Since our article on how book publishers should be using Twitter, some other publishers have chimed in with their own experiences. Here’s Mark Long, publisher of TSTC Publishing in Texas, on how Twitter can help small companies track larger trends:
“For me, I think the best part of Twitter is being able to engage in the ongoing ‘conversation’ about the publishing industry . . . something I wouldn’t be able to do face to face as we’re based in Waco, Texas. We follow bookstores, bookstore buyers, sales reps, freelance consultants, and, of course, other publishers. It’s a great way to stay in the loop of what’s happening in the industry all over the country (and beyond) and not just working in a vacuum in our own office. And, it’s nice to be able to drop these folks a line periodically to ask (and answer on our own end as well) questions that crop up that are pretty specific that nobody we know around here could address.
“Plus, given that I was really interested in publishing long before I began working in it, I think Twitter is a good way to get a sense of the day-to-day realities of the industry. (It’s certainly not long martini lunches . . . although we do eat at On The Border pretty regularly with folks.) I was a college English teacher for about 10 years and I like Twittering in the sense that it gives our graphics and editorial interns an idea of what goes on outside of the specific work they do for us as well so there is that teaching/informing aspect to it.”
Follow TSTC Publishing on Twitter at @tstcpublishing and read the company’s blog here.
