Social Media Marketing for Authors: 14 Creative Content Ideas

by Penny Sansevieri | May 16, 2023 | Social Media for Authors

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Social media marketing for authors can be really lucrative in terms of branding and platform development, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out how to spend your time, and what kind of content to focus on.

So let’s explore 14 creative things that I know will amplify your presence on social media:

1. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the writing process or research can add a personal touch to an author’s social media presence. Sharing photos or videos of your writing space, research materials, or inspiration for your stories. You could also share snippets of character development or plot brainstorming to give readers a preview of what to expect in the book.

2. Book Teasers

Sharing teasers of the book can really help generate interest and excitement among readers. Sharing quotes from the book or an early viewing of the book cover are also a great idea. You could also share blurbs or short summaries of the book to get readers intrigued by your unique point of view or the story.

3. Personal Stories

What inspired you to write the book? Sharing personal anecdotes that inspired the book or that relate to its themes can really help readers connect with you on a personal level. Sharing personal experiences with writing or publishing, including the challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them is another great way to lift the veil and give readers some great insight into you, your personal story, and your author brand.

4. Q&A Sessions

Another fun idea is hosting a live Q&A session with fans or readers and it’s an excellent way to engage with your audience. This also allows you to build a connection with your readers and show appreciation for their support. Or if you don’t want to do the leg work to collect questions for a Q&A you can have fun doing videos around themes like, “5 Things About Me You Didn’t Know!”

5. Fan Engagement

Sharing fan art or fan-made content related to your book is not just a fun way to encourage engagement from readers but also a nice way to thank the reader for their gift. You could also highlight positive reviews or reader feedback to show appreciation and interact with your fans. This can also help to generate buzz and interest in the book among potential readers because people like what other people like.

6. Collaborations

Collaborating with other authors or artists on social media are a fun way to share creative content on and it will also help expand your reach. The idea is to host joint events or giveaways with other authors or artists. I’ve known authors to join forces with up to 10 other authors and this is a fantastic way to introduce your work to new audiences and provide opportunities for cross-promotion.

7. Giveaways and Contests

Hosting giveaways or contests for book-related prizes is another great way to take up space on social and demand people’s attention. Whether you’re collaborating or doing a Goodreads giveaway, readers love entering contests for a chance at winning a book or other fun swag!

8. Exclusive Content

Sharing exclusive content, such as deleted scenes or alternate endings, is another great way to draw attention to your book. It also shows another level of creativity and dedication to your fans and followers that will help you stand out.

9. Book Events

Any kind of book event, signing or speaking engagement you do provides another great social share. You can share post-event content like videos, pictures, or a radio or TV appearance – you can also promote the event before it happens to drive more interest and support.

10. Share a Fun Talent or Hobby

Do you know how to play the banjo or some other instrument? Are you crafting crazy when you’re not writing? Do you foster rescue dogs? While writing may be your primary focus, there are things you do outside of writing that can really help you appeal to more fans, and social media marketing for authors is about connecting and being relatable.

11. Take Photos with Fans

I really love this one, and reader fans do, too! Next time you’re at a book event, conference or speaking gig, don’t forget to snap some pictures with fans! It really makes for a great share! Another option is to ask fans to send you pictures of them reading your book, or of your book on their shelf, at at their book club.

12. Share Other Authors’ Books

It’s always a great thing to elevate another deserving author. Post recommendations, reviews, etc. and be sure to tag them in your post, too!

13. What’s On Your Nightstand

And speaking of other authors, what’s on your nightstand (or on your eBook app)? Share your TBR list or newly acquired titles that you haven’t read yet. Ask followers to share their recommendations as well and tag those authors. This is next-level networking and I assure you what goes around comes around, so be generous with your online real estate and others will start promoting your work as well.

14. Show off your Fur Babies

Our pets sometimes do the craziest things, or sometimes they’re just too cute for words. Share some images of your pet – it’s a sure win! Even better, your pet can become a regular part of your content by creating a theme around them. One of our clients posted inspirational messages once a week along with a picture of their dog and their followers ate it up!

15. Don’t Forget the Hashtags

Too often people miss big opportunities by not doing proper research on hashtags and how to use them. Yes, you can make up one of your own branded hashtags, that’s always fun, but overall it will serve you best to use hashtags that are already popular with your target market, because it helps get you in front of more relevant people. Do a search for hashtags that are contenders for your topic, genre, themes, etc. and see how much action they’re getting, you may be surprised at what you learn!

This list could go on and on, because social media marketing for authors should be a lot fun!

Just remember, it’s about being unique and being genuine. If you have a quirky sense of humor, share that, if you’re a big fan of positive thinking, share that. You get the idea?

Social media marketing for authors is about connecting and being relatable, so if you’ve been in your own way by assuming you must post insanely interesting or exciting content for it to count – knock that off. Instead, come up with a few themes for content that you resonate with and start sharing more.