We’re in the middle of a Social Media revolution. There is information everywhere about Social Media, and it is now an essential part of the marketing mix for writers building their platform and reputation.

Whether you have traditionally or self-published, marketing your work is your responsibility if you want to increase sales.

But Social Media is exactly that, social – its’ about developing relationships, sharing, having conversations and should not be used as simply a sales pipeline.

Don’t be the one at the party who only ever talks about themselves!

It is also an invaluable way of conducting research.

Most people think of social media as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, but I’ve recently discovered Pinterest.

Pinterest is an online scrapbook or notice board.  You can set up boards, search and add pins and follow other people’s boards and you can keep any of your boards private if you wish.

Here I am: http://www.pinterest.com/amymorse184/boards

It should come with a health warning – entire days can disappear down the Pinterest rabbit hole if you let them!

I’m trying to control my Pinterest habit, but even as I write this, to paste in the link I had to login and twitch the curtains and ‘pin’ a few more ideas.

If you are going to fall into a rabbit hole make it a constructive one!

Here are 9 tips on how Pinterest can be an asset for writers:

• Research – set up a board for your research project. Pin all the links you browse so they are easy to find and reference in the future

• Carefully title your boards – Categorise your pins in an intuitive way so that you can find things quickly.

• Set up a separate board for your characters – For example; Pin images of Actors you imagine would play your characters if it were made into a film – This is great for imagining how they look and sound next to each other.  Here’s mine: http://www.pinterest.com/amymorse184/solomons-secrets-characters

• Download a widget for your toolbar – Whenever you are browsing you can quickly capture and pin things on the relevant board

• Start building a following for your work before it gets to print and use it to showcase your ideas and gather opinions

• Pin regularly – if you want people to find your pins, re-pin you and follow you

• Set up a writing tips board – This is a great place to collect tips, blog links and knowledge

• Follow other writers boards – Increase your network, access new pins and get updates to add to your portfolio

• Why reinvent the wheel.  This fabulous person has a board to follow on Pinterest Tips http://www.pinterest.com/kanter/pinterest-tips-and-tricks/

For more tips on using Social Media effectively, check out Laurence’s book.

And in the meantime, happy pinning!