We've only gone and done it...

Litopians are basking in the glow of triumph after the Colony walked off with the Golden Twit for writing in the first ever awards ceremony for tweeting.

Litopia founder Peter Cox and Litopian Jamie Mollart, the man who has led the Colony's assault on the world of Twitter, were at the ceremony in London last night, with Jamie stepping up to receive the gong.

“We are really pleased to have won in the inaugural year of the Golden Twits,” said Jamie. “Social Media is about communication and, as writers, communication is incredibly important to us, so this award is a really welcome one. The Litopia Twitter feed is about sharing information that will help writers, so to be recognized for this is fantastic.”

Peter believes that Twitter has many uses for writers. “You can quickly build a huge following with Twitter”, he says. “Publishing is a battleground at the moment, and the biggest struggle is over who controls access to the readership.  Will it be publishers, as they traditionally did?  Or authors?  Or some third party such as Amazon or Google?  We believe it’s vital that authors should control access to their own readers and fans.”

Both Jamie and Peter are firm believes in the power of Twitter for writers.  “You can use Twitter to connect with the top people in the publishing industry”, says Peter, “they’re just one click away.  You can keep up with insider gossip.  You can use it to find experts for your research.  You can create virtual events, like a Twitter contest.  But mostly, you can harness Twitter’s multiplier effect to skyrocket your fan base: when one reader reTweets your original post, you can quickly reach hundred or even thousands of new readers within minutes.  That’s how powerful it can be.”

Winning this inaugural award is a very special achievement for the Colony – it reflects the true pioneering spirit of Litopia.  We’re all proud of Jamie – and are following him!

Photo shows Litopia's Jamie Mollart & Peter Cox receiving the award from Rowan Heasley, Naked Penguin Boy's Commercial Director