What do you think about diversifying beyond social media? I gave up TikTok and X, and would love to ditch Meta products, except I've built a small community on Instagram. Once I wrap up my cookbook manuscript, I plan to focus on other writing outlets, newsletters, collaborations, and networking.
Just started watching younger - love Diana. Wondering if you're finding interesting conversations & what ones you're in on Blue Sky. I have friends who are trying to move from IG there... so I set up a profile, but I'm just not committed...
Did not care for Babygirl; thought it fell far short of "going there" or saying anything new. Afterward in the movie theater ladies room, several of us complained about how boring the movie was--anonymously from the privacy of our stalls. It was really funny how we were all chiming in while using the loo.
And, this is great read on how social media platforms are being used. Didn't know that Snapchat was still going strong.
Would it be so horrible if ad money returned to magazines and newspapers so they were viable again? So that they could hire and pay more writers/journalists? While we implemented newsletters (or even old-fashioned blogging) for individual reach?
If ads worked, sure, but they don't, and brands know that. Plus, the subscribers aren't there for most mags (what's left of them) and newspapers. The ad business has been in decline for years. It won't recover in the traditional sense.
Diversify, yes, and I think you're right to suggest as much, Kathleen. Today's is another great newsletter. There's one thing to dwell on, though, in the age of TikTok: newsletters.
As an author and entrepreneur I reach people overwhelmingly through my newsletters. The evidence on newsletters is real, too. Its ROI is anywhere from 4 to 8 times better than social media, and yes, that includes TikTok. (Google "ROI newsletters vs social" and you'll see in the macro what I've noticed in my own life.)
I write nonfiction books via New York houses that take on average 18 to 24 months to research and another 12 to 18 months to write. It's a four- to five-year effort to go from proposal to published book. In other words: I need the financial support outside the publishing industry during that window and have found it as a writer and entrepreneur by relying on newsletters, first on Mailchimp and now on Substack. I've been on social for 10 years, from Facebook to Twitter and now, primarily, on LinkedIn. My audience across those platforms isn't nearly as loyal (or as large) as my newsletters'. (I just started here on Substack two weeks ago, hence the tiny follower count.)
What am I suggesting? Don't sleep on newsletters, y'all. I'd argue authors need the *right* people following them. Not just a bunch of people.
Great info! Yes, diversity seems to be the safe bet. I was going to ask you if you’re watching Younger? It is nostalgic and making me miss NYC. I find it a bit tamer than Sex and the City. Maggie is Samantha!
I'm on the waitlist for "Death of the Author" at my local library, now I'm extra excited to read it!
What do you think about diversifying beyond social media? I gave up TikTok and X, and would love to ditch Meta products, except I've built a small community on Instagram. Once I wrap up my cookbook manuscript, I plan to focus on other writing outlets, newsletters, collaborations, and networking.
Just started watching younger - love Diana. Wondering if you're finding interesting conversations & what ones you're in on Blue Sky. I have friends who are trying to move from IG there... so I set up a profile, but I'm just not committed...
Did not care for Babygirl; thought it fell far short of "going there" or saying anything new. Afterward in the movie theater ladies room, several of us complained about how boring the movie was--anonymously from the privacy of our stalls. It was really funny how we were all chiming in while using the loo.
And, this is great read on how social media platforms are being used. Didn't know that Snapchat was still going strong.
Would it be so horrible if ad money returned to magazines and newspapers so they were viable again? So that they could hire and pay more writers/journalists? While we implemented newsletters (or even old-fashioned blogging) for individual reach?
If socials become irrelevant then magazine might become relevant again. Highly unlikely I know. But people are SICK of social media.
If ads worked, sure, but they don't, and brands know that. Plus, the subscribers aren't there for most mags (what's left of them) and newspapers. The ad business has been in decline for years. It won't recover in the traditional sense.
Diversify, yes, and I think you're right to suggest as much, Kathleen. Today's is another great newsletter. There's one thing to dwell on, though, in the age of TikTok: newsletters.
As an author and entrepreneur I reach people overwhelmingly through my newsletters. The evidence on newsletters is real, too. Its ROI is anywhere from 4 to 8 times better than social media, and yes, that includes TikTok. (Google "ROI newsletters vs social" and you'll see in the macro what I've noticed in my own life.)
I write nonfiction books via New York houses that take on average 18 to 24 months to research and another 12 to 18 months to write. It's a four- to five-year effort to go from proposal to published book. In other words: I need the financial support outside the publishing industry during that window and have found it as a writer and entrepreneur by relying on newsletters, first on Mailchimp and now on Substack. I've been on social for 10 years, from Facebook to Twitter and now, primarily, on LinkedIn. My audience across those platforms isn't nearly as loyal (or as large) as my newsletters'. (I just started here on Substack two weeks ago, hence the tiny follower count.)
What am I suggesting? Don't sleep on newsletters, y'all. I'd argue authors need the *right* people following them. Not just a bunch of people.
I'm looking forward to the your upcoming newsletters. I'm keenly interested in your assessment of Snapchat as a marketing tool for authors.
⚡️⚡️⚡️
Great info! Yes, diversity seems to be the safe bet. I was going to ask you if you’re watching Younger? It is nostalgic and making me miss NYC. I find it a bit tamer than Sex and the City. Maggie is Samantha!
Diana is my fave character on Younger. She reminds me of myself at work(kind of). Rewatching it made me miss working in-house for publishers...
I love Diana! Such a fun role for Miriam Shor. She is so good!
Ha I was just going to ask if you were a Diana. She was my fav too! Justice for her parrot!
Been waiting for your assessment! Thanks for sorting through the info to share your valued opinion
You are welcome!