03/15/10 - 04/04/10 - PRO-Class on Social Media!!

Using Social Media to Network with Readers, Authors, and Industry Professionals

The March 2010 PRO-Class is approaching! Join us March 15–April 4, 2010, for Using Social Media to Network with Readers, Authors, and Industry Professionals!

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This class will provide PRO members with information about creating an online presence that can bring you into direct contact with many editors, agents, booksellers, potential readers, book reviewers, and successful authors. These connections can help launch a PRO's career to the next step.

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The class will cover how-to's of many of the social media available, including input from successful authors with their viewpoints on and advice for using the various media as networking and promotional tools. Lectures will address the benefits of using social networking, tips to manage social networking effectively, and how to balance social networking with your writing time.

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During weeks one and two of the bootcamp, we'll describe each form of social media, its overall purpose, and how to apply that to your career, whether you're seeking publication of your first completed manuscript, hoping to expand your network of professional contacts, or building a readership for published works.

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Each topic is allotted two days, time for PRO members who do not have accounts to set them up, explore the social media, and ask relevant questions about its usage. Interspersed with the lectures, we'll include input by published authors with their views on the value and use of each social networking tool. (Note: These authors won't be on the loop. This format allows us to provide different perspectives and examples without crowding or overwhelming the class.)

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Week 1: Social Networking Media Introductions:

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Monday: Twitter

Wednesday: Facebook and Myspace

Friday: Yahoogroups and Forums

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Week 2: Social Networking Media Introductions (cont.):

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Monday: Goodreads/Shelfari/ Library Thing

Wednesday: Miscellaneous alternatives (brief mentions)

Friday: Final questions/wrap-up

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Week 3: Kristen Painter will address benefits of Social Networking for both unpublished and published authors and tips for use, and how to keep it from taking over your life. This will be mostly Q&A format.

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So mark your calendars! If you're not currently subscribed to PRO-Class, and are PRO-Approved by RWA (not PAN or PAN-Eligible), send an email to PRO-Class-subscribe @yahoogroups. com with your name and email address on file with RWA and your RWA#. If you'd like to be subscribed to the loop with a different email address, please add that, too.