book is going to be the same as your blog, it's definitely for the general public.
And by general public, I mean us folks who find grammar as interesting and hilarious as you do. :)
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the risk of running a grammatical nightmare with a pending run of exclamation points, congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. Now that I have resumed my grammatical dignity, I believe the college classroom might be a good fit for a book entitled Missed Periods and Other Grammar Scares.
Can't really help with the socal media aspect. As much as I'd like to be a social media whore I'm a wall flower such as you. However for the market I'd say general. Your ability to tie in current events with your grammar scares and such are relatable. College folks, hell even high school folk would also benefit from your work since you make it easy to understand! Perhaps you should start you media empire with seminars for teachers on how to make grammar and such interesting.
I've just opened a Twitter account myself and I'm finding that if you follow interesting people it is good fun and educational so,of course, I have just clicked to follow you. So far I have just tweeted links to my blog and retweeted stuff I've found interesting. Just go with it, you'll soon get the hang of it. I haven't opened a facebook account yet partly because the idea of distant relatives or long lost "friends" getting in touch doesn't appeal to me too much but I may change my mind.
The book sounds ideal for the classroom but your wit may well help it find a wider audience. Good luck.
EEK! Congratulations! I'd also say general public, but I am a college student. Still, I think I'll still find this blog hilarious after graduation. :)
That's great news! Definitely general public. College kids should have the benefit of English 101, while the general public may need a refresher...
People love to post photos on facebook, so maybe you could start an album where people put photos of poor grammar they find out on the streets- kinda like Engrish but without the excuse of mistranslation. I think twitter is all instant gratification, facebook is more about photos/video and blogs are more thoughtful.
Good luck!
Hi, MP! *waves* It's been too long.
Congratulations!! What wonderful news. As for your audience, I find myself torn. College-age sounds right, but I have always found your posts to be thought-provoking, terribly engaging and hilarious, and would hate to leave it only for the college folks.
As for the social networking stuff, I still recall when my publisher advised me to start blogging. I'm still learning as I go, I'm afraid, and don't know how much advice I could give. I'm still adapting. That's why I'm here today. I have recently turned over a new leaf. I'm trying a new tactic of posting less often, but promoting the heck out of it on the social networks and visiting the blogs of my pals. It's only been a few days, but has been incredibly productive and energizing.
Good luck and much success. *hugs*
-Jimmy
Holy crap! Congratulations!
The target market for the book should include people who write as well as teachers. Not just writers, but journalists and academics too. Congratulations and good luck in finding a publisher.
Ahhhhh! What a great news! Congratulations on that :)
I think you should explore Twitter first, try to get used to what people talk about there and then start tweeting.
Good luck!
http://sydsense.blogspot.com/
Congratulations! Please tell me we're going to get more details than this? I want the story of how it all came to be!
I think, given your subject matter, you provide a lot of added value on FB and Twitter by offering links to other sources, having a headline or media mistake of the day/week, that sort of thing?
congrats on all your success :)
didn't i see you last night at the orgy, wasn't that you?
EYES WIDE SHUT, that was the last film i saw in theatres before my nervous breakdown...
I just sent a little social action your way on TWitter and FB. Nothing too exciting. But its a starts.
CONGRATS! YOU GO GIRL!
I'd say the book could be geared toward both.
Keep us posted. You've just motivated me here to dust my manuscript off and get it back into circulation! Thanks!
I'd go with general public too. You're that entertaining! Congratulations!
I totally get the social anxiety thing. same thing happens to me. It's a strange malady.
As a collegian, general public would enjoy it f'sho.
Dogg.
Congratulations on your new AGENT (yes, that was on purpose!) I would definitely get your book! And I think it could work for college kids, high schoolers (perhaps omitting the recent "orgy" analogy ;)) and writers.
Wonderful news!
congrats! your book should reach kids and teenagers, and those who like grammar in a fun way.
Congratulations! Oh let the general public see your work! Shine on!
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