5 Ways to Use Instagram as an Author | Jane Friedman

Instagram is a social media outlet writers in general do not seriously consider a viable promotion platform. They may try it out for a brief spell, have a bit of fun, and then forget they have the app on their smartphone. With the right approach and application, though, Instagram can provide a treasure trove of visual content for a writer.

Now, before you think that "visual content" for a writer consists of nothing more than a picture of a laptop with a work-in-progress on the screen (which we've found that followers on Instagram and elsewhere do respond to!), think again. It's possible to cast a more imaginative net by including character inspirations, behind-the-scenes research or travel, or even a quick link back to your blog. You must go beyond a writer's desk or book signings.