Last week we put out a blog post about authors and their Linked In experiences. Then, we posted a link to that blog, along with asking this question on our Linked In Groups: What advantages has Linked In brought you as an author?

The responses in several groups were varied and we’re sharing a few of them here:

Robin Elizabeth Margolis writes: Dear Shari: I wrote an essay on how Linkedin helped me fulfill a long-held dream of meeting writers from all over the world: Writers Groups: It Was Gonna Be Like Roaring Twenties Paris http://robinelizabethmargolis.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/writers-groups-it-was-gonna-be-like-roaring-twenties-paris/

Colin Andrews: Can’t remember now who recommended me join LinkedIn as a means of promoting my novel, and I haven’t really monitored the discussions on all the writing groups I joined. However, I’ve already had some very interesting and worthwhile participation in a couple of these groups.

Dee Dodgson: Hi Shari for your blog. I think if you view LinkedIn as a place to promote and sell your book, then you shouldn’t be here. I admit that this was probably the reason I joined and got involved in various groups. But since joining, I’ve met some great folks and learnt soooo much from other peoples blogs, comments and links. So thank you, all of you on LinkedIn, you’re great.

William A. Cummins: Since 95% of being a successful author is in promotion, why shouldn’t Linkedin be used to promote and sell books? As the author and publisher of several highly acclaimed and award-winning books, and the publisher for other authors, I’ve learned that creating word-of-mouth sales is the only part of writing that is difficult. Critiquing and discussion groups are a waste of time if you can’t sell your work. Without sales authors are still broke or in the hole!

John McNamara • I’m not sure my LinkedIn account has translated into increased sales, but the exposure to writers’ groups and the discussions within them has been enlightening. Even in the connections with folks who are not writers, the results have been helpful, if only to remind them that I’m out here in the literary wilderness, chained to a keyboard, waiting for the words to bleed from my hands onto the electronic “page!”

Aimee Anderson • As John says, the discussions have been most helpful. Some of the questions have aided me in discovering things about my own style and also ways I can improve my marketing strategy. There are certain people I look for who open my mind to new ideas and amuse me at the same time. Can’t ask for more than that.

Marion E. Gold • Definitely the discussions, and having opportunities to learn from others, and to share my experiences as a journalist, book author, and independent writer – as well as my significant expertise in marketing communications and public relations.

Gwendoline Fortune • Just beginning to use the site. I’ve been busy writing, working with my agent, promoting, etc… Seeking new vistas, and hope to find this new medium a polestar. Good start with the discussions. I need to learn how to use the new tools.

Samantha Stroh • Perhaps sales of Finding Lucas haven’t increased, but the connections I’ve made, the great discussions and the helpful tips have been invaluable. I was always a lurker and never a participator, and it’s been wonderful to step away from the wall and join in.

Jacqueline Mary • I would have no idea how to even beging without Linkedin. I wouldn’t know that self publishing is easy without Linkedin. I am sure that the tips along the way will pay off and motivate me..

DanaRae Pomeroy • A whole lot of interesting and valuable information, a variety of shared experiences from other indie authors and lots to think about. I’ve not yet reached the point of putting my book out. It’s a revision or new edition of one published by Berkley, to which I now have the rights again. But LinkedIn has been, continues to be, a valuable resource and I appreciate everyone’s willingness to share their experiences, information and resources.

Michelle Ann Cullen • I think that perhaps the best use of LinkedIn is as a professional resource- much as Dee and Shari have described. You can make wonderful professional connections with others in related fields, and expand your current knowledge base.

That being said, every writer is a reader first. So, being active on a massive site like LinkedIn could likely steer indirect sales your way. Perhaps you’ll be discussing your latest self-help book with a fellow author, and s/he may think it’s the perfect book for his/her friend or relative. LinkedIn is not the place for hard-selling, but it doesn’t mean there won’t be any reward.

For me, as I just begin my second career in publishing, I find this particular resource a wonderful place to find out what the REAL people involved in the industry are looking for, talking about, and most importantly doing.

Thanks, authors, for your thoughtful responses and especially for the great links to more info!