The Indie Author Weekly Update is different today because our world has changed.
We are living amid COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders and worrying about the worldwide pandemic. Therefore, please read the first four posts. They are the most important to your career right now.
Please read the post on using Instagram during this unusual time of ours.
Lisa Tener’s post is also a must-read in my view. She is a phenomenal and accomplished book and creativity coach.
Also, be sure to read BookBub’s post on how authors are helping each other with their book launches.
Instagram Tips for Our Times
Instagram Provides Tips on Maintaining Connection via Instagram Live During COVID-19 Lockdowns by Andrew Hutchinson: If you use Instagram, try live streaming to keep in contact with your readers during COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. This post provides tips on how to do this.
Inspiration for the Indie Author
Keep Going: How To Be Creative For The Long-Term With Austin Kleon & from Joanna Penn: Austin Kleon is a New York Times bestselling author or four books and speaker. Joanna Penn’s podcasts are always worth listening too. (Yes, I listen to it too.) Of course, you can always read the transcript.
A Creative Approach to the Coronavirus-Inspired Lifestyle by Lisa Tener: Lisa Tener is an accomplished book and creativity coach. Creativity feeds our souls and that’s why it’s important for all of us to pursue creative endeavors. Read her 11 tips now.
Authors Helping Authors
Many writers’ new releases have been disrupted by COVID-19. See how fellow authors are stepping up to help from BookBub: I love this post. I always say that on social media we don’t have competitors we have colleagues. Work together with other authors, especially those who are struggling. By doing this, you build social karma.
Indie Author Branding
What’s Your Author Brand? by Sandra Beckwith and from TheBookDesigner.com: I find that indie authors resist discussions about branding. Guess what? It’s essential to your book marketing. So read this post and learn from it. Sandra Beckwith offers excellent tips.
Book Reviews
Amazon’s Review Rules Have Become Even Stricter in 2020 by Anne R. Allen: Do not try to game Amazon’s review system. Doing so will only bite you in the proverbial butt in the end. Read this post, follow the rules, and don’t try to “swap” reviews with other authors.
Of Note
Free Download from Writers Digest: 10 Situation Starters to Beat Writer’s Block: Need inspiration for a short story or even a novel? Here are some free writing prompts. You can also check Twitter daily. Use the hashtag #WritePrompt.
Quote of the Week
Frances Caballo is an author and social media consultant. Her focus is on helping authors surmount the barriers that keep them from flourishing online and building their platform. She also provides content writing and email marketing services. Find out how you’re doing on social media.