I’ll be the first to admit: I’ve been a little slow on the uptake with using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to get my writing out there. First, it felt a little presumptuous to create a fan page for myself when I haven’t actually published anything yet; then it just seemed like I could never have enough to say to fill up a Twitter feed or timeline.

But I’ve been chipping away at it, so as a service to the other writers out there who feel the same way, I thought I’d share some of the resources I’ve stumbled across in my searches. After all, it’s never too late to learn!

The Book Doctors Present: As You Like It, Or the Power of Facebook for Authors

7 Essential Elements for an Author’s Facebook Page

Facebook for Authors: How to get Started

Facebook Strategy for Authors: In-Depth Discussion

The Writer’s Guide to Twitter

40 Hashtags for Writers

Twitter for Writers: Are You Following these Accounts?

Twitterature: 14 Connected Authors Worth Following

As with blogging, I think the key to using these platforms well is to be patient and try to provide content that is interesting, helpful or both. It will take some time to hit your stride and decide what your social media style is, but it seems the best and easiest thing you can do is just be yourself: Talk about what you like, what you do and where you go—and, of course, your writing.

Eventually, the rest should take care of itself.

If you’re on Twitter or Facebook already, I’d love to hear about your experiences—so leave me a comment below!

If you’d like to get in on the ground floor with my own fledgling attempts, follow Pinionpost on Twitter or like the Pinionpost Facebook page!