Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Do you help other writers?



The question is when aspiring or seasoned writers have a question, need a critique, or something else, are you there to help.

Writers should be available to help other writers of any level with question about the writing and publishing process. Writers are a special group of creative people that need to support other writers whenever they can.

As an author, do you give other writers your time on social media sites, groups, or forums? This is helpful to other writers, to build a reputation, and become wider known online. We all want recognition for our work. Online networking and social media sites are what people other than other authors search.

By connecting with other authors on sites like Facebook, Google +, Stumbleupon, Pinterest, and others where you can share links about your blog(s), books, author website(s), advice for aspiring writers, how to contact you, or just to read about your latest project.
 
Do you cross-refer?

This is a simple way to help other authors. Place a hyperlink on your website to another author's and a reciprocal link from his or her website to yours. This is a way for each of you to help with traffic and better positioning on search engines for both of you.

There are many ways for authors to help authors establishing a web presence. Authors need a web presence if they plan to build an audience for books or an event like a book signing, radio spot, anywhere an author will be out in public. You can’t sell books if readers don’t know about it.

Do your part and help other writers.

Robert Medak
Freelance Writer/Blogger/Editor/Reviewer/

10 comments:

  1. I certainly try to help. Whether I actually do, I can't say.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  2. I help all the time, but when someone is in "the business," it is sometimes hard to help as much as others wish. We can't always give away a full edit job.

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    1. Vivian, you are a huge help. You're one of the reasons I'm writing fiction.

      You have a company to run. IMO one of the biggest helps, as both a 4RV editor and author, is to keep the company moving forward.

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  3. Vivian, great post.

    I just revamped my website. A writer friend who is a graphic artist and offered really helpful suggestions about both content and formatting. May blessings be heaped on her head -- I know nothing about such things.

    I do offer to critique. In fact, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut if I spot a problem.

    I have links on my blog, but not yet a links page on my website -- this post has me thinking about adding one.

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  4. Thanks, Peggy. Yes, I think most of us help when and how we can.

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  5. Does any host book blog tours? Does anyone write and post reviews for other writers?

    There are many ways for writers to help other writers.

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  6. I have several blogs where I host authors and review books. The challenge has been to keep up with the sheer number of requests. If you are consistent and provide good content, you eventually need to balance how much you can help with maintaining a writing schedule and personal commitments. I feel this is where bloggers who are also published authors can get burned out if they aren't careful.

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    1. True, Cheryl. Writers need to also balance writing and life so as not to burn out.

      Thank you for helping.

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  7. Thanks, Robert, for the great suggestions. My husband, a scientist, has to sign secrecy agreements at work whenever people want to share ideas...it reminds me how wonderful and generous writers are with their time and creative energy. It's a balancing act; I enjoy helping writer friends through small critique groups and the occasional blog article but for me, spending too much time online takes away productive writing time.

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    1. I hear you, Suzanne. It is a fine line between the writing life and family, friends, and the mundane things we all have to make time for.

      Writers also need down time to relax.

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