Making Tech Work for You: Save Hours with Author Automations

Automate Your Author Workflow: Deep Dive with Indie Author Magazine

Ever wish you could spend less time on repetitive admin and more on creative writing? In this episode, Our hosts uncover practical ways to reclaim your precious hours by spotlighting the Indie Author Magazine article, Buy Back Your Writing: 5 Automations That Actually Help by Chelle Honiker.

With a warm, insightful approach, they break down how everyday authors—no tech wizardry required—can leverage simple no-code automation tools to streamline tasks and reduce burnout. From backing up files automatically, to smarter social media scheduling, get concrete steps for building a workflow that puts your creativity first.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by your “suck list” of routine chores, or just curious about tools like Zapier and Make, this episode will help you identify which tasks are worth automating and how Indie Author Magazine’s own team cut their admin time from days to just hours. Plus, discover why preserving your authentic voice matters more than ever—and which jobs should always stay human.

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• [00:00:16] Introduction & what’s a “suck list” anyway?

• [00:01:44] The mission: automation for creatives (not coders)

• [00:02:48] How Indie Author Magazine slashed post-production time

• [00:03:54] How to reframe automation: solving pain, not chasing shiny tools

• [00:05:13] What’s actually worth automating? (High effort, low creativity tasks)

• [00:07:10] Demystifying automation jargon and the “loss of control” myth

• [00:10:13] Tools spotlight: Zapier vs. Make—choosing the right fit

• [00:12:22] Real-world case study from Indie Author Magazine’s team

• [00:15:15] Striking the human vs. machine balance

• [00:17:12] Where to start: a simple five-step roadmap for automating your workflow

• [00:19:10] Protecting your creativity—and your time

If you’re ready to spend less energy on admin and more on what truly matters, this is your shortcut to a more empowered author workflow.