Today, I’m happy to welcome Desiree Villena, who has written this guest post about social media tips. Desiree is a writer with Reedsy, a service for authors. She’s written posts about writing and publishing for Write To Done, The Write Life, Electric Literature, and many more sites in the publishing industry.
Now I hand it over to Desiree to give us social media tips for authors in these tumultuous times.
“It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” These wise words from scholar and activist Angela Davis speak to the immense power that our voices have in times of crisis.
In today’s world, social media is an essential tool that brings people together. And it’s never been more prominent, as people all around the world have taken to platforms like Facebook and Twitter in the midst of the current civil rights movement to initiate conversation and instigate reform. Technology has revolutionized how instances of violence and systemic oppression are captured, shared, and discussed online — but how can social media help us create new collectivities in the aftermath?
While some authors may feel uncomfortable or uncertain about getting political or uncertain, we know better than anyone else how powerful words can be… and our words online can be used to advance social justice. I preface this by saying that my suggestions focus most immediately on responding to the anti-racism movements unfolding around the world, and are especially aimed at authors writing from a position of privilege who thus far may have remained relatively silent. Yet I hope these words help authors in future situations of uncertainty or unrest to consider how social media might lead to social justice.
1. Rethink business as usual
In times of crisis, some authors may choose to carry on with social media by posting and engaging with their followers as normal. While it is important to allow yourself to continue pursuing your professional and personal aims online even in tough times, the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and movements for racial justice also ask us to rethink routine. Especially if you occupy a position of privilege, you may alienate readers by not acknowledging the current political context and its effect on many populations.
As an author, you may feel like your domain is limited to the writing realm, and that it’s not your place to comment on political issues. But issues of injustice and inequality pervade all aspects of society! Black writers remain consistently underrepresented in the publishing industry, and while self-publishing has allowed more diverse authors than ever before to publish their works, the recent viral hashtag #PublishingPaidMe has shown the vast disparities in payment between white authors and authors of color in traditional publishing.
Even if you are not directly affected by the issues at stake or living in a community where protests are unfolding, let your readers and peers know that you are paying attention to what is going on in the world, and that you see and hear them and what they might be going through.
2. Open dialogues with your fanbase
Like you, your readers are likely grappling with many similar fears and anxieties, so this could be a good chance to share your thoughts and foster a sense of community with your fanbase online. Even if some conversations are difficult, being willing to broach tough topics and have candid interactions can ultimately help you forge closer bonds with your readers.
Be authentic in sharing what you’re going through, your strategies for grappling with crisis, and how the present context has informed your work. But don’t make it all about you — now is a time to limit sales pitches and instead, focus on having open dialogues. You might offer updates on what you are currently learning, reading, or doing to stay informed, or provide picks on books or podcasts and solicit recommendations from followers.
Speaking of which, dialogue is never a one-way street. Social media can also help you broaden your views and continue to educate yourself! Twitter is a particularly useful platform for authors to stay tuned into the broader context of politics and publishing. This will also let you survey and use hashtags related to larger discussions of topical issues, such as #BlackoutBestsellerList and #PublishingPaidMe, to encourage continuous conversation about the most pressing issues affecting authors and readers.
3. Create a safe space
Being a social media ally in a time of crisis does not mean that you must dedicate your accounts completely to political or pessimistic content. Using social media to share uplifting stories or celebrate joy and resilience is equally important to coping with crisis. Think about what inspires you each day and what comforts you comfort — that’s all shareable, too.
If you do post explicitly political material, remember to include content warnings on any potentially disturbing content to establish a safe space. Try in particular to avoid sharing videos of violence, which can often be triggering and retraumatizing.
Whatever you post, it’s essential to ensure your social media profiles and author website are safe platforms for you and your community to tackle tough topics. Be clear that your accounts will not tolerate hate and racism. This might mean you have to step in to monitor comments on your posts or even block users who are being abusive. Some backlash and criticism are inevitable when wading into political waters, but do not let that deter you from doing so!
4. Recognize your power to amplify
Sometimes, you may truly not know what to say; that’s when you can spotlight others. If you feel at a loss for words, educate yourself by seeking out other accounts posting about social justice, and consider sharing (with credits, of course) the content that most resonates with you.
You can also leverage your fanbase and your privilege to amplify Black and Brown voices, as well as other communities in need. One powerful way to go about this is to encourage readers to buy the books of diverse writers, or call attention to art and entertainment that features diverse stories — representation is important! Sharing thoughts, quotes, and infographics can spread information, but if you really want to speak out in support of a cause, try to include resources or calls to action. Include relevant links to organizations, reading lists, or donation funds that can give followers a concrete way to get involved in movements for justice and aid.
5. Remember that online is forever
“Online is forever” is a popular reminder that nothing can ever be fully scrubbed from the Internet’s record. Always think carefully and critically about what you post — especially when engaging with heavy and emotionally charged topics — and avoid saying anything that might be hurtful toward or misinterpreted by others. Posting something in the heat of the moment might offer some quick emotional catharsis, but it might also lead to you misspeaking or saying something you will later regret.
That said, there’s another side of it. Lately, “online is forever” has been a motivating mantra for me personally, representing my desire to stand on the right side of history and make a sustained commitment to being an authentic ally. This means constant learning and listening: the current uprisings and upheavals have shown us that nothing about Internet speech — and likely nothing about our society — is going to go back to “normal.” But remaining transparent, honest, and empathetic are things you can practice even when the world doesn’t feel like it’s on fire.
Using social media can occasionally feel like shouting into the abyss, but it remains a remarkable tool to join people together all over the world. I hope the tips that I’ve outlined here give some direction for all authors grappling with what it means to have an online presence in the present moment. Whether you share reading recommendations, join a virtual protest, or spark even a single conversation, your words have immense power — so be sure to use that power wisely.