Profile: Social Media Marketer Frances Caballo

I'm starting a new blog series based on informational interviews with professionals working in the field of writing--from freelance writers to teachers to social media experts like Frances Caballo, owner of Act Communications. My quest was precipitated by a career assessment requirement in order to  receive government retraining funds (I just joined the masses in being laid-off from my day job, which I'm seizing as a positive opportunity to build my writing career). But I'm always curious about the kinds of work people choose to do and why, what skills they require, and the paths they took to get there.

I got in touch with Frances after receiving some really helpful information from her via the Redwood Writers listserv, where she acts as social media editor and board vice president, about how to best utilize online forums. For instance, she created a Pinterest pin board for local writers, which includes the covers of two anthologies in which I am featured. Or she instructs us in how to pre-approve photos others tag in FB. Unlike many email blasts, FB posts, tweets and blogs that are guises for self-promotion, I always find her information both tremendously useful and generous to the reader. Frances specializes in social media marketing for her clients, most of whom are writers or organizations who want to increase their visibility online.

A long-time writer herself, Frances started as a reporter, then worked for a magazine, then as a newspaper editor before becoming a communications director for a national nonprofit. With her public relations experience, she started Act Communications in January 2011 and is currently its sole proprietor. You can follow Frances Caballo on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!

Here is what she says about her work:

Friday Author Feature: Matt Stewart on tweeting his debut novel

Before Matt Stewart landed a book deal for his literary novel, The French Revolution, he'd already received numerous rejections. First, it took 8-9 months and more than 150 pitches to find an agent. After some promising critical feedback from one, and 3 months of revising and resubmitting the book--voila! Then his agent only had to find a publisher. Over 30 rejections later, Stewart came up with a brilliant marketing plan.

TWITTER.

Beginning on Bastille Day 2009 ("I was doing something revolutionary") and with a nod from his agent, he would serialize his novel (at 140 characters per tweet) to encourage people to check out the book. Stewart also offered it on Amazon's Kindle for $1.99, as well as a free upload on Scribd for one week.

The result?