Have you ever really wanted to post on social media about a book – but you don’t own the physical book? Or are you an indie author on KU with digital copies of your book? Fret not! I am here to tell you that it doesn’t matter whether or not you own a physical copy of a book. There is still great content you can create!
As an international reader, physical books are often expensive or hard to find in physical stores around me. This means that I often rely on digital books on my Kindle and audiobooks to hit my reading goal with all the titles I want to read. After being a part of the bookish community for years, I have picked up a few tips and tricks from watching all the creative content creators out there. Let’s dive into the world of e-books and DIY content creation! If you want more tips, check out our blog post on creating content without showing your face.
Audiobooks
Let’s start with the biggest challenge of them all – audiobooks! How do you photograph something that you are listening to? My favorite way is to just simply take casual pictures of how things are. With my content, the more laid back and casual it is – the better my engagements are. No matter what device you are listening on, there are so many cute options out there. Don´t be afraid to show your personality; the more alive your content is – the more engaging it will be!
Here’s a very simple example: my desk, a cuppa, and a snowy day outside, of course, combined with a fitting audiobook, Deck the Halls by Tessa Bailey.
E-Readers
Kindle and other digital reading devices are lifesavers: mobile reading that can follow you everywhere. They are also a very financially smart choice. It might feel challenging to create content with your Kindle without having it become repetitive. However, there are multiple ways you can showcase your Kindle reads while still having the book at the center stage.
Show the cover! While my Kindle only shows a black-and-white version of the cover, you can still make it interesting! Have a colorful background, and theme it around your book. Here, I have a great fall read, The Girl in White by Lindsay Currie, paired with a cute fall-themed bookshelf.
If you still want to show the cover but prefer a little more color in your photos, editing the digital cover onto the Kindle screen is very simple. Many free tools are available that can help you make all the edits you want! Canva is a must for every bookish creator.
Other Digital Ideas
If you have been on Bookstagram for the past year, you must have seen the recent trend of digitally edited book spreads filled with recommendations. Creators have gotten so creative with tools such as Canvas, and the options are endless! Get creative, and don’t be afraid to stand out!
I love a bold headline that catches the audience’s attention immediately. Gallery posts are a great way to increase engagement, as audiences will spend more time on your post, swiping between the various pictures. Here’s an example of an Olympic romance book series I did.
Remember that you are not limited to pictures; get creative with reels and videos! While I am still learning my way around reels and video edits, they are still one of my favorite ways to show a lot of titles simultaneously.
Be bold! Get your audience’s attention from the first few seconds of a video. Relatable and fun clips are often the most engaging videos. Asking questions at the beginning of a video is a great way to have the viewer stick around.
Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran on bookish social media, know that this is the space to get creative. Whether you have ten physical books or a hundred, you can still create beautiful content that showcases your personality—feeling inspired? Check out some of our book tours, including e-books, and challenge yourself to try out a new type of content!
There is something simultaneously comforting and eerie about the setting of a summer camp. As we move towards Spooky Season, it is the ideal time to explore books that blend this combination of nostalgia and unease into the perfect suspenseful story. Whether you are a horror junkie or a suspense reader, a fan of general fiction or a Young Adult aficionado, this curated list of four recommendations for books set in summer camps are sure to quicken your pulse and keep you turning pages well into the night.
Fifteen years ago at Camp Nightingale, Emma Davis watched her cabin mates sneak out into the night, her friend Vivian silencing her as she closed the door behind them. It was the last time anyone saw them.
Now a rising star in the NYC art scene, Emma channels her past into her paintings, catching the eye of wealthy socialite Francesca Harris-White, who owns Camp Nightingale. Francesca invites Emma to return to the camp as a visual arts counselor, offering her a chance for closure.
Upon her arrival, Emma realizes something is very wrong at Camp Nightingale. Old memories resurface, and she’s unsettled by a security camera aimed at her cabin, Francesca’s growing suspicion, and cryptic clues allegedly left by Vivian about the camp’s dark past. When three girls go missing again, Emma must uncover all the hidden secrets, including what truly happened fifteen years ago.
Why You’ll Love It:
Riley Sager is no stranger to suspense thrillers, and one of his particular skill sets falls in the category of atmospheric settings that play directly into his story’s plots. The Last Time I Lied is no exception, with Camp Nightingale providing a transportative effect to many readers. The camp’s eerie description and the way in which the characters interact with the setting result in a setting that feels as tangible as the pages of the book itself.
Charity Curtis lands the summer job of her dreams at Camp Mirror Lake, playing the role of the “final girl” in an immersive, full-contact terror game where guests pay to experience the fright of their lives. Alongside her summer crew, Charity recreates scenes from the cult classic slasher film, Curse of Camp Mirror Lake, and is having the time of her life doing it. The more realistic the fear, the better the business.
However, as the season’s final weekend approaches, Charity’s co-workers begin to vanish. When one of them is discovered dead, Charity’s fictional role as the final girl suddenly turns horrifyingly real. To survive the night, Charity and her girlfriend, Bezi, must uncover the killer’s motives and identity. As they dig deeper, they realize there might be more to the sinister history of Mirror Lake than Charity ever imagined.
Why You’ll Love It:
In addition to its literal summer camp setting, readers will love You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight for its campiness. Kalynn Bayron reappropriates beloved horror cliches such as The Final Girl, and tropes such as a killer at a summer camp with a dark past, and uses them in a self-aware, yet still playful, manner. The book itself feels very ‘meta’ to read because of its deliberate use of horror tropes and cliches, which is what elevates Camp Mirror Lake into an iconic setting to read about.
You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight is also written by a seasoned BIPOC author and features a BIPOC female main character in a queer relationship, making for a much-needed diversified take on the genre.
After solving a high school murder, amateur sleuth Stevie Bell returns home for the summer, craving her next mystery.
She then receives a message from the owner of Sunny Pines, previously Camp Wonder Fall, the infamous site of the unsolved 1978 Box in the Woods Murders where four counselors were brutally killed and displayed, with the murderer never found. The new owner offers Stevie a job and the chance to assist with a true crime podcast about the case.
However, as Stevie delves into the mystery, she discovers that something sinister still haunts Barlow Corners. When she reopens the lid on this long-dormant case, she uncovers more than she bargained for. The Box in the Woods isn’t done claiming victims, and this time, Stevie might not make it out alive.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson is the fourth book in the beloved Truly Devious series. However, it can absolutely be read as a standalone independent of the main trilogy. You can even read The Box in the Woods for its Summerween charm, fall in love with it, and decide to read its preceding trilogy.
Goldie Easton has a deep connection to Camp Alpine Lake, a sacred place for her since childhood. The camp is a lifeline for her small town of Roxwood, offering jobs, money, and prestige, though only a few locals benefit directly from its high tuition and wealthy attendees. Goldie is one of those few.
Despite her “townie” background, Goldie has always felt at home at Camp Alpine Lake. Now a counselor, she eagerly awaits the summer and the arrival of her best friends, Ava and Imogen, needing their comfort more than ever due to a dark secret.
Goldie isn’t the only one hiding something. When a local teen is found dead in the lake, Goldie suspects it wasn’t an accident and realizes that Ava was there that night, too.
What did Ava see? What does she know? And why hasn’t she said anything to Goldie about the death? Even more troubling – what did Ava do?
Why You’ll Love It:
Jessica Goodman brings a lot of nostalgic, campy vibes to the table in The Counselors. However, it is more a suspenseful mystery than a slasher horror, and the plot follows a slow-burn pacing. The payoff is well-worth the mellow pacing, though!
The Counselors may also spark some discourse on class divisions. The social commentary around this, makes it an ideal option for a summer book club read.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Jordan Murray is the Amazon best-selling author of three books, including her debut suspense novel, I Did It For You. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably buying & collecting books. (which is a completely different hobby, thank you very much.) Or obsessing over videos of dogs on the internet.
You can find her books on Amazon and keep in touch through her Instagram and TikTok accounts.
‘I thought BookTok is only for young people? I assumed it was only young adult and fantasy books’, a client said to me the other day. She was under the impression that it made no sense to promote her literary fiction novel on TikTok. She figured that the creators that would promote her book were too young to have a genuine interest and that their followers would not have the right demographics either.
Do Younger Readers only read books written for their age?
I am inclined to say that we tend to underestimate the average booktoker. A while ago we hosted an event for classic books that were going to be republished with beautiful new covers. We invited a group of booktokers to attend the event. The host had organized a workshop in which the booktokers were invited to create a new book cover for their favorite book. This could be any book, not just a classic. We submitted the list to the host which consisted of 9 classics and 1 contemporary book. The host then came back to us saying that the booktokers really didn’t need to be so polite and should have just picked their real favorite book. We had to explain to her that these really were their favorite books and they simply loved Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.
People that assume that BookTok is only about fantasy and romance books are wrong. Sure, a lot of videos by creators in their twenties discuss these genres, but there’s more if you know where to look. Donna Tartt’s The Secret History (1992) was a huge BookTok-hit because of its dark academia vibes, classic Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was rediscovered by a new audience and the hashtag #horrortok has close to 2 million posts. It’s fair to say there’s available BookTok content for everyone, no matter your age and your taste in books. Check out our blogs on Lit- Fic and Horror here!
Are older people on TikTok at all?
Research shows that the majority of TikTok’s users fall in the age group 18 to 34 years old (70.1% of all its users). Of course, these numbers clearly show that if young adults are your target audience, you have found a great channel to reach them. But what about older users? Aren’t they active at all on TikTok? They certainly are; 29.1% of TikTok’s users are over 35 years old. Knowing that TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users, it means that 291 million users belong to the older demographics.
But let’s zoom into the BookTok community on TikTok now. Does this subcommunity show the same numbers as TikTok in general? The answer is partially yes. The vast majority of people active on BookTok are under 35 years old with a clear overrepresentation of females. Kim Townend, a social media strategist, wrote a blog at Youscan.io that explains how the US booktok audience mainly consists of young millennial moms, where the UK booktok audience is predominantly younger female millennials.
As the owner of a company that heavily depends on BookTok, I decided to start my own BookTok channel. Some time ago, I posted a video about ‘being old on BookTok’. It stated ‘Aren’t most booktok girlies like… IN THEIR 20s?!’ Unfortunately my sound was muted by TikTok. It was a snippet from ‘Yes, and?’ by Ariane Grande. The video accumulated 47.2K views, received 695 likes and 107 comments.
I was quite surprised that so many people identified with the video and expressed how they love BookTok despite not being part of the core audience.
“I’m about to be 50 and I love booktok”
“I am 40. Have read many amazing books because of booktok”
“I’m going to be 52 this year. The books I read keep my brain young. Constantly learning new things too”
“39 here. Thanks to booktok my TBR is never ending”
“52, I was probably having a nap when you made this”
Older BookTokers
Although I love watching BookTok videos made by my team members, and I follow a good bunch of mainly Dutch booktokers, I appreciate it a lot when I see a slightly older creator giving BookTok a go. So, let’s look at some of the 35 yo+ creators on BookTok that have large audiences.
There’s Jaysen from the US with 740K+ followers, who has a huge love for science fiction, fantasy and anime and just doesn’t know how to deal with his mountain of books any longer.
Then there are Ashley and Emily from the US who run The Creepy Book Club. Obviously they are totally into psychological thrillers. Their 230K+ followers are on the look out for their latest thriller recommendations.
Are you following Lauren from the UK? Her 259K+ followers regularly receive recommendations about the latest fantasy, romance, lit-fic and dark academy releases. Check out this video where she explains how reading fiction should not be seen as less educational than reading non-fiction.
Speaking of non-fiction books, if you’re interested in learning more about personal development and growth, you may want to follow Nick from the US (258K+ followers). His bio says ‘sharing the wisdom I find’. He does so by reading quotes from books to his followers.
Let’s not forget about Angie from the US who inspires 123K followers to pick up the latest manga releases. One of her best performing videos is about how she remembers what she was like as a teen.
BookTok is a place for everyone, no matter your age. Sure, the majority of creators are under 35. However, older creators have earned their space in the community too and it would be wonderful if more creators followed their lead. It’s just a matter of time. However, I think the most important conclusion is that there’s a space on BookTok for any type of book, no matter the age of the content creator.
Getting started as an author can be difficult. Maybe you are already writing your own novel, or writing (fan) fiction online but your dream is to become a published author one day. We’ve got you. We are Paula Heeger, community manager at Bookinfluencers and romance author (Dutch debut coming May 2025) and Hanne Eerdekens (Flemish author of two queer YA novels). These are our stories, our tips and tricks and everything you need and want to know about writing, finding a publisher, opportunities for young authors and getting into the book world in general.
PART 1 – ABOUT US & OUR STORY
Who are we and what do we write?
HANNE: “My name is Hanne Eerdekens, I’m a Belgian author, writing Dutch queer young adult novels. My debut novel is called ‘Met jou is het anders’, a story about a teen boy discovering his sexuality through the pressure of social media. My second book, ‘Polaris’, which comes out next month, is about a girl who, after losing her best friend, tries to get her life back on track with the help of an advent calendar made by that best friend, and she is confronted with her sexuality along the way.”
PAULA: “I’m Paula Heeger, community manager at bookinfluencers.com, freelancer, booktoker and an author (it still feels a bit weird to say that!) I already wrote a short romance story called Boekhandel aan zee that got published in Slipperdagen & Zomerjurken, filled with stories by 8 authors set in summer. My first romance novel will be published in Dutch at Zomer & Keuning in May 2025.”
What do you hope readers take away from your book(s)?
PAULA: “I love to write about complex characters – people who have been through difficult things in life. Whether it’s losing someone you love or heartbreak. I try to find the balance between in my stories, the balance we all seek after those things happen, between giving something a little place in your heart and going on with your life and laughing again. Hopefully readers will laugh while reading my debut, but they might need a tissue on the side as well for a little tear. I hope they will see that laughing out loud and crying or grieving can exist together in life. You can cry in public when you see peanut butter in the grocery store because it reminds you of a loved one that passed away, but years or months later the same peanut butter makes you smile, because it makes you think about them.”
HANNE: “I hope that people who can relate find comfort in them, and see themselves represented in the characters. For people who aren’t queer themselves, I hope they learn something by stepping in the shoes of someone who is. Reading enhances empathy, so I hope those people learn something from that different perspective.”
PART 2 – GETTING STARTED
How do you start as a young writer with a dream to become a published author?
HANNE: “I’ve been writing since I learned how to write, from cringy hand-written stories to short stories and fan-fictions. I had always dreamed of becoming a published author, but I thought that was still years away, until I wrote ‘Met jou is het anders’. I wrote that book for myself because I missed the queer young adult genre in Dutch literature, but when I finished, I wondered if there would be an audience out there with people like me, waiting for books like these.
So I started with a dream and a manuscript, solely created out of my own wishes and hopes. Whether you’re 12 or 82, finishing a manuscript is the hardest part of writing a book, so I was already halfway there. Afterwards, I contacted a bunch of publishers via e-mail. I sent them a synopsis and my manuscript, and two months later, Flemish publisher Pelckmans contacted me, asking me to pay them a visit. That’s where it started and I’m still so happy I signed with them.”
PAULA: “First of all: write and write and write. I studied journalism, read a ton of books and wrote a lot of articles online, in newspapers and magazines about every topic you can think of. I also always wrote stories on my laptop, just for myself. Whatever you do: keep writing. It can be fan fiction, it can be something on Wattpad. There are success stories from authors who started on writing platforms too – you can actually be that too. Last but definitely not least: start that online channel to share your process. People want to see the authentic you even if you think they don’t.”
How do you get into the book world in general?
PAULA: “I started by creating a blog where I first wrote about lifestyle topics and later specifically about books. This wasn’t the original plan, but I got to know the book world because of that. I went to events with publishers and year by year I knew more people who were in that world. I shared my love for reading on my blog, later on Instagram and TikTok. Now I even work for Bookinfluencers.com. By gaining an audience, publishers can be more interested as well, besides the talent you must have. I would really recommend starting an online channel where you share more about your writing process and your love for books – stay close to yourself and trust the process.”
It’s important though, to note that this is the case for Belgium, the Netherlands and most other European countries. In the United States and UK, networking and/or a literary agent is still often required to find an in with a publisher.
How do you find a publisher?
HANNE: “There are many ways to do so, but in Belgium, the two most common ways are through connections or via e-mail. If you go to book events, you can chat with people from different publishing companies. If you talk about your idea and they’re interested, they might give you contact details. I didn’t have any network whatsoever when I wanted to publish my debut novel at 22 years old. This meant I chose the e-mail route. I researched publishing companies and chose five that I thought might be interested in a queer YA novel. Not all publishing companies cater to the same audience, so it’s important to do your research. If you choose that route, be prepared for the waiting game, though. It’s definitely an option, it worked for me, but the success rate sadly isn’t very high.”
PAULA: “First I would say that I absolutely recommend to write in your native language. I see a lot of people nowadays that start writing in English, even if it’s not their first language. If English isn’t your native language either, look at publishers in your own countries. Most of them want younger authors these days, so take a look at their website and find out how they work. Maybe you have to e-mail your manuscript directly to them or write a pitch. The way in is way more easy than you think, you just have to try and keep trying.”
PART 3 – PRESENTING YOURSELF AS AN AUTHOR
What role do social media and online communities play in your writing journey?
HANNE: “It plays a huge role! It helps me connect with readers, it gives me immediate feedback and it gives me confidence when I see so many positive responses from my direct audience. And, today, it’s also a marketing strategy. I cater to young adults, so advertising books is mostly done through social media. Banners in book stores or flyers in goodie bags simply aren’t effective anymore. My publisher sent my book to a few bookinfluencers, in the hope that they would like it and post about it. Luckily, they did and they still are for a big part responsible for the success of my debut novel. I’m so incredibly grateful for that still.”
PAULA: “A totally agree with Hanne on this. If you don’t have an audience yet, start today. Make a channel on the platform you prefer and share your process – people want to see you. I have a few thousand followers on Instagram and almost 10K on TikTok and make writing vlogs and short reels about writing my book. Take your readers-to-be with you in the progress, from writing the manuscript to sending it, from cover reveal to your book presentation. And of course, bookish creators will help you a lot in this, especially the ones who keep following you.”
How do you present yourself online as an author-to-be?
HANNE: “I was very insecure when I started my BookTok and Bookstagram account. I didn’t post my face because I was worried people I knew in real life would think it was weird. I learned a lot since then, and grew a lot as well.
My first “do” is: show yourself exactly how you are. The internet is a bit like real life: people will connect with you, or they won’t, but they’re much more likely to be interested when they see a person on the screen with an actual personality.
My second “do”, specifically as an author is: respond to readers! I’ve had some very meaningful conversations with people who read my book. It’s so great to hear what it meant to them and how they experienced it. That’s what writing is about, isn’t it?
Something you definitely shouldn’t do: respond to negative feedback. Everyone is allowed their own opinion and even if you don’t agree or you think someone misunderstood something you wrote, don’t try to convince them otherwise. It’s not a good look and usually not very effective. If someone is looking for a clarification, definitely reply! But some people have made up their minds about your writing and that’s a battle you cannot – and probably should not want to – win.”
PART 4 – OUR FINAL ADVICE
What’s your best advice for young writers?
PAULA: “If you love to write, keep doing it! My best advice is also to join writing contests. I did that myself a couple times and one short romance story actually got published in a real book (there is even an audio book of it!). Writing contests are a good way in and help you too, often you get some feedback and you meet new people online. People get to know you because of those contests and it keeps you writing (we all need a strict deadline sometimes!), especially if you don’t know how to start your first book yet. I loved that I started with a short story, because it inspired by upcoming debut and I finally knew how I wanted to write and learnt what I wanted to tell.”
HANNE: “Write, write and never stop writing. I wrote maybe ten books before I wrote my debut novel. They will never see the light of day, but they taught me so much about writing. I found my own style, learned how to build characters and write dialogue. Your first book is never going to be great (usually), but it’s still an important stepping stone. So never stop writing, whether it be poems, short stories, fan-fictions or entire books, until you have something you’re proud of. And even then, you never stop learning when it comes to writing. Let others read your work and ask feedback, join writing competitions and always keep writing.”
Do you like summer? I absolutely adore it. Soaking warmth at the beach after bone-chilling winters, indulging in ice creams, picnics at parks…ideal! I also love reading about summer too. So I decided to share my favourite books in this summer reading guide so you can pick them up at your outdoorsy escapades this summer. Be it beaches or cities, these books will surely keep you hooked and will make you fall in love with them as you unwind from the hustle and bustle of life. (But just don’t forget to apply sunscreen).
How To Love In Sanskrit– Anusha Rao & Suhas Mahesh
The first one on the list is How to Love in Sanskrit by Anusha Rao and Suhas Mahesh. This is an anthology of translated Sanskrit poems written by various ancient monks and poets such as Kalidas, Banabhatta, etc from thousands of years ago. This book captivated me from the beginning and made my heart flutter. Sanskrit is considered God’s language and is one of the most ancient languages in the world. It contains chapters like ”How to Make Love”, “How to Quarrel”, “How to Flirt” and “How to Break Up” which are relevant to modern dating and relationship scenarios. These are short, must-read poems and I’m sure they’ll enchant you too.
Beach Read and Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Beach Read
I picked Beach Read up because it literally has “beach” in its name which makes it an ultimate summer read. Two authors Augustus and January were college rivals and are now residing in neighbouring beach houses. Both are facing writer’s block and challenge themselves to write the others genre. For Gus, happy endings (which he doesn’t believe exist), and for Jan it’s literary fiction. This book has my whole heart. It’s a rom-com but not just that. It provides depth into some dark matters of life and you’ll connect with them like it’s your own story. The book contains sarcastic banter, rivals to lovers trope, and letters, and I’m a sucker for books with letters. It will make you feel all the emotions, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll fall in love with this book.
Book Lovers
Book Lovers is for all the perfectionists out there, for those who put their heart into what they do, and especially for their family’s well-being. Nora is always prepared to tackle any challenge head-on and is supportive of her younger sister, Libby. She has self-doubts and it’s difficult for her to fully trust someone. It’s a book for all the elder siblings out there. Charlie, the MMC is a mirror image of Nora. He had his own set of issues in the town where he grew up in North Carolina. This happens to be the same town that Nora and Libby are visiting and he always tried to ensure that Nora never felt alone.
It’s a beautiful story of two souls who found comfort in each other after facing the crap life threw at them. It’s full of banter and is a heartwarming read. I love Charlie and Nora so much. They have a special place in my heart especially Nora as I can resonate with her, totally recommend this one.
The Seven Year Slip- Ashley Poston
Now my most recent read which I should have read so many moons ago, The Seven Year Slip. This is by far the best book I’ve read this year. I love Ashley Poston now with my whole heart and she has made it to my auto-buy authors list. Clementine is a publicist and her world turns upside down after her aunt’s sudden death. She inherits her aunt’s magical apartment and one day walks in to find a man named Iwan who had been subletting the apartment from her aunt seven years ago. Both of them are charming and are some of my favourite MCs. I loved Clementine’s journey of self-realisation and self-discovery. Iwan is my new book boyfriend. He is a chef who’s sweet and kind. He crafts dishes that evoke memories and lemon pie is a main character in this book alongside them. I was absolutely captivated by this book, which exceeded my all expectations. It delves into the complexities of sorrow, growth, transformation, and the quest for love. I cried laughed, swooned, and fell head over heels for this beautiful book. It’s my comfort book now. It’s not just a rom-com but more!
Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies– Catherine MacKenzie.
This is Catherine Mackenzie’s debut, a cozy mystery set in Italy. Eleanor is an author who goes on a tour there and is planning her next book in a very popular series with her friend Connor as a lead. She plots his death in the book but realizes that someone really wants to kill him in real life too. She takes the responsibility of investigating the case and is experiencing her book plot getting a bit too real as each moment folds out. It’s a hilarious and cozy read with intriguing and witty characters and you’ll be transported to lovely lanes of Rome. It’s a great way of escaping to Italy for us fiction lovers.
So now that I’ve listed some books that I loved that screamed summer vibes I hope you’ll give them a chance and satisfy the reader in you this summer.
Thanks to guest blogger Aakanksha who can be found on Instagram at @musedsymphonies. If you want to write a guest blog for Bookinfluencers.com, please email contact@bookinfluencers.com with your idea!
As humans we like to be scared. Whether that is with fairy-tale’s as a child (the big bad wolf blowing down the little pigs house? Terrifying) to reading chilling books as we get older, or watching scary movies, there is something innately human in experiencing something horrifying in a safe environment. Science tells us that the rush of adrenaline we experience while experiencing a scary story can actually also release dopamine in our brains: we know that we are safe, and the fright is staged. So do we read and watch horror to feel good? Do we use it as a method of escapism?
Horror as a genre has gained in popularity in recent years, and while there are lots of discussions on the why of this; I want to discuss the future of the genre and where it might go next.
Why is horror so popular these days?
According to Nielsen data (these are the people that track all book sales), horror sales increased a huge 54% in 2023. This is a huge growth, and it is interesting to note that the books being published today are quite different to traditional books in this genre.
There are a lot of reasons behind this increase. One reason could be the global turmoil of the heightened state of anxiety we live in since the Covid pandemic. As well as wars, political uncertainty and global warming, we may want to read something about a world that is worse than ours! An example is He’s The Devil by Tobi Coventry. This debut is a visceral horror novel about demonic possession, but is also a powerful allegory on the housing crisis where young people can often have so little choice in who they share their homes with. “What could more powerfully express the precarity of being a young renter in London than your flatmate turning out to be possessed by the devil?” [John Ash, literary agent]
When we think of horror as a genre, we probably think of Stephen King, slashers, gore and ghosts. This isn’t completely accurately for the modern genre anymore. There is a lot of cross genre inspiration happening in the horror sphere, with Literary Fiction and Thrillers using common tropes. For example, Lucy Foley’s The Midnight Feast has touches of The Wicker Man and Midsommar- both horror’s that we wouldn’t necessarily expect to find in a thriller. Emily St John Mandel is another author firmly in the Literary sphere, yet her recent release Midnight Road can also be classified as a horror.
We’re also seeing horror creeping into fantasy, dark academia and even darker romance stories. This provides an intro to the genre for people who don’t want to read a scary story but do want to dabble their toes in.
As usual with reading habits, we can attribute a certain amount of this to Booktok and Bookstagram. Influencers on these platforms introduce their followers to books such as The Year of the Witching and Ninth House which allows readers to realise that the genre is not just the old style slasher that they may have assumed.
Where is horror going to go next?
I think we will see a lot more genre cross overs. We already have seen some cozy-horror come out from authors such as T Kingfisher and titles such as Someone You Can Build a Nest In. Romance is such a popular genre, that I expect to see more horror-romances too. We see inklings of this with books like The Book of Azrael, or even some paranormal romance. Both have their roots in the horror genre with serial killers and paranormal creatures being typical horror characters.
Books to look out for
Finally I’m going to leave you with some recommendations, split out by genre depending what you’re in the mood for!
Classic Horror
Carrie by Stephen King
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Fantasy Horror
Slewfoot by Brom
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Dark Academia Horror
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
Literary Horror
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
Boy Parts by Eliza Clarke
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
Thriller Horror
Verity by Colleen Hoover
The Chalk Man by C J Tudor
Bunny by Mona Awad
Romance Horror
Her Soul to Take, Harley La Roux
A Dowry of Blood, S T Gibson
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
Non fiction
Feeding the Monster by Anna Bogutskaya
Women Make Horror: Filmmaking, Feminism, Genre, edited by Alison Peirse
It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror by Joe Vallese
In the vast world of social media, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with popular accounts led by influencers who create content we all love and follow. Whether that be book reviews, aesthetic photos or simply reading vlogs, their presence often sparks inspiration and sometimes we find ourselves wishing we could be in their shoes. For many, it all comes down to that first post: sitting in front of the camera and talking about the love for literature or capturing a photo holding your TBR (to-be-read) pile for the next month.
But what about those of us who are a little bit camera shy? What if you want to create content without appearing on your friends’, family’s, or colleagues’ feeds? If that is so, the good news is that books are the perfect subject for content creation! They are beautiful and offer a unique yet universal appeal, no matter the genre, design or even language! So, if you’re still doubting whether there’s a space in the content world where you could still lead a successful bookish account without featuring your face, we’ve got you covered! We’ve already spoken about how to start a TikTok account, now it’s Instagram’s turn!
15 ways to create content without showing your face for your next bookish post!
Books, books, books! We all love seeing and interacting with them online. Flatlays, stacked books, open books, shelved books, special edition books… The options are truly endless, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Simply use your phone, find good lighting, and go for it!
The fun thing about social media is that there are essentially no “rules” to follow when it comes to content creation! So one image can spark an endless number of discussions. Stay genuine to your audience and let your creativity and personal style shine.
One of the most popular and beloved book styles, and for good reason! It’s easy to do and always looks beautiful. Pick your chosen book and surround it with a few props lying around the house – bookmarks, pens, highlighters, sticky tabs, tea cups or… more books!
Who doesn’t love a good shelfie? Your book collection is probably one of your pride and joys, so show it off! It doesn’t matter whether it is colour-coordinated or organised by genres. This is the easiest way to spot someone with the same reading preferences as you or to find someone who can introduce you to a new genre.
Which was the last book you loved? Tell your followers all about it and why they should pick it up! You could include comparison titles in your photo, or just feature your new favourite.
You probably have a stack of books lying somewhere around the house. Whether it’s your latest book purchases, your TBR pile, or simply because you ran out of space, snap a photo or a video and put it up online!
Are you stuck in a reading slump or simply can’t decide what to read next? Ask your bookish friends to help out! You might give them a selection to pick from, or show your last favourite and ask for recommendations.
We all love book-to-screen adaptations! Show your audience which one is your favourite. You could also use this as an opportunity to ask your followers whether they are Team Book First, or Team Film First!
The long-dreaded TBR pile… The bookish community is a safe space and there’s no shame in how many books are currently lying around waiting to be picked up next. So show us what you’re hoping to get to soon. You could share all your unread books, your monthly want to read stack, or even a seasonal reading list.
Are we even readers if we don’t bring a book or a Kindle everywhere? So what are you bringing out today? This is a really fun one before holidays, and just to be nosy!
Beautiful book covers are always candy for the eyes! Show us your show-stopper editions! You could even do this while book shopping, and find the most beautiful books in the bookstore!
Give voiceovers a try or simply capture your reading view and progress throughout the day or week!
Behind-the-scenes
Finish off with a behind-the-scenes snap of your latest post. It shows the dedication and work that goes into content creation. Be genuine with your audience and share this side of your bookish account.
If you are looking for specific inspirations check out your favourite accounts or simply browse the hashtags: #bookflatlays #bookhaul #shelfie #bookshelves #bookadaptations #TBRpile #inmybag #readingvlog #bookaesthetics
And remember, your book photos don’t need to be perfectly styled or polished. Being a bookish creator is all about having fun and meeting like-minded readers. Don’t stress yourself and enjoy the process! At the end of the day, people stay because of YOU and not because the last photo had amazing lighting! Authenticity often resonates more with your audience than perfection. Let your passion for books shine through, and don’t worry about achieving a flawless look. I hope these simple ideas inspire you to start your bookish journey which as we saw doesn’t always require stepping in front of the camera! Good luck!
As a campaign manager who explicitly reads romance books, it is no secret what genre my favorite campaigns are often centered around. I simply love love! I love books about love! Most importantly, I love helping romance authors connect with potential readers on social media.
With the recent rise in popularity of the romance genre, which owes much of its success to TikTok and social media superstars, romance books are here to stay. However, promoting romance books might feel challenging and overwhelming due to the ginormous market. Debut and indie authors may feel that big names dominate the genre. But fret not; as an indie author publishing a romance book, there are multiple directions to get your book out there. At Bookinfluencers.com, we specialize in influencer marketing and virtual book tours catered to fit every author’s budget and expectations. Collaborating with real readers is a simple and efficient way to get your book to the right readers.
At Bookinfluencers.com, we’ve designed our platform with authors in mind. It’s user-friendly and allows you to run your own campaign. You can publish a campaign, and influencers can register. Then, you can choose your favorites to work with. The platform guides you through the process, from campaign launch to wrapping up, with a designated results page for your convenience. Every influencer on our platform is a book enthusiast, sharing their love for reading on social media.
One of our romance specialist influencers is Ellen from Denmark. Ellen goes by Bookishelli on social media, with a following of more than 11k followers. We spoke to Ellen about how she promotes romance books on her platform.
Ellen, what do you think is the most important thing to remember when collaborating with authors?
The most important thing to remember is that you have to make sure to keep all your promises and if something doesn’t go the way you want or you get delayed on a post or something then honesty is always the way to go. Authors spend their time and most often times also their money on collaborations when they send you swag or their book so it’s crucial that you uphold the agreements you made and don’t forget to have fun with it! Content creation should never be a chore but something that makes you happy and that is fun to create!
What type of content do you like to create that stands out?
I love most of all the content I create but the thing I have loved to create lately is content in front of my colorful bookshelves, aesthetic reels and of course the book collages (edits) I do for book reviews aesthetically! I also love doing book memes and the book rec edits!
What type of content do you think authors like to see?
Lately some authors have been obsessed with the book edits I have done for book reviews but the thing most authors love whenever it’s for releases, book reviews, cover reveals, etc is that it’s content that’s created with love and that doesn’t feel forced. But I have heard a few times that they just love to see how readers see their books and it’s a joy to see how different content can be sometimes.
Lastly, do you have an indie romance book recommendation for us?
How did Asian Literature get so popular on booktok? In this blog we will take a dive into this genre, take a look at what Asian Literature actually is and look at the current rise of literature from Asian countries.
What is Asian Literature?
When you think about Asian Literature, most people think about novels by authors from China, Japan and – more upcoming at the moment – South-Korea. But Asia is of course much bigger than just those three countries. Spanning from China and Japan in the East, to Mongolia and parts of Russia in the North, to Iran and the Arabian Peninsula to the West as well as India, Thailand and Singapore in the South. Just like other continents, it’s way too oversimplified to put all those countries under one monolithic name.
However, the most popular Asian titles you see in the book store are by authors from China and Japan. These type of books became popular as the Western world became fascinated by the Asian world. Often those books are pretty stereotypical, but thinking about another life in another country simply fascinates.
Even in the 20th Century, Asian books were already very popular. Think about literary fiction by authors like Haruki Murakami (Japan) and Kazuo Ishiguro (Japan). Or classics like the 11th Century book The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu(Japan), or the 18th Century story Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin (China). It’s not just a trend we saw during COVID, it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
The rise of Asian books during COVID
During COVID booktok came into its own, which came hand in hand with the rise of people who started reading again or people who found time to read more. And with that, Asian Literature was on the rise again. Most popular on booktok are the cozy Japanese books, like Before The Coffee Gets Cold (Japan), but also literary fiction like the books by Mieko Kawakami (Japan). A whole other niche is manga and graphic novels, which also rose in popularity during the pandemic.
Why Asian books are so popular
That makes us wonder why Asian books are so popular. I personally think there are three reasons. The first one is that people want to diversify their reads, especially with the real world situations going on in Ukraine, Russia, Palestine and Israel. We want to educate ourselves. We want to read more diversely to learn more, to discover new books from new authors from countries we don’t usually read from. That includes Asian Literature. Reading around the world is a trend on booktok and I think it will become even more popular.
The second reason is that we are looking for comfortable and cozy reads. Japanese books flourish with cats or cups of coffee on the cover. They also often have covers with plants or blossoms, which fits with our desire for a life with less social media.There is also the trend of books that are set in a book store or library like Days at the Morisaki Bookshop or What You Are Looking For Is in the Library.
The third reason is that a lot of the most popular Asian books – especially Japanese – are about everyday life, written in a dreamy or magical-realistic way. The plot is often not the most important thing in these books: it’s the characters. Books about working hard in a big Japanese city like Convenience Store Woman or Crying in H-Mart are popular. I think a lot of readers can relate to these stories, because they are about universal themes like capitalism, mental health and finding yourself in a chaotic world.
The Rise of popularity of South Korean and Indian authors
Books like The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy World (South Korea) and the poetry of Rupi Kaur (India) were already very popular, but during COVID the real rise of South Korean and Indian books happened. Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor (India) was a massive worldwide hit. We also saw the cozy book trend from Japan in South Korean books such as Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum. We also had the influence of magical realism in DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee. There were books to not only escape the pandemic, but also books to talk about your mental health, like I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee.
The future of Asian literature
Reading more diverse is a trend that is here to stay. Asian books have already proven that they have long been popular among readers around the world. During the rise of booktok in the pandemic, this only became more apparent. In the future, I think we will see many more books by Asian authors translated into English. Mainly countries like South Korea and India at the moment, but I think there will be more translations from Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal and other Asian countries in the future.
Happy Pride Month! Every year during June, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride, paying tribute to the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Through this, we acknowledge the achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community and recognize the ongoing challenges faced by many worldwide in their pursuit to live authentically. Moreover, as a diverse and vibrant community, its movement for identity, acceptance, equality, and love for all is important and continues to inspire change.
The book community is no exception when it comes to celebrating and promoting inclusivity and acceptance. With carefully curated lists of books by, about, and for the LGBTQIA+ community, the literary world plays a significant role in uplifting queer voices and stories. Additionally, libraries, bookstores, and online creators all take a moment to highlight works that reflect the experiences and histories of LGBTQIA+ voices.
Our team has curated a list of books promoting the LGBTQIA+ experience, representation of queer characters, and championing queer authors. From coming-out stories to historical same-sex romances and inspiring tales for young readers, there’s a book for everybody! Take a look and find your next read.
Books for Pride Month
We Are Everywhere by Matthew Riemer and Leighton Brown A detailed photographic history of the Queer Liberation Movement. Released for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin. James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel explores love and the fear of love in the bohemian bars and nightclubs of 1950s Paris. Giovanni’s Room tells an impassioned, deeply moving story that reveals the unspoken complexities of the human heart.
Maurice by E.M. Forster. Maurice is a tale of unrequited love that opens the protagonist’s heart and mind to his own sexual identity, challenging society’s unspoken rules of class, wealth, and politics.
All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews. A brilliant new voice brings us an emotional novel of a young immigrant building a life for herself. A warm, dazzling saga of queer love, friendship, work, and precarity in twenty-first-century America.
But How Are You, Reallyby Ella Dawson. A burned-out bisexual woman confronts old demons, her estranged chosen family, and the ex she may have wrongly left behind when she attends her five-year college reunion.
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera. Juliet Milagros Palante navigates a summer in Portland, Oregon, filled with queer dance parties, a fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity.
Rage by Lester Fabian Brathwaite. An incredible debut with a darkly comedic exploration of Blackness, queerness, and the American Dream, highlighting creative anger as a response to inequality.
The Prospects by KT Hoffman. Minor leagues. Major chemistry. This queer sports romance is a triumphant debut that follows two minor-league baseball rivals who realise they play much better together.
Heartstopper by Alice Osman. Heartstopper is an ongoing LGBTQIA+ young adult graphic novel and webcomic series by British author Alice Oseman. Follow Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring as they meet and fall in love.
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon. Samantha Shannon’s prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree takes readers into the lives of four women, revealing events that shaped their world for generations.
Queer creators to follow
If you haven’t yet stumbled upon bookish creators on TikTok and/or Instagram who uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, you’re missing out! Across the gender and sexuality spectrum, many influencers passionately use their platforms to champion queer stories and authors all year long! So, if you’re looking for more book recommendations, be sure to check out:
Billy, @thereadingcowgirl, keeps you up-to-date with the latest book recommendations and reviews.
Kara, @books.and.salt, is your go-to person for a diverse array of genres and reads that celebrate inclusivity and representation.
Amivi, @amivireads, for the best sapphic romance book recommendations.
Dilayra, @gayotic_bookworm, a dedicated advocate for YA and LGBTQIA+ literature, sharing her passion in both Dutch and English languages.
As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s take the opportunity to educate ourselves and raise awareness of the diverse experiences and challenges within the queer community. Together, we can create a world where everyone is embraced for who they are. Happy Pride Month, everyone! Let’s continue to spread love, acceptance, and equality every day.
Whether it’s a real bookstore in Paris, an idyllic shop on an island or a cozy store in the middle of New York or London – I love almost every book set in a bookstore. The niche of books set in bookstores has been around for a while, but lately it seems more popular than ever. Here are seven of my favourites, across various genres. These are all books that you should definitely put on your list.
The Bookshop –
Penelope Fitzgerald
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald is an absolute classic when it comes to books set in bookstores. This novel came out in 1978 and is set in 1959. In the book we follow Florence Green, a middle-aged widow, who decides to open a bookshop in the small coastal town of Hardborough, Suffolk. The Bookshop is a story about starting a business, being thwarted but trying anyway. It is tragic yet hopeful. Plus, I love the vibes in the book and I think many of you will enjoy reading it too.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry –
Gabrielle Zevin
After reading Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow I dived into the back list of Gabrielle Zevin. And guess what I found: a book set in a bookstore! This book includes mixed media and provides little notes about the books available in the island’s store. This book is a literary romance. We follow A.J. Fikry, a grumpy book store owner on Alice Island. When his favorite publishers agent dies, they get replaced by a clumsy blonde named Amelia Loman. A beautiful and adventurous story about love, hope, courage and grief.
Words in Deep Blue –
Cath Crowley
I love a good YA book and one of my favorites is Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley. However, there are too many people who don’t know this book exists! A shame, if you ask me, because this book has everything.
Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones. The day before she moved away, she tucked a love letter into his favorite book. She waited, but Henry never came. Now, Rachel is working at the bookshop, grieving her brother and trying to avoid the boy she used to love. Then Henry and Rachel get closer again. They are surrounded by books and exchange letters by hiding them in between pages. This is the absolute cutest book ever with second chances – a book that gives you a laugh and a tear, like we say in The Netherlands.
84, Charing Cross Road –
Helene Hanf
We can’t do this list without the classic: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. This is a charming memoir, following Helene, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London. Over 20 years they write to each other, and though they never meet, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, is one that will grab your heart and not let go.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop –
Hwang Bo-Reum
Many books set in bookstores (and libraries!) are based in Japan or South Korea. In the last few years we’ve seen Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and What You Are Looking For Is in the Library. A South Korean favorite of mine is Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop. This slice-of-life novel is set in a South Korean neighborhood in Seoul and focuses on acceptance and finding comfort in life, including the healing power of books. FMC Yeong-ju is burned out, divorced from her husband and decides to follow her dream. She opens a book shop where Yeong-ju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married housewife, and the writer who sees something special in Yeong-ju – they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live. A lovely read.
Business or Pleasure –
Rachel Lynn Solomon
Although this book is not entirely set in a bookstore, the first scene opens at a book event. It’s a spicy romance all about writing books. Chandler is a ghostwriter and she has never felt more like a ghost when she attends a signing for a book she wrote and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten. Unfortunately, her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. And Finn turns out to be that hookup guy from last night. Chandler is determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure or if there’s a way for them to have both.
The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted –
Robert Hillman
If you want to dive into a historical bookstore book, try The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted, set in 1968. This book is about Tom Hope, who doesn’t think he’s much of a farmer, but he’s doing his best. He can’t have been much of a husband to Trudy, either, judging by her sudden departure. It’s only when she returns, pregnant by someone else, that he discovers his surprising talent as a father. But when Trudy leaves and takes her child with her, Tom’s heart breaks. But then he meets Hannah Babel, a smalltown bookseller. Hannah is the second Jew—and the most vivid person—Tom has ever met. He dares to believe they could make each other happy. But it is 1968: twenty-four years since Hannah and her own little boy arrived at Auschwitz. Tom Hope is taking on a battle with heartbreak he can barely even begin to imagine.
What are your favorite books set in bookstores? Let us know on Instagram @bookinfluencerscom!
Whether you work at the marketing department of a publishing house or running your own show as an indie-author; there comes a moment in which you need to collaborate with readers to help you get your book out there. Maybe it’s different when your name is Colleen Hoover, Stephen King or Taylor Jenkins Reid, but they didn’t get to be auto-buy authors overnight either.
For most marketers, PR managers and authors the reality is that it is hard to sell books. How do you get your book into the hands of readers? There are different ways to achieve that goal. In this blog I will share different ways to collaborate with readers to reach even more people.
Meet the Online Book Community
The online book community is huge. People from all over the world use the world wide web to express their opinions about the books they read. They leave reviews on Goodreads or Amazon, write blogs on their personal websites, post pretty photos on Instagram, talk about their favorite authors on YouTube or create entertaining videos for TikTok. To give you an idea about the size of the community; the hashtag #bookstagram on Instagram has been used 104 million times to date. The hashtag #booktok on TikTok was used 32.6 million times already.
We, as consumers, get influenced by what we see online. We’re growing more and more sceptical about commercials where we believe recommendations by our peers to be more trustworthy. Readers are influenced by what other readers read. They go on Goodreads to read reviews before ordering a book. They go on Instagram to read about the latest releases and they scroll through TikTok to hear all about the latest BookTok hit. So, the next question is: how do you get collaborations with these readers off the ground in order to promote your book? These are some of your options.
Running your own promotional campaign
A lot of spare time, an established backlist, a large mailing list and a strong social media presence are the perfect ingredients if you’re looking to run your own promotional campaign. You have already connected with lots of readers and they can’t wait to read the next book you’re wanting to publish. You got this! The reality is that besides the big publishers and a handful of well-known indie authors, most of us don’t have these ingredients at our disposal. And spare time is an issue for everyone. So even the large publishers often lean on others to help them market their books. Let’s take a look at the routes they choose.
A Readalong with The Tandem Collective
Tandem is well known in the book community because of their unique concept: the Readalong. They send out free copies of the book to a select group of micro influencers. Led by a coordinator, the groups read the book simultaneously and use prompt cards to discuss the books topics in a private chat. In the meantime, participants share their thoughts on their social media channels, involving other readers in their journey through the book. Lately they have been working on books by Gabrielle Zevin, John Marrs, Claire McGowan and many many more. Reach out to naomi@thetandemcollective.com to learn more.
Bookinfluencers.com runs virtual book tours, like many other book tour companies. However, they bring something more to the table than your average book tour company. Their in-depth knowledge of TikTok ads manager ensures that publishers and authors can make the most of their book tours. Any BookTok video can be promoted resulting in increased views, engagement metrics and even clicks to webshops. Bookinfluencers.com also relies heavily on their strong community management skills that lead to high upload percentages. We all know nothing is more frustrating than distributing books and getting nothing in return. Lately Bookinfluencers.com have been working on books by Kalynn Bayron, Junji Ito, Ali Hazelwood, Samantha Shannon and R.F. Kuang. Email me at antina@bookinfluencers.com to learn more.
The new kid on the block is ChallyPop. ChallyPop is a competition-based platform that enables everyone to potentially be a paid creator based on the quality of their content rather than the size of their following. The platform challenges creators of all sizes to enter by making content based on a brief. The top 20 submissions receive a money prize. ChallyPop just launched and is running 3 challenges set by one of the largest publishers in the world, Simon & Schuster. Creators are challenged to create content about the thriller Redemption by Jack Jordan, the romantasy The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick and the romance Under Your Spell by Laura Wood. ChallyPop is a great method to get early attention for a new release and to encourage preorders. Email the team at hello@challypop.com to learn more.
As you can see, there are various ways to collaborate with readers. It’s up to you to decide the best course for your book.
