Just a few reasons why Linkedin is a great tool for authors...
Google Points: LinkedIn gives you “Google points” for the sites you link to from LinkedIn. It also ranks very high on Google.
Feature Your Book: In the “Publications” section, you can list details about books--synopsis of each book and a link your book’s page on Amazon, another online retailer, or even your website.
Import Your Contacts: LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with the people you know by allowing you to import your contacts into the system without worrying about spam. You'll see your contacts and those who already have an account on LinkedIn. You can send those people a LinkedIn connection request.
Groups on LinkedIn: You can find all kinds of business-related topics here, and can join as many groups as you like. Get involved. Top contributors in a group receive extra exposure. You can also subscribe to daily or weekly email digests from the groups.
Start a Group: If you have the time, (lol--I know, who has time?)-- you can start your own group on LinkedIn, which is free and it will provide excellent visibility.
Get Recommendations: You can send out recommendations for your books, for you as an author, blogger posts, etc... Recommendations are displayed on your profile and add credibility to what you do. Reach out to your contacts and ask for recommendations. Remember in return, you should give some recommendations, too.
Use Endorsements: This allows people to easily click a button and “endorse” your skills and expertise. You can add the skills you want to be known for when editing your profile. Link
edIn will automatically ask your connections to endorse you. In return, you can endorse those in your network. LinkedIn makes it easy to do. Edorsements will give you credibility, too.
Share Content: The news feed on LinkedIn isn’t as active as the news feed on Facebook, but people still check it out. LinkedIn users can subscribe to daily emails for summarized details. I share on LinkedIn at least several times each week if not more. I include my new blog posts, event announcements, etc.
Want publicity? There are lots of periodical editors and TV producers you can network with. Who knows maybe one will like your book and make it into a movie. 🙂