Indie Author, Jensen Parker, Lays Out the Power of Canva
Whether you're an indie author or traditionally published, tools like Canva can help create promotional materials that will grab readers attention and enhance their reading experience.
Happy Friday before Memorial Day Weekend! I hope everyone is gearing up for the kickoff of summer! What better way to celebrate than by cracking open a delicious book to read by the pool? And what better genre to devour than a fun beach read? As I’ve mentioned in other newsletters, my favorite part of releasing my debut novel has been meeting and connecting with other authors. I can’t stress enough what an important support system they’ve been, who’ve rallied behind me in ways I never expected. Enter Jensen Parker. I met her at one of my book signings and we quickly became fast friends. It’s both refreshing and cathartic to surround yourself with individuals who understand the writing and publishing experience. Better yet, there’s much to learn from them and their own experiences.
One tool Parker has opened my eyes to is Canva. I’d heard of Canva prior to releasing my novel, and even downloaded the app on my phone. But I quickly became overwhelmed, and the most that came from it was typing up quotes from my book in one of their templates. Until Jensen and I met for coffee one morning. She pulled out her computer and showed me how she uses it to create everything from her own book cover, to promotional materials for social media, to stickers for book promotion. Whether you’re an indie author or traditionally published, teaching yourself how to use these tools can be invaluable.
To showcase the power of Canva, Parker answered a few questions about how she’s used it to build her author brand and market her debut contemporary romance novel, Until Now.
Spoiler… you don’t have to be super creative or tech savvy.
1) As a debut and indie author, how has Canva helped you build your brand and your readership?
Canva has been instrumental in helping to create and maintain the aesthetic of myself, my books, and my website. It gives you the freedom to do as much or as little as you like when it comes to creating graphic designs. For example – I can create a basic photo collage to show the aesthetics or I can create a quote photo with different elements to showcase the quote. I've even created stickers, postcards, and t-shirt for my book Until Now, which I had printed through Canva. Some other items I have created, such as a mug, bookmark, and magnet, I had to have printed elsewhere, but if you get the dimensions from the printer you can easily create a template for yourself. Canva has templates available for things such a songs screenshots, text messages, phone notifications, and so much more... The possibilities are endless. I know people who use the free version, but I use the paid version because it opens up the entire Canva library to you. Not only am I getting inspiration from things I find on Canva, but I get inspo from other authors and readers, as well. One of my favorite designs was a "movie poster" I created for my first book, Until Now. Occasionally, I'll see a new trend pop up and I try to hop on those when I see them because they leave as fast as they come. But if you can jump on the trends, it definitely seems to help push your stuff on social media platforms (not always, but sometimes!). But, don't come to me with algorithm questions, I'm constantly trying to beat it, but it always wins. The best advice I have for that is to be consistent and if you have a creator/business account, look at your backend metrics. It will tell you WHEN to post based on your audience.
2) As a contemporary romance author, how critical do you think it is to use platforms like Canva to build creative promotional content?
As a contemporary romance author it is VERY critical. Actually, as any author I think it is a valuable tool. When you write, you're creating people out of thin air and this is a tool that can help bring those people to life. For instance, I use it to create character concepts (i.e. what they like, what they dislike, who they are, etc). I also use Canva to showcase quotes from the book, whether it's a quote from a previously published book or a teaser for my next one. Readers (especially romance readers) want to be involved, and creating these graphics is a great way to keep them involved.
3) Thoughts on doing Canva tutorials for rookie authors looking to create more promotional materials? If not, any recommendations on places to start or learn?
I'd be happy to do some kind of tutorial or answer any questions people have! Trust me, I still ask other people questions whenever I see a design they've done and I'm curious about it. But, if someone has specific questions about how to do something, I always recommend YouTube University.
4) What are ways that authors from other genres can create promotional materials on Canvas? If you're not 'artsy' can authors still benefit from it?
You don't have to be artsy for it to be beneficial, you can easily find a template on the library and just plug-and-chug photos you have or stock photos from the Canva library. I think most people think you have to have some background in branding or design to be successful with it, but you don't. The Canva designers have done a great job making it user friendly for all levels. And, personally, authors of other genres could benefit from some of the designs and promotions romance authors (especially indie) do and use Canva for. Share your (or reader) favorite quotes, share character information and background, create aesthetic collages, follow the trends... Not only could it open you up to new readers, but it's a lot fun! Other genres might think they shouldn't do the same stuff you see romance authors do, but I say, why not? At the end of the day, it's your feed, your books, your livelihood... And Canva can help you enhance all of it!
Jensen Parker is a contemporary romance author with a passion for helping other authors. A former retail store manager and real estate professional, but her heart has always been with writing. She recently moved back to her home state of Indiana with her husband, daughter, and their zoo. When she isn't writing, you'll find her reading, playing with her daughter, cooking new recipes from scratch, or planning her next vacation. Follow her on Instagram @jensenparkerauthor or visit her website https://www.jensenparker.com to stay in touch!