I hope I persuaded writers to use social media in my blog last week. Of course, Facebook, Twitter et al are great for readers too. There’s no better way to learn about new books and connect with others who share the same interests. Here are my 5 top tips for readers to get the most from social media:
#1. Start your own book blog – Having a dedicated blog to talk about and review books is a great way to attract like-minded readers and more book recommendations. Share your content on sites like Twitter and Facebook and start your own online community. I always review a Thriller of the Month in this blog, and I’d welcome ideas for more books to read – do get in touch to tell me about your favourites.
#2. Learn to love lists – If you use Twitter, lists are a great way to categorise accounts you are following. I’ve created several lists, to follow authors, genres and publishers I like. By all means take a look at them, and seek out lists that others have created as well.
#3. Create a book group – Curate your own online book club with a Facebook group. This is the perfect platform for sharing and discussing what you’re reading, gathering book recommendations and sharing content. If you wish, you can still meet and enjoy a drink together (this appears to be an essential ingredient in every real life book club I’ve visited). Check out Bristol’s Plastered Prose Posse for ideas!
#4. Use hashtags – Searching for book and writing related hashtags on Twitter is a simple way to discover new authors and books you might otherwise have missed. I’m totally addicted to #TheCultureHour on Twitter on Wednesday evenings. Authors also love to hear about people enjoying their work, so tweet about it and tag them in!
#5. Have a Goodreads account – Goodreads is one of the biggest social media platforms for readers. Even if you don’t want to review books yourself, you’ll enjoy and learn from the discussions taking place there.
It goes without saying that none of this will cost anything at all. I really believe that reading is one of the cheapest, and best, forms of entertainment you can choose!
Do you have a book blog or readers group? Do get in touch if crime thrillers appeal to you!
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I’m a British crime thriller writer who loves to read most genres. For a 5 minute crime thriller with your coffee, please check out The Gap here.
