Instagram Photo Op Ideas For Writers

As of June 2016, Instagram officially reached 500 million users—and it’s still rapidly growing and evolving! This makes it an excellent platform for authors who are looking for new ways to build a fan base and promote their work. But you may be wondering: How can such a visual, image-centric format effectively accommodate the written word?  Many writers have already discovered that Instagram isn’t simply about posting pictures of your lunch; it’s also about telling a story. And who better to tell a story than a writer? Here are a few ways you can promote your writing in a way that will connect with your audience on Instagram.

 

ngbbs4f5b768e73486

Share Your Work Space

In almost any writer’s Instagram feed, you’re likely to find images featuring a laptop next to a Venti Starbucks Frappuccino. So wherever your work space might be, pull out your phone and take one or two photos from different angles. Natural light gives the best results, so flip open the blinds! And don’t forget to add a filter: There are nineteen to choose from, and the effects can make your photo stand out. If you want even more photo editing options, apps like Google’s Snapseed and VSCO allow you to tweak your images even further.

 

13267544_225206774531937_973413233_n

Show Off What You’re Reading

What could be more writerly than a selfie with your book collection? No need to be shy—pick up the book you’re currently reading and snap a picture. Try different poses with the book to best show off your personality. This shows that you’re engaged with the reader community as well as the writer community in a fun way. And don’t forget to add tags to your photos to increase your odds of being seen! Add a comment and use hashtags like #reading, #books, #writing, #literature to give your image more opportunities to be “liked.” If you’re looking for inspiration, Emma Watson’s reading group Our Shared Shelf is chock-full of people posing with their books.

maxresdefault

Record A Video

Instagram now allows you to post 60-second videos—so you can speak directly to your readers and fans! You can update your audience on the progress of your new book or talk to them about your struggles with (and solutions for) writer’s block. Give them a tour of your writing studio or show them a hobby or locale that appears in your work. You can offer a short reading of a story or poem you’ve been working on! (But more on this later; see the last section of this article.) You can even record a simple “thank you” for all your readers and followers to show your appreciation.

 

Foto-e1382548532105

Share What Inspires You

Whether it’s a busy city street, a quiet lake, a party with friends, or a favorite record album—as a writer, you know how to find inspiration anywhere. Capturing moments that make an impression on you will also help prompt your creativity when you’re looking for new writing ideas. You may find that you enjoy being a photographer almost as much as being a writer!

 photo-681

Snap A Photo Of Your Writing

You’ll notice that handwritten pieces of prose or poetry are often shared on Instagram. Nowadays, with so many writers using computer keyboards, sharing a handwritten piece offers your followers unique insights and nuances into your writing process. The personal touch of handwriting will entice more people to stop and read your post—and become familiar with you and your writing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you’re going to post a written piece or a video of you reading your work, keep in mind that some editors will consider your work “previously published” in this format. Be sure to only post excerpts or work that you have already published or intend to self-publish.

 

QUESTION: Who is your favorite writer to follow on Instagram?

2 Comments

    • Charles Wycoff

      Thank you! Some good stuff here. Getting caught up in what our writing about we forget the ones we want to be reading pieces of ‘heart & soul’.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GET YOUR FREE 4-PART REPUTATION-BUILDING GUIDE!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FIND AN ARTICLE

RECENT ARTICLES

Reviews

If you need help nailing your brand, you’ve come to the right place. The designers know what questions to ask, what imagery translates best to the screen, and how to make your original idea come to life on your webpage. Conventional or quirky, your idea is in good hands with the Web Design Relief team.

—Darlene Eliot, Writer
Read more reviews!

Working with the Web Design Relief team was a total pleasure. They made the process easy, in-depth, professional, and lyrical. I wanted a site that leaned toward the bohemian and yet held an edge of minimalist sophistication. I couldn’t be happier with my very inviting and creative site! We should win awards with this one!

—King Grossman, Writer
Read more reviews!

I cannot possibly detail how professional and helpful Web Design Relief has been in helping me launch my collection of short stories—there are just too many things they have done! They’ve been there for me all along the way, guiding me in developing my book and into the 21st century of web design and social media platforms. It could have been a bewildering journey; Instead it was one that was organized and so pleasant. Truly, Web Design Relief has blown me away by what they have created. The first time I watched my book trailer (who knew there were book trailers?), I cried. That team perfectly imaged what my book is about. I want to thank the whole team for their skill and creativity. I appreciate it so much.

—Cyndy Muscatel, Writer
Read more reviews!

I’m pleased with the look of my website. The team at Web Design Relief listened to my suggestions and added a few of their own to make my website look exactly how I envisioned it. I would definitely recommend using Web Design Relief if you are looking to create a website.

—Marion Hill, Writer
Read more reviews!

Sign up to receive our FREE four-part series, The Writer’s Essential Guide To Reputation-Building In A Digital World—the ultimate resource for building your online author platform.
YES! Send Me My FREE Guide!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

close-link

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This