CL Pauwels at Large

Even if the dire Facebook predictions are correct and only 10% of my followers see my feed, that’s about standard for any mass-distribution effort. If each of my outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, G+, an Amazon author page, LinkedIn, my blog) each garners 10%, I’m doing pretty well. And I may maintain a modicum of sanity in the process.

Social media mavens claim the best way to reach your audience is through email newsletters and the like; I’m not convinced, and I haven’t yet taken that step. I may do so eventually <shudder>, but to me, it’s closer to spam than any of the other must-do platform builders.

In response to a discussion on this topic on one of the many writing groups I belong to on Facebook, when I commented in the above manner, a fellow writer said, “I respectfully disagree – strongly! People who have signed up for your newsletter want to hear from you. They want to know about that next book, about how your new WIP is coming along, etc.”

Yes and no. From a personal perspective, I often end up on those email lists because I’m being kind, because of perceived need for reciprocity, or because of interest in a specific topic or contest I may have entered. And quite honestly, I have a secondary email address I use for those sign-ups whenever possible; it goes to an account I rarely read. I’d wager I’m not alone in using these throw-away accounts.

Thankfully (in my mind), a growing backlash against constant platform building recognizes and espouses, “Do what’s comfortable for you.” I can deal with Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, G+, an Amazon author page, LinkedIn, and my website/blog – most of the time, but I won’t be making the leap to Pinterest, Snapchat, Instagram, Tsu (?), any of the endless number of library/bookshelf sites, et al. I need time to actually…you know…write.

And even though I have started compiling an email list, I can’t see myself going that route, either.

Of course, I’ve also learned to never say never.

Where do you draw the line?