I ran across this interesting article the other day on Mashable.com called "How Literary Agents Find Talent on Twitter."
I'm new to Twitter, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. I've discovered some wonderful writers and found a lot of useful information, though. I can't keep up with everything, but what I do get from it is worthwhile.
I wonder how agents pick out a writer amongst all the various ones out there. Interesting links, sure. Quirky quotes, okay. Hash tags, yup. How do you get attention in the massive land of Twitter when your tweet is just one of millions?
I think it comes down to luck. Yes, you have to put yourself out there and write quality stories, but in the end, only Lady Luck decides what happens. I think it's nice to think about an agent approaching you after seeing you on Twitter, but it's like winning the lottery. Don't depend on it. Go out and succeed on your own terms.