By Emilia Rose on April 23, 2023.
What happens when you’re burnt out from the business of storytelling and need a break?
The short answer is… take one!
Today we’re going to talk about how to take some time off (whether it’s planned or not) of your subscription.
Taking a break from your subscription is sometimes necessary to prevent (or deal with) burnout, reevaluate your content, and ultimately improve your business in the long run. Shirtaloon, a popular litRPG author, has done this many times over the course of his subscription. And I (Emilia) have four scheduled breaks throughout the year.
Here are some tips for taking a break from your subscription as an author:
- Plan ahead: Let your subscribers know well in advance that you will be taking a break. This gives them time to adjust and potentially pause their subscriptions if necessary. It also halts any questions about why you’re not posting or when your readers can expect more content from you.
- Set a clear timeframe: Decide on the length of your break and communicate it clearly to your subscribers. This could be a few weeks, a month, or longer depending on your needs. Make sure to stick to the timeframe you set to maintain trust with your subscribers. Don’t feel bad about taking much needed time off from your writing, but also don’t break your subscribers’ trust.
- Provide value during your break: Although you may not be creating new content, you can still provide value to your subscribers. This could be through exclusive access to past content, discounts on future content, or special updates on your progress during your break. Share pictures from your vacation. Ask for recommendations for new shows. Even watch movies with your community online. Most of this can be scheduled out ahead of time too!
- Use your break to reevaluate your content: Taking a break from your subscription can give you the space to reevaluate your content and make any necessary changes. Remember, pivot when necessary. You can try out new formats, collaborate with other creators, or focus on a different genre or theme.
- Prioritize self-care: Use your break to prioritize self-care and prevent burnout. This could include taking time for hobbies or other creative pursuits, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a break from work and technology altogether. Or go on the vacation that you’ve been promising yourself for whenever you hit it big! An abundance mindset is everything.
- Return with fresh energy and content: When your break is over, return to your subscription with fresh energy and new content. Use what you learned during your break to improve your business and continue to provide value to your readers. After all, they’re there for you.