I have seen posts in the past on this blog about social networking sites and various tools writers may use online to promote their books, etc., but it appears there has only been surface mentioning of LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/), and I'm sorry, but that has to stop...now!
LinkedIn is a global community engaged in everything from job searching to information and opportunity sharing. Might I add, a place where people look for freelancers or ideas on how to enter the writing field!
Indeed, are you there? If not, it's never too late to join. On LinkedIn, there are groups for writers of all persuasions and even groups to give back, whether as serving as a source for a reporter or to offer mentoring advice on places to try for a newbie.
LinkedIn's actually catering to our type with amazon.com features whereas you can mention all the books you are reading, and I'm sure virtual versions of book club groups will start up with time.
Additionally, LinkedIn has a great Q&A section where members can ask questions and receive feedback, and I personally find this not just useful and practical, but a place to fine-tune my technical writing skills, answering troubleshooting questions as well as philosophical ones.
In closing, while not affiliated at all with the masterminds of Linkedin, as a user, I can only offer the following suggestion to you all. Don't continue overlooking Linkedin, because it's a source of not only amusement and self-promotion of your work and resume, but a great avenue for networking and talking (and maybe, commiserating) with other writers, not just in the U.S., but all over the world! If you join, you'll find you're not alone as many of the WOW community are making their presence known.
Good luck and by all means, comment away on what pros and cons LinkedIn offers writers and readers alike!
"LinkIn" To Opportunity!
Sunday, November 09, 2008
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5 comments:
Thanks Alison, I am a linkedin member and saw another site advertised on Linkedin. PinkLinx.com is going to be a combo of both Linkedin (for business) and Facebook (for social) and for women only! can't wait!
This is the first I've heard of this site. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
One unfortunate thing about social networking sites like FaceBook being used by young adult authors is that most schools block them. Writers should be aware that having a regular web site is a good thing for students researching authors in a school setting.
I'm a member of LinkedIn too. Good site that I need to take advantage of more.
Great post, Alison!
I've been a part or full time freelance writer for 6 years now, and LinkedIn is the only networking site where I've actually picked up real work and made proper professional contacts, rather than just getting found by people I was at school with and kind of hoped I'd never run into again... It's also got better functionality for adding links to your previous experience, qualifications etc than most sites aimed at social networking. Definitely worth using.
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