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The Book That Social Media Built
Last October, I released BoobStories, an anthology about breasts that donates the proceeds to charity. Usually when someone asks me about how Boob Stories came about, I tell them that social media gave it to me. From the concept to the story donations to the charity we chose to give the proceeds to, social media connections played an important part. I didn’t have face-to-face interaction with any of the people who helped me put together this book. In fact, I’ve never met any of them in-person, ever. Everything was done through Twitter, Facebook and various blogging communities.

Social media isn’t just for marketing your work when you’re done with it. You can also use it help form it. It’s an anthology, so crowd sourcing through social media may have seemed like a no brainer. But traditionally structured book projects can benefit from social media, too. You can find inspiration through your connections on various networks. You could use it to test out themes or have discussion about techniques. I asked questions about tools and took suggestions for methods. Not all things can be discussed in open forums, though. You can’t talk about your works in progress or other sensitive information with everyone. But, social media can definitely connect you to like-minded individuals who can serve as writing partners, critique partners and beta readers for your WIPs.

So how to do you use social media to help put your book together? Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Know where your strengths lie.
Twitter and Google+ are big for me but maybe you’re doing big things through Facebook or LinkedIn. Focus your efforts on the networks or communities where you have the biggest reach.
Change it up.
Different users are online different times of day. Vary your post times so it gets more eyes. Boob Stories received story donations from all over the world because I varied the posting times asking for participation.
Don’t be afraid to ask.
I felt like a beggar about three months into this project. It just felt like I was asking for help every five minutes. I’m not used to that but I learned to adjust quickly. As the saying goes, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.”
Keep an open mind.
The best part about getting help and feedback through social media is that you will almost always get some differing opinions or advice. Don’t be afraid of that. Instead use it to get some different perspectives. 

Are you interested in self-publishing your book but are scared to death of all the technical and distribution details?
Listen on! Lynnette shares a wealth of information that's essential to having a great experience with publishing your own work online.

Choosing Not To Wait

I learned how to handle rejection early in my twenty-five year career as a media sales executive. I also learned not to accept no for an answer. So when the publishing industry showered me with rejection letters, I decided to carve my own path to making my dream of becoming a published novelist a reality. In September 2011 I self-published my first novel, The Secrets They Kept .

I took a page from what I coach my business clients. I created change instead of waiting for it to happen. I combined my business acumen with my entrepreneurial spirit, researched the options, hired an editor, a cover and interior book designer and produced a book that is indistinguishable from any put out by a major house.

I was honored when Lori Randall Stradtman said she wanted to interview me for Literally Social. I hope you’ll listen to the show and be inspired in some way by something I said to take your first step to whatever is next for you.

Joanne Tombrakos is a writer, business coach and speaker who inspires and creates change. She blogs on living and working after corporate America at http://onewomanseye.blogspot.com.  Joanne was born to first generation Greek-Americans. She lives in New York City.  The Secrets They Kept is her first novel.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Secrets-They-Kept-ebook/dp/B005P2DRJY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Elaine Biss, Dior Illustrator & Author of , shares what you really need to know when you need an illustrator to create cover art your book.

A little about Elaine:

Following her passion and unconventional business savvy, Elaine worked on creating illustrations, namely fashion, boutique scenes, characters and accessories that catered to the feminine niche. As the world fell in love with her unique designs, Elaine has become increasingly sought after, and her work has been featured in websites all over the web and esteemed by large companies like Dior and New York and Company.

Amy Porterfield, co-author of , shares terrific advice for Authors looking to build their social platforms without spending hours a day on idle chit-chat.

At the tender age of 21 Bernadette made the conscious decision to become a real bitch.
For the next 2 decades she deliberately worked it and worked her way into a Global VP position, but she was miserable. Today Bernadette shares about this experience, apologizes to the trail of bodies she left behind, and dishes up some terrific book proposal advice for writers.

One lucky commenter wins a copy of this remarkable book. Though you might be just fine, just think about what a great gift it would make! ;)
Enjoy!
~Lori