Twitter recently launched a lists function, which will help users separate followers into categories that other Tweeters can follow with the touch of a button.

Mashable wrote an article about Twitter lists (still in Beta) in mid-October. Twitter announced the move in a blog post in September.

When I first started exploring the lists function today, I thought it would be a terrific tool to meet new authors, publicists and publishers, and others who have similar political views as myself.

After working with it a while, though, I wasn’t sure just how it would fit into my daily Twitter life. There are some highlights – and functionality that could help authors with Internet promotions. There are also some drawbacks.

Pros:

When I logged on today, I found myself already on 14 lists. By the end of the day, it was nearly 20. I went to each of the lists to see who thought I was cool enough to add. Then, I made sure I followed them. I also checked out the others on the list and added those I liked to my own network. I may not have found these contacts otherwise.

The most lists you are on, the broader your network. That means more people can find you. This works for me well, as I want to expand my network, particularly with authors and publicists.

It is terrific at sorting tweets. As with some third-party applications, you can group your followers into categories. You click on each category for a limited list of Tweets just from these folks. This is much more manageable than the current @replies system.

Lists have their own URL, so you can share these on your blogs and Web sites to direct readers to your favorite Twitter users. For example, a paranormal romance author could create a list of other authors in the genre and share it with readers.

On the flip side, you can see which other authors link to you in lists. This will give you a good idea of different readers to target with marketing efforts.

Cons:

As with most things new to Twitter, the function is not user-friendly. It takes a LONG time to add folks to one list. I don’t have hours to create lists; I have minutes. Twitter needs to devise a way to make it easier to sort through followers and categorize them appropriately – especially those with several thousand.

If you already sort your followers on Twitter programs like TweetDeck, this may be too little, too late. However, it is worth a look if you visit the actual site daily, rather than access it via a third-party application.

It appears that you can be put on a list without actually following, or being followed. That could lead to some issues for authors who have a very strict genre brand.

As with anything, the most lists you have, the more Tweets you check. I have several lists already and, of course, will want to check them. I will also want to check out the new lists I am on, just to see who likes my stuff.

Have you used the new Twitter list function? If so, what are your thoughts? How does this function compare with those in third-party applications?

Get added to my list! If you would like to be part of my authors and books list, leave a comment with your Twitter handle. I will add you to my personal books list, as well as one for @marketmynovel. Thanks!

The New Yorker has a great humor column about book promotions. If you didn’t catch my Twitter link earlier today, be sure to check out Subject: Our Marketing Plan by Ellis Weiner.

My highly-opinionated, redheaded self simply cannot resist sharing my thoughts on politics and spreading the word about potentially bad bills to my social network followers.

During my time in journalism, I was very careful to keep my opinions out of life. I felt like it would be too easy for people to say I was biased in some way if they knew how I voted.

Now, I’m FREE – and plan to enjoy my freedom of speech – at least until the Uncle Sam takes over the Internet. (Stay informed on this issue because it could eventually impact your ability to market online. It is about more than political parties; it is about your freedom to be online.)

Several authors have told me they don’t get into political discussions online because they are afraid of losing sales, or turning fans against them. A few received nasty comments from others and decided it just wasn’t worth it.

I understand this point of view, but it also makes me even more determined to share my own opinion – despite the fact that some may not like it. In this wonderful nation that we live we have the right to express ourselves and tell others where we stand. No matter if we are a political commentator or a children’s book author, we should feel comfortable enough to stand up for issues that are important to us because it is a RIGHT – one that is unique among the nations.

Being respectful is really key to engaging in political discussions. Most will respect you for it. One book marketer sent me scathing Tweets when I shared a link to a conservative news story around election time. This person told me I was, in a polite word, unlearned, and sent several other Tweets with similar messages. I made certain never to promote this person’s forums, blogs or advice – EVER – even if it was sound. I also never engaged this person, because their agenda was to devalue me as a person, rather than having a conversation about the issues.

However, on the flip side, I’ve had several people I work with professionally who disagree with how I feel, but they talk to me about it – even in short 140 bursts or Wall posts. We actually get to understand each other on the issues – even if it doesn’t change our minds.

We still like each other. We still talk book marketing. We still share links to job-related posts. It has not had a major negative impact on my career.

The way to talk politics on social media is doing it logically, fairly and with manners that would put Emily Post to shame. Don’t use profanity and don’t be caustic. Don’t bother engaging idiots who are more interested in 140 characters of snarkiness than actually conversing about an issue. And always – always – verify your links and info in them before you promote.

It is OK if you don’t feel comfortable talking politics. It certainly isn’t for everyone. Before you censor yourself, however, think about ways you can approach issues that will be courteous to others – and respectful to fans who may disagree.

What issues have you had when talking politics in social media? Have you ever regretted responding to someone who got you riled up? Have you seen your sales decrease after talking about your political views?

Online Radio Promotions

Recently, I’ve seen ads for several online radio shows that want to charge guests for slots.

I just don’t get it. From my days in radio, I can safely say I have never once given a guest a rate sheet and got a contract before I signed them on.

Why? Because I needed guests on my programs. I needed to fill the air with more than just my own voice or – gasp! – dead air. If a guest’s publisher or company wanted to sponsor the interview, that was a different story – but it certainly was not required.

Most radio talk show hosts that I approached about this new version of Pay for Play said it was appalling – and no legitimate program would do it.  Author Barry Eva shares similar views. The host of his own show, A Book and a Chat, shares his thoughts on how to find the right free radio show for your niche:

I read a while ago about a promotion from a company where for $45 you can get a 15-minute interview – and for $99 a full thirty minute interview. The interview includes the author’s interview and information stored in the shows archives.

While there are some very good radio shows that might be worth a small donation or payment, there are many more available on Blog Talk Radio – and these are FREE!

It is not difficult to find shows in your genre on Blog Talk Radio. Here are a few tips:

Use the search options to find shows that you think you might make a good guest on. Listen to old shows, check the format and how the host handles the shows. It is no good being on a show where you run the show rather than the host. Also, check Craig’s List for hosts who are advertising for guests.

When you find a show, remember to check when it last aired. If it’s not been for a month or two, the broadcast may be on hiatus or canceled, even though it continues to show up in the Blog Talk Radio search.

If you decide the show is a fit for you, then contact the host. Send them details about yourself, your book and availability; normally the host will be delighted to have you as a guest. Sometimes though, this might take a month or even two before you will actually appear on the show, as most radio shows already have a guest list.

You do not have to visit a recording studio, or need any special equipment to participate. You just dial a phone number (which the host will supply) and chat for the length of the show.

Be prepared to read portions of your work, chat with your host about anything from your personal life to your writing projects or talk to guests who call into the program. Talk to the host before the program to get a feel for what they want to discuss.

Barry Eva

The author, Barry Eva, also known as “Storyheart”, was born in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. In 2000, he left his beloved country and went to the USA to be with the woman he’d met and fallen in love with on the Internet. With his whit, oratory, and old-fashioned English charm, Barry is a much sort after both presenter and interviewee on radio and TV. Barry now lives in Connecticut, with his wife and two children.

Also on Market My Novel:

How to Pitch Your Work to Radio Hosts

Chris Simeral of The Author's Edge penned a top five list of bad things authors do when it comes to online promotions. They include:

• Inadequate Time Spent Researching Keywords
• Too Little Content
• Not paying enough — or any — attention to Social Marketing & Web 2.0
• Not Focusing on Building a Loyal Following
• Focusing on the Sale

I have a few more to add to his list:

• Authors hire the wrong people to design their Web sites. There are a ton of charlatans out there, peddling their virtual wares as the best in the biz. They are ready to charge exorbitant fees to design a Web site that may look pretty, but has nothing behind it to make you Google-friendly.
• Authors hire poor social media publicists to construct and implement an online marketing strategy. Too often today, people start blogs and suddenly start calling themselves "social media consultants." They don't have a CLUE what social media is really about – or how to create a dynamic strategy for each individual client. They simply see Chris Brogan dollar signs and believe their multi-million dollar retirement is set. (To find a good publicist, see the Market My Novel Quick Guide: How to Hire the Right Publicist)
• Authors give up too quickly on online marketing. If they don't see results in a week, authors simply give up. Some last as long as three months. Online marketing is a long-term investment. Giving up too soon is like setting aside manuscripts each time you become tired of them, get writers block or the cat pukes on the pages. You would not stop completely on that story, would you? Then don't stop your online marketing strategies.
• Authors wear themselves out doing way too much, too soon, and get so sick of online media they stop everything – including e-mail. (See One Author Speaks Out about the Bad Side of Online Promotions)

And the worst reasons authors fail at online promotions  – and one of the biggies I hear every day:

• Authors don't think online promotions are important.

I cannot stress enough how important an online media strategy is to authors who are fighting for fans in the closed world of publishing. You do not have to be a member of every social network, or blog daily to work a near full-time job marketing online to be successful. Three strategically-planned hours a week can go a long way to developing a long-term, dynamic Web presence that will carry you farther than just one book.