Pandemic Publishing

Hey, romance addicts. Romance author Jailaa West joins us with tips for publishing during a pandemic. She also released a new book in her Savage Security romance series. Welcome, Jailaa!

Pandemic Publishing

Guest Post
By Jailaa West

Publishing in Private:

Writing has always been a solitary journey. Maya Angelou liked to lock herself in a hotel room and allow no one to enter. She said, “I have a bedroom, with a bed, a table, and a bath. I have Roget’s Thesaurus, a dictionary, and the Bible. Usually a deck of cards and some crossword puzzles.” Lately it feels like this is all any of us have. Covid-19 has made our solitary choice, mandatory. This confinement has produced positive and negative side-effects. Effects that we are all learning to manage during this crisis. 

Publishing self care:

Crisis management begins with ourselves first. You may have heard the saying: “You can’t give water from an empty vessel.” As spouses and parents our instinct is to take care of those around us. Usually before we care for ourselves. However when we drain our emotional cup without refilling it, we don’t give our best selves to those we love. We also don’t nurture our creative spirit. Number one on our list is our physical health. Make sure that you are getting the proper rest, nutrition and exercise. Unfortunately these three areas are the first things we sacrifice. It rarely seems like an emergency to put in a half-hour on the treadmill. But the benefits of the endorphins gained from exercise are well documented. Some of the benefits are  bumps in energy, brain function, metabolism and memory. Tip: Take a warm bubble bath if you can. Add epsom salts to relieve achy muscles and joints. Scientists have found that warm baths produce serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with well-being and happiness.

Publishing with homeschool

As a parent you need these bumps, especially if you are also tasked with homeschooling. During this pandemic, more authors than ever are forced to homeschool. Even if you have a child attending school, the lack of after school activity is challenging. To reduce stress it becomes essential to make a schedule and stick to it. The schedule should include time that is dedicated to our writing careers. This time must become sacrosanct and inviolate. Effective strategic planning can make writing during your scheduled time guilt-free. Tip: When you cook, try to cook ahead. Cook double if you can. Serve one, freeze one. Then there is always an emergency meal in the freezer for days when there is no time to cook.

Publishing networking and promotions

Every experienced author knows that writing is just the start of a book’s journey. Networking and marketing carries a book down the road to find its audience. Many authors have banded together and are working closer than ever to expand their audience reach. Joining series and collections, participating in newsletter swaps and hosting takeovers are just a few examples. These tools are easy to organize and can be very effective even for new authors. I participated in the “Love and Lust Under Lockdown,” collection and used it to launch myself to a new audience. Because many bookstores and libraries are closed to book signing, this too has moved to the digital world. Authors are able to meet fans online and give their books away instantly. Meeting online also allows authors to collect contact information that can be used for future events. Author conferences and workshops have exploded online. The opportunity to meet other authors is more accessible. Conference prices have been significantly reduced with many available for free. Tip: Join a facebook group that is related to your genre. Try to find one that will allow you to host a takeover. It is a great way to meet new readers and other authors also in your genre. 

Publishing final thoughts

Of course we all understand that this pandemic is a temporary crisis. It will eventually pass and we will look at it in the rearview mirror of our lives. As writers we play an important role in helping to lift the spirit of a nation. The work we do in building fantasy worlds for people trapped indoors is invaluable. You as an author are invaluable. So take the time to appreciate your gift and the privilege you have in sharing it. Final tip: Take care of yourself.

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Thanks for sharing, Jailaa. Okay, romance addicts, Jailaa has a great series that feature sexy alphas who know how to get their way. Check out her latest steamy read, Control, book three in the Savage Security series.

Aiden Savage has always run Savage Security with a ruthless control. But now his company has been infiltrated by a clever industrial spy. A spy intent on destroying everything he’s built. When all signs point to Daysha, his treasured assistant, she quits. Stunning him. Does she really think he will just let her go? Now he’s got two weeks, to use all of his resources, his skills, and his heart, to save the two things that matter the most.

About Jailaa

My name is Jailaa West. I published my first book in May 2001. After its release, I got married and had three children and didn’t write again for twenty years!  Now that I have returned to writing I have jumped in with both feet. Releasing five romance novels in five months, and I’m not done yet! I love writing steamy romances with alpha heroes and the women they love. Although my books are not rom-com, you are sure to get at least one good chuckle or two from our couple. My goal is to leave you with a smile on your face and a sigh on your heart. I love hearing from my readers. You can reach me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under my name @jailaawest. Please consider purchasing my latest book. Book 3 in the Savage Security book series: Control. Each book in this series is a stand-alone with a HEA.