The world of book marketing has changed. A few decades ago, authors relied on bookstore appearances and newspaper reviews to get noticed. Nowadays, the scroll of a finger can turn a book into a bestseller.
In India, people spend hours scrolling through reels of street food, cricket highlights, and yes, sneak peeks of authors’ lives. That’s where your book belongs, too, amidst those stories. Welcome to author social media marketing done right.
Below are 16 powerful social media strategies to help you boost book sales. Each strategy includes a practical example and clear steps. If you’d rather leave this to pros, Write Right can design and execute a customized, high-conversion marketing plan for you.
Turn Social Media Into Your Book’s Best Friend
Write Right helps authors craft winning social media strategies that boost visibility and reader engagement.
Boost Your Social Presence
1. Craft an Irresistible Author Persona
Be yourself—just the best, authentic version. Share your daily writing routine, why you write, and your favorite chai blend. Let readers feel like they know you.
Example: A romance author posts a 30-second reel mixing chai and shayari, then transitions into why romance is her escape from real life.
Steps:
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Identify your tone: warm, humorous, or wise.
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Share 3–5 details about your writing life.
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Post one slice-of-life moment weekly.
A persona turns followers into fans who will buy your book.
2. Extend Your Story via Serialized Reels
Break your book into bite-sized teasers.
Example: Create Instagram Reels titled “Deleted scenes from my fantasy novel.” Act them out or use animations. End with “Want to know what happens next? Read the book.”
Why it works: Feels immersive. Builds curiosity.
How to:
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Choose 3–4 intriguing sections from your book.
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Film or animate them into 15-second clips.
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Post weekly with a subtle CTA.
3. Overlay Quotes on Sensory Videos
Pair words with visuals.
Example: A quote about rain in a mystery novel laid over a video of raindrops sliding down a window.
How to:
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Pick a mood-setting quote.
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Pick a short video or photo.
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Overlay text via Canva or CapCut. Share as a post or reel.
4. Tap into BookTok Culture
BookTok is magical, it’s where books go viral with emotional videos.
Example: Iron Widow unboxing reels shot book sales up 600% that week.
Example: The Atlas Six exploded through BookTok buzz.
How to:
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Film a raw, emotional video: a reaction, dramatic quote, or your tear-jerking writing moment.
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Add trending hashtag – #BookTok, #BookReview.
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Post during high-engagement times (evenings).
Our expert social media marketing strategies help your book trend, connect with readers, and increase sales.
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5. Leverage Bookstagram’s Visual Power
Bookstagram is built on visuals and feels.
Example: A bookshelf flatlay featuring your book surrounded by props that match the mood.
Steps:
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Take a styled photo.
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Use 5–9 relevant hashtags (e.g. #Bookstagram, #FantasyReads).
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Post consistently—visuals keep your feed alive.
6. Participate in Literary Twitter Chats
Use Twitter threads and chats like #FridayReads to spark real connection.
Example: Write a short thread on your main character’s journey. Encourage discussion at each tweet.
Why it works: Looks smart, boosts engagement, gets readers talking.
7. Host a Facebook Community Around Your Genre
Fiction or nonfiction, start a vibrant open group.
Example: A historical fiction author hosts a “Coffee & Classics” group where readers discuss favorite eras, characters, and recommendations.
How-to:
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Open the group.
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Weekly prompts: “Favorite betrayal plotlines?”
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Answer and moderate with warmth.
8. Run Mini Virtual Book Club Sessions
Host 20-minute Facebook or Instagram Live chats about specific book themes.
Example: Talk about betrayal or love from your book. Encourage viewer insights.
Why? Builds loyalty and personal connection.
9. Launch Quizzes That Tie to Your Book
Example: “Which character from my book are you?” Use Instagram Stories for interactive polls.
Step-by-step:
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Choose 4 characters.
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Match traits to fun options.
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Post the quiz. Save results in your Story Highlights.
10. Encourage & Highlight Reader Creativity
Reward readers who create art, cosplay, or memes based on your book.
Example: A fantasy author reposts a reader’s dragon sketch alongside a thank you.
Why: UGC creates community and trust.
Don’t just slap on #Writing. Dive into specific ones: #SatiricSF, #CozyRomanceReads.
Example: On Valentine’s Day, a romance author uses #RomanceReads and #ValentineBookDate for themed engagement.
Grow Your Reader Base Online
Write Right’s social media strategies put your book in front of thousands of targeted readers every week.
Reach More Readers
12. Collaborate with Micro-Influencers
Influencers with smaller but engaged followings drive meaningful results.
Example: A fantasy author sends ARCs to a Bookstagrammer with 5k followers. They post a heartfelt mini-review visual.
How-to:
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Find influencers via hashtags.
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Pitch with respect and a polite short message with ARC offer.
13. Schedule Content with a Calendar
Avoid burnout or posting gaps. Plan 3–4 posts weekly.
Tooltips:
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Use Buffer or Later to schedule.
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Fill themes: Behind-the-scenes, quote graphics, fan post, book snippet.
Turn a good review into a graphic, highlight it in Stories, or feature it on your site.
Why: Social proof convinces readers.
15. Use Serialized Instagram Reels to Storyboard Your Book
Break chapters into 15-second reels.
Example: Act out a key dialogue or create 3 reels exploring a critical scene arc. Reel 1 ends on a stretch-high moment—“Want more? Full story inside.”
16. Use Analytics to Steer Your Content
Track what works: views, saves, shares, comments.
Steps:
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Review weekly insights on Instagram or TikTok.
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Replicate post styles that perform well.
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Keep evolving.
Make Every Post Count
We create and execute powerful author social media marketing strategies that turn casual scrollers into loyal readers.
Let’s Go Social
Conclusion
From viral BookTok to cozy Bookstagram photos, social media offers limitless creative ways to market your book—without spending a fortune. Imagine viral scenes capturing hearts or simple graphics prompting readers to say, “I need that book.”
Cultural references: just like how characters from Dostoevsky went viral again through TikTok (#BookTok) and reclaimed modern hearts, your story can find fresh love in digital scrolls.
The heart of marketing is human connection. Share glimpses of your mind and heart with your readers, and they’ll invite you into their homes, feed, and libraries. With Write Right helping you, that connection can turn into long-term support across platforms and unforeseen waves of discovery.
Your story belongs in readers’ hands—and with smart, authentic author social media marketing, it will be right where they scroll.
Related Reads:
Low-Budget Author Marketing Plan: How to Promote Without Spending Much
Social Media Marketing for Authors: Where to Start and What to Post
15 Simple & Tested Book Promotion Ideas to Skyrocket Your Author Success
