When I first got serious about publishing a novel, my editor said I needed to get on Facebook ASAP. It’ll get you exposure. It’ll help you connect with readers. I was reluctant, but with some help from a family member, I opened a Facebook personal account and set up an Author page. Then I started adding family members, close friends, and writer friends I’d met on an author website called Authonomy.

After familiarizing myself with the Facebook world, I discovered Facebook is a treasure trove of groups for writers. There are some small groups, where writers discuss their work. Groups such as ‘Writers United-Critique Club’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/332213916977404/)  and ‘Writing, Prompts & Critiques’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/WritingPromptsCritiques/).

There are some enormous groups, as well as smaller groups, where writers discuss various writing, publishing, and marketing issues. Groups such as ’20BooksTo50K’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/781495321956934/) and ‘Writers Unite!’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/145324212487752/) and ‘Tom Winton Authors Helping Authors’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/495847367109155/) and ‘Writers United-Author’s Club’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/324655411074064/).

There wasn’t yet a group for writers who had met on Authonomy, so I started that group.  The group is ‘Authonomy Friends Meeting Place’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/388398427918270/). There are now a few others available, too.

There are groups for connecting writers and readers, such as ‘Writers and Readers Unite’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/69073710111/) and ‘Authors and Book Lovers Discussion Group’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorspostyourbooks/?ref=br_rs) and ‘Book Lovers’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorspostyourbooks/).

I’ve only given a sampling of the groups available. You can find hundreds of Facebook groups for writers and/or readers. Groups big and small, groups for readers or writers of almost any genre, groups about book marketing/advertising, groups about book cover designs, groups where you can find out about new releases or about free books, etc.

I guess what I’m saying is that Facebook is a great resource for writers, brand new writers as well as already published writers. There are some pitfalls to watch out for, certainly, such as getting tons of friend requests from spammers, but you can get some great information on Facebook.

I hope this helps writers and readers! Have fun with the groups!