MySpace Musings

I noticed that you have a MySpace page. I was wondering what you've gotten out of it and if you think it's necessary for a writer to have one.

Once upon a time, I thought that MySpace was solely for sixteen year-olds who wanted to display various naked body parts to complete strangers and potential predators. Then, I heard from some author friends, particularly YA authors, that it was a fabulous marketing tool and way to reach new readers.

So I checked it out.

And I was amazed how many authors have pages on the site, and how many of their names I recognized, either as a fan or as a fellow writer. So I signed up. After the initial frenzy of wanting to spend every waking second tracking down old acquaintances and adding friends so I didn't feel like a total loser (admit it, you do this too!), I've settled into a nice rhythm with the site. I add a few friends every day, check out some fun profiles, and listen to some cool music that I might not be able to find elsewhere.

Now...is it worth it? Sure. I've definitely reached some readers, particularly, say those who support breast cancer causes or BC survivors, who might not have heard of me without the page. I've also connected with some authors who have become emailing pals. As I approach the launch date for TDLF, I imagine that I'll amp up my efforts and become more proactive in adding friends and spreading the word about the book. But for now, I do trust that I've reached a new audience...not to mention had some fun doing it. (Though it's definitely a time-suck. Be forewarned.)

Does every writer need to have a page? Um, I'd say no. I mean, sure, you can have a page and network that way, but is it necessary? Probably not. Editors aren't going to be cruising through MySpace looking for new writers, nor are publishers. If you have a product, i.e. a book, to market, then the site can be really useful, but other than that - and other than having fun with it - I don't think there's so much value.

That said, I know that a lot of blog readers are also MySpacers, so what say you? Has your MySpace page garnered you oodles of business and writing work? Or is it more of a promotional tool or time-waster?