How Authors Can Connect with Bookstagram and BookTok Influencers
Whenever someone says that people don’t read anymore, I always direct them to Instagram and TikTok. The book community on both outlets is massive.
“Bookstagramers” are people on Instagram who share book reviews, their book collections, or have various book discussions. And for TikTok it’s called “BookTok.”
BookTok and Boostagramers have turned into big influencers. When they feature a book, share what they are reading, or give a recommendation, those books have the opportunity to reach millions of people all over the world.
Does it guarantee sales? No. But does it expose their book to potential readers? Yes, it does!
With this boom of attention that Bookstagram and BookTok have brought to Instagram and TikTok, publishers and authors have bombarded these accounts, asking them to feature their books. It’s become a very competitive (and often chaotic) place that leaves many authors wondering how they can get in on the potential exposure.
The Bookstagram or BookTok influencers are often flooded with direct messages, emails, comments, and requests. Getting their attention can be very difficult. So I wanted to give you three tips that authors can put to work to work to connect with book influencers.
Here's an example of a popular BookTok:
@courtneys.books ##BookTok##bookshelf##courtneysbooks##bookish##bookfyp
♬ original sound - Brooksie
Connect With Readers in the Comments
Instead of trying to get the attention of the Bookstagramer or BookTok creator, focus on connecting with the readers in the comments. But do not - I repeat DO NOT - promote your book there. That will immediately turn people off.
Instead, respond to readers comments with thoughtful and engaging feedback. For example, if a reader said they loved the book being featured, you can say something like, “I did too! Didn’t you love XYZ? What did you think about ABC?” This starts a conversation with the reader.
When readers see that you have the same taste in books, when you create meaningful conversations with them, they will get interested and check out your profile to see if you’re worth following.
When you start conversations and connections as a fellow book lover, you’ll get their attention!
Here's an example of a popular Bookstagram:
Focus On Smaller Bookstagram or BookTok Accounts
There are so many up-and-coming accounts that A) have a smaller but mighty audience, B) are looking to get bigger, and C) are easier to get in touch with. Instead of going after an influencer who has a massive audience, why not engage with some of the newer Bookstagram and BookTok accounts?
When you can support and create strong connections with accounts that are working their way up on Bookstagram and BookTok, you will be setting up a solid foundation. Not only will they support you and your book, but you’ll also have an amazing community of readers that are attentive and ready to go.
Be Active on a Few Accounts
I would recommend that you do your research first. Look around at the various accounts to see which influencers cover your genre, are most active, and are working to build a great community. Take note of who stands out to you and start interacting with their community.
But I would also recommend that you focus on just a small group of Bookstagram or BookTok accounts. It can get overwhelming very quickly if you’re trying to engage with too many communities. Start off with one or two and grow from there. This will help you to focus more on quality rather than quantity.
If you’re new to the idea of Bookstagram or BookTok, ease into it and check out some accounts. Start by searching the hashtag #bookstagram on Instagram and #booktok on TikTok. See what they have to offer and observe for a bit. It’s not something that every author has to do - it’s a newer option that you can tap into to expand your reach as an author and build a deeper community.
If you want to go a step further and get all of the tools, resources, and help that you need to market your book, grow on social media, and sell more books - join The Author Circle membership!
