Tag: bookstagram

Diversity in Dutch literature

Guest Blogger October 25, 2024

So many of us are looking for diversity in our Dutch literature. It is undeniable that BookTok and Bookstagram have made a big impact on the literary world. They’ve brought reading back into fashion for teenagers, changed the way books are marketed, and shone a light on diversity in literature. Now, more than ever, readers are looking for stories that go beyond their own experiences, with characters that represent a wide range of human experiences, including but not limited to different cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. This push for inclusivity in literature aims to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized, giving readers the chance to see the world through different perspectives.

Some books have become wildly popular in this movement, such as Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, or pretty much anything by Alice Oseman. If you’ve been on BookTok for a while, you can probably name at least ten books with diverse characters, however, there is one thing they probably all have in common: they’re English titles. The selection of diverse English books has exploded over the past few years, influenced by social movements such as Black Lives Matter and Pride, as well as social media. These books have become hugely popular with readers. But when we look at the Dutch literary landscape, we don’t see the same trend. Dutch readers often have to switch to English books to find the diverse stories they’re looking for.

Why is there not a lot of diversity in Dutch literature?

There are several reasons for this. For one, social movements like those mentioned above haven’t been discussed as openly in Dutch-speaking countries as in the UK and the US. Also, the market for Dutch literature is much smaller. With a relatively small Dutch-speaking population compared to the vast English-speaking audience, publishers tend to be more cautious, opting for books that appeal to the mainstream rather than experimenting with diverse narratives.

But the tides are changing. Publishers are recognizing the demand for diverse books and are slowly trying to adapt. Many diverse books have been translated from English, but slowly, original Dutch books highlighting diversity are making their appearance. So if you prefer reading in Dutch and don’t want to deal with clunky translations, there are diverse Dutch books out there. You just need to know where to look. Here are a few tips to help you on your quest, and if you’re still having trouble, there’s a list of diverse, originally Dutch novels at the end of this blog post!

How to find Diverse Dutch Books

Follow National Book Prizes

Book prizes often select works that reflect societal needs. Prizes like “Beste Boek voor Jongeren” and “De Leesjury” frequently feature a diverse selection.

Follow BookTokers and Bookstagrammers for recommendations that highlight diversity in literature

Most of our book recommendations now come from social media. There are a few BookTokers who specifically promote diverse books and discuss diversity in Dutch literature. They’re usually up-to-date with new releases, so find some creators you like and follow them! A few Dutch creators I recommend on TikTok are @loonieslibrary, @billyleest, and @boleestenschrijft.

Online diversity platforms

Beyond the publishing world, others have recognized the need for diverse books. One platform I really like is Symfoon. They’ve created a reading list of books about, for, and by people with visual impairments. Another worth checking out is queerboeken.nl, which has a huge reading list of books with queer characters, both originally Dutch and translated works.

I hope these tips might help you on your search to diversify your book case. If you’re still a little confused, let me give you a list of some really worth reading, originally Dutch diverse books.

Original Dutch Diverse Reading List

1) Frambozenzomer – Lucas Versteeg


A book about a teenage boy struggling with body image. While on a weight loss camp his parents sent him on, he catches feelings for the son of the camp leader.

2) Maak je geen zorgen over ons – Koen Aelterman


A graphic novel about twenty-something Kobe, leaving for Australia to figure out his identity, sexuality and future plans, whilst dealing with a broken heart.

3) Cécile – Ish Ait Hamou


A heartfelt story about a Moroccan boy dreaming of leaving his small hometown and ending up in a risky, illegal trip to Europe, meeting interesting people along the way.

4) Confettiregen – Splinter Chabot


‘Confetti rain’ is a story about a kid who was raised in a loving, open family, allowed to be whoever he wanted to be, being confronted with the harsh reality of homophobia and gender stereotypes.

5) Gloei – Edward van de Vendel & Floor de Goede


‘Gloei’ is a bundle of biographical stories in which twenty queer young adults share their story about growing up queer. All young adults have a vastly different background, from a paralympic champion to a Syrian refugee.

6) Lily – Tom de Cock


A thrilling dystopian young adult novel with influencer Lily at the centre. With a new eye patch to match every hair look, she faces the world outside of her safe bubble, being confronted with people less fortunate than her.

7) In het vervloekte hart – Rima Orie


‘In het vervloekte hart’ is an action-packed fantasy novel with a fantasy world inspired by the Middle East. Main character Priya Chkadhari attends military school Kuwatta so she no longer needs to hide her magical powers, but finds other threats along the way.

8) Met jou is het anders – Hanne Eerdekens


In this story, a teenage boy is confronted with his sexuality after going viral on the internet, and is forced to figure out his identity under scrutiny of the world, his family and the friends who don’t shy away from homophobic jokes.

9) De jongen die van de klif viel en zacht terecht kwam – Stefan Raatgever

A book about a boy figuring out his sexuality and how to express it in the treacherous high school corridors.

10) De hemel is altijd paars – Sholeh Rezazadeh


Arghavan left Iran to live in the Netherlands and tries to adjust to her new life. She meets many interesting people, but is still plagued by the memories from her childhood.

Hanne is a Dutch author and book influencer with a love of YA and diverse voices. You can find her on TikTok and Instagram.

How to be a top Book Influencer!

Jenny October 23, 2024

So you want to be a book influencer? You’ve joined Bookinfluencers.com, you’re applying for book tours, but how can you optimize your chances of getting selected? Well, fret not! We’re here with a handy dandy list of tips to make your account stand out from the crowd and give you more chance of being selected on the next book tour!

The Book Influencer Aesthetic

An image of rainbow book shelves
A display of aesthetic, rainbow shelves by bookishscandinavian

Have a look at your account from an outsider point of view. Is it immediately eye catching? Are your posts interesting to look at? If you’re on TikTok or making reels, do your videos encourage people to stop scrolling? If you’re wondering how to make your posts more eye catching, check out this blog post on how to create content without showing your face, and this blog post on digital edits.

Followers, Likes and Comments

First off, you don’t need a huge following to be a successful book influencer. Whether you have 100 followers, or 100,000, you can be successful on bookinfluencers.com. You’ve made sure that your posts are eye-catching, so now try to make people engage with them. Include a Call To Action (CTA) in your caption- this could be as simple as a question, Have you read this book? It could be a Question of the Day (QOTD) which can be totally unrelated to your post. I have seen QOTD’s being along the lines of, Do you prefer tea or coffee? The idea here is to make a simple way for people to have to comment on your post. Yes, you might get lots of comments of people just saying ‘tea’, or ‘coffee’, but the algorithm still sees this as people engaging and therefore will show your post to more people!

If you do have a smaller account, you can help to grow it by engaging on other accounts you like- the more you like, comment and follow others, the more likely they will return the favour. Also the more scroll stopping posts and engagement that you get on your posts, the more people will want to return to your page and see what you post next.

A word on Engagement Groups

Engagement Groups can be popular on Instagram. These are groups where you tag a specific account, and everyone has to like/comment on your post. While it can feel really tempting to  boost your engagement this way, this isn’t organic engagement. It is much more impactful to grow your account and your engagement organically, with the likes and comments coming from genuine followers, rather than people who have to interact and may spend less than a second on your post.

Applying for book tours as a Book Influencer

First things first. Make sure that your Bookinfluencers.com profile is complete. Add a profile picture and a bio. Let authors know who you are, what you’re interested in and why they want you on their tour. We’d suggest being specific here, don’t say “I love all books!”, instead say “I love this genre of books, my favourite authors are X,Y,Z”. This will make you stand out and show a genuine interest in specific genres.

When you apply for a book tour, you can add a note, or ‘my pitch’ to tell the author/publisher exactly why you will be perfect on their tour. This is definitely recommended if you are a big fan of the author or the book sounds perfect for you. Do think about what you’re writing though instead of just copy and pasting the same response every time.

You may be asked to close a deal in terms of incentives and say what you would like to receive in exchange for your post. This is a hard one to know what to say, so just be honest. Do you prefer to receive a physical book instead of an e-book? Do you want payment? I would only recommend that you don’t ask for loads of money just because you can, if you are happy to review and post for free, you can say that, or that you’d appreciate payment but it isn’t always necessary. Do what feels right for you.

Writing reviews.

Reviews are a big part of being in the book community. Whether you write a 500 word essay on each book, film a 30 second silent review, do a yes/no/maybe video or create a graphic with some key words and a star rating- reviews are everywhere! Like with everything on your account, you need to consider what sort of posts and reviews you want to share. Would you like to give star ratings? Are you only interested in reviewing your favorite books? Do you want to review books you didn’t enjoy? Is being brutally honest your goal? There is no right or wrong answer, however if you do choose to share negative reviews or reviews that are less than glowing, please don’t tag the author.

If you did not enjoy a book from a book tour, please do reach out to the Campaign Manager. In some cases we may ask you not to post a review if you did not enjoy the book. Instead, you could post a spotlight or shout out post highlighting the book, but not mentioning a review.

Hopefully this blog post has given you some tips and advice on how to optimise your own chances at being on a book tour. If you need any more help or advice, reach out to the bookinfluencers.com team!

Why Sad Girl Literature is so popular

Paula October 18, 2024

Sad Girl Literature – you might think it’s just the next BookTok trend. This literary sub-genre focuses on existentialism and womanhood has been around for a long time, starting with Sylvia Plath and Joan Didion. In this blog I’m going to dive into this genre, tell you what it exactly is and explain more about the history of it.

Sad Girl Literature: what kind of genre is this?

The name itself already explains a little bit. This genre is about sad girls, but it’s way more than that. The genre focuses on themes of melancholy and existentialism and combines it with the struggles of modern (young) women. Those struggles often involve loneliness in the big city, mental heath issues and an overall struggle with daily life. These works often explore deep emotional turmoil, feelings of inadequacy, and the search for identity and meaning in the face of societal pressures.

The protagonists in these books are often introspective, sensitive, and struggling with the complexities of their emotions, relationships, and personal lives. The stories doesn’t always offer resolution, but instead delves into the messy and often painful realities of life, emphasizing raw emotional experiences.

The history of the genre

This isn’t just the next Booktok trend. The genre just now has a name because of TikTok. In the past it has been called melancholic fiction or women’s fiction. In some cases the books are semi-autobiographical – for example, Sylvia Plath. We can even say Annie Ernaux writes Sad Girl Literature, because she writes about her complex emotions, relationships and love during her girl and womanhood in France.

I would say Sad Girl Literature started with Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel exploring mental illness and the pressures of societal expectations. It ticks all the boxes. Besides Plath and Ernaux, I think Joan Didion is a perfect example as well. Play It As It Lays is a story of emotional numbness and disconnection in a woman grappling with the meaninglessness of her life.

Popular Sad Girl Literature nowadays

One of the most popular current sad girl writers is Ottessa Moshfesh. My Year of Rest and Relaxation is Sad Girl Literature at it’s best. In this novel the protagonist tries to escape the pain of life by drugging herself into a year-long hibernation. Another popular author is Sally Rooney. Especially in Normal People and Conversations with Friends, but also in her recent works Beautiful World Where Are You and Intermezzo. Rooney’s characters grapple with intense emotional experiences, isolation, and complex relationships – the core of Sad Girl Literature. However, Rooney writes about sad men as well, because mental health and dealing with everyday life goes beyond gender, of course.

Besides Rooney we have Irish author Naoise Dolan, who writes about the loneliness and emptiness in big cities and complex relationships. And don’t forget the Asian Sad Girl Literature, which contains Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner and also books by Mieko Kawakami and Won-pyung Sohn.

Why Sad Girl Literature resonates in the modern day

I think this sub genre has become quite popular in recent years, especially because of COVID-19. The rise of introspective, emotionally raw, and often millennial-driven narratives has gone hand in hand with the lockdowns because of the pandemic. It resonates because so many readers can identify with it – during lockdown while being inside a lot, feeling the loneliness and overthinking your life. And nowadays – we are drawn to the emotional complexities and darker aspects of modern existence.

Boektokhouse 2024: behind the scenes

Antina October 16, 2024

Boektokhouse 2024 took place in the first weekend of October with publisher Zomer & Keuning. This is the third year that we have run this event. Check out 2023’s Booktokhouse here. Every year, this bookish event focuses on the latest releases from this publishing house that mainly publishes romance and feel-good books. The purpose of Boektokhouse is to promote these books through the channels of the booktokers present at the event.

Boektokhouse is very popular among the Dutch and Flemish booktok community because this event is different from all the others; for Boektokhouse they are invited for a weekend away in a holiday home. Who wouldn’t want that?

In this blog we offer you a look behind the scenes. Because what does it take to organize such an event?

How it all starts

The first appointment with our contact person at the publisher took place at the beginning of May 2024. This consultation was intended to set out the framework for an event in the autumn. What worked well last year and what didn’t work at all? Which booktokers would the publisher really like to have at the event? Did the publisher already have an author in mind who might want to come by for a meet & greet? What requirements should the holiday home meet? 

After the conversation, the search began for a suitable location with at least 12 sleeping places and a large living room/kitchen. We found a beautiful place in the Utrecht countryside. Nicely centrally located but still quiet, lots of space and very attractively decorated.

Finding the Booktokers

The next step was to approach suitable booktokers for the event. We started our search by placing a campaign on Bookinfluencers.com. This campaign described what this edition of Boektokhouse would entail, what expectations there were from the organization (particularly in the field of content) and when it would take place. We had 65 people register. We then made a pre-selection of 14 candidates that we submitted to the publisher. By mid-June, the publisher had selected their 8 favorites and we informed the lucky ones.

The consultations continued in mid-August. The books that would be highlighted during the event were chosen and the weekend program took shape. In the meantime, we knew that author Holly Martin would travel from England to the Netherlands to take part in a high tea. The booktokers involved were sent a copy of her book so that they could read it in advance and ask Holly specific questions. We also introduced the idea of ​​a TikTok Live broadcast on Saturday evenings, which was received with enthusiasm by the publishing house. 

At the end of August we organized a competition. The booktoker or bookstagrammer with the best content about their favorite Zomer & Keuning books could win a place at the table during breakfast on Sunday morning. Bookstagrammer Robin won the seat with this entry:

At the beginning of September we sent classic paper invitations to the booktokers. With these invitations they all made a TikTok with which they announced their participation in Boektokhouse and drew attention to the TikTok Live broadcast.

@bookswithonno

Heel erg bedankt @bookinfluencerscom @Uitgeverij Zomer & Keuning ! Ik heb er mega veel zin in🥰🫶🏼 #boektok #booktoknl #boektokhouse2024

♬ Married Life (From “Up”) – Gina Luciani

In the final weeks before the event, we were busy ordering catering, arranging materials for creative workshops, communicating with the booktokers about traveling to the location and creating content.

Welcome to Boektokhouse!

And then the time had come! On Friday, October 4, Paula and I met at the location. We were given a tour there, emptied our cars full of materials and welcomed the publisher who delivered all the goodie bags. Then we drove to the supermarket to load up our cart. We spent that evening decorating the room, setting up ring lights, and creating content.

On Saturday morning our colleague Sanne joined us, alongside our contact person from the publishing house Michelle and intern Nicky. Not much later, author Holly Martin arrived at the house. While Michelle, Nicky and Paula were busy creating content with Holly, I prepared the table for the high tea. 

Welcome booktokers!

The commute began at 11:30 a.m. with creators having to be picked up from a train station nearby. About an hour and a half later everyone was inside and the program could really start. Michelle welcomed everyone and handed out the goodie bags. She gave a brief introduction to each book and introduced Holly to the booktokers. During dinner an animated conversation took place between the author and the booktokers who had enjoyed the Dutch translation of the book Spring at Blueberry Bay.

@loonieslibrary

you’re free to go 😌 @Holly Martin #advertentie #boektokhouse #boektokhouse2024 #boektok @Uitgeverij Zomer & Keuning @bookinfluencerscom @Boektokkers

♬ original sound – Charles Mantaghi

After their stomachs were well filled, the booktokers had their books signed by Holly and made videos with her. There was also enough time to create other content. And they were so creative in their ideas…

@bookswithonno

Meteen ruzie in het boektok huis😡📚 #boektok #booktoknl #boektokhouse2024

♬ original sound – JOTC

We said goodbye to Holly, who was expected in Amsterdam later that day. While the booktokers were busy making one video after another, I sat at the pizzeria for an hour waiting for my mega order. Luckily I got a lollipop as consolation. After the delicious pizzas it was time for the live broadcast on TikTok! Paula started the broadcast together with Michelle from the publishing house and then invited all booktokers one by one to discuss a book with her. The broadcast attracted 679 unique viewers.

Afterwards, the booktokers decided to put on their pajamas for a relaxing evening. Of course a video was made.

@zomerkeuning

Hoe we denken te lezen VS hoe we daadwerkelijk lezen… @bookinfluencerscom #zomerkeuning #boektoknl #boektok #boektokhouse #boektokhouse2024

♬ Just a Cloud Away – Pharrell Williams

Day two

The next morning I was in the supermarket at 9:00 am to pick up fresh bread for breakfast. Before I drove back to the house, I first picked up two Dutch authors from the station: Mienke Fijen and Marjon Weerink. They sat down for breakfast and met the booktokers who also enjoyed creating content with them. 

The breakfast table was wiped clean and turned into a craft table. The booktokers decorated tote bags. In the afternoon, the booktokers and authors were brought back to the train stations and the big clean-up campaign began for Paula, Sanne and I. Remove all decorations, load the uneaten groceries back into the car, check the rooms for abandoned belongings and of course leave the house in good condition.

For days afterward, booktokers posted about Boektokhouse: unboxings of goodie bags, vlogs and (almost) forgotten funny recordings.

@lenaleest

Recap van een fantastisch weekend in boektokhouse! Dit was echt een feestje!!! 🥳 #ad #invited #boektok #booktok #boektokhouse #boektokhouse2024 #lenaleest #fyp #voorjou #boektokkers #boeken #lezen #lezenisleuk @bookinfluencerscom @Boektokkers @Uitgeverij Zomer & Keuning

♬ Gimme Gimme Gimme – floreaudios🎀

A few days ago I looked back and reported to the publishing house. No fewer than 120 pieces of content – mostly TikTok videos – had been posted. The number of views was almost 380K and there were 21K likes, more than 2300 comments and more than 500 saves. An edition of Boektokhouse we will never forget! I am grateful that I have gathered a team around me that makes events like this possible.

How To Run A Successful Book Tour With Bookinfluencers.com

Jenny October 4, 2024

If you’re here, you probably are wondering about how best to promote your book. Maybe you’ve already looked into a book tour with us, or maybe you’ve been going it alone. In this blog post we will give you some best practices to make the most out of your book tour.

Incentives

Incentives can be really important for book tours. Some people are happy to post and review with just a physical copy of the book, but more and more, we are seeing people asking for financial incentive to take part in a tour. Even just $10 each can make a big difference to some people. Consider including financial incentives in your planning stage. It may mean having fewer influencers taking part, but you will get quality over quantity. If you can’t stretch to financial incentives, a PR box or additional POS or Merch  can also be a great incentive for some influencers.

Leading on from this, think about what you are asking people to do. If you expect someone to read a 500 page book and write a thoughtful review with no incentive, you may find a lower uptake as that is a lot of time and work for an influencer to do with no reward. Instead try asking for a spotlight post if you can’t send out books or financial incentives. Bear in mind that a lot of influencers, especially ones with bigger followings, get sent a lot of books by authors and publishers. This is on top of the books they buy themselves. Book influencers typically have huge TBRs: an incentive can help your book jump to the top of that pile.

An image of rainbow book shelves
A Book Influencer may be sent a lot of books, and have a huge TBR

Who to select for your Book Tour

Once you have decided on your incentives and how many influencers you want to take part, you need to think about who you are picking.  You will see a list of influencers interested in taking part in the tour, and now comes the tricky part: who do you say yes to, and who do you say no to?

Is Bigger always Better?

First off it is worth having a think about the ways that the platforms and algorithms work. For example, on both Instagram and TikTok the larger the following an account has, the less engagement there will be on posts (when looked at as a percentage). So, do you want people with lots of followers, or do you want people who have high engagement rates on their posts?

We would suggest going for a mix here. If you are planning a 10 person tour, aim for a couple big accounts, 2-3 small accounts, and the rest in the middle. Small accounts are typically closer to their followers so tend to get proportionally more likes/comments than the big accounts. Plus small accounts tend to have fewer publishers/authors asking them for reviews, which means that they typically are able to be more accommodating on tours.

Does the account make you stop scrolling?

Secondly, have a look at the account. Of course we want people who are posting great content. On Instagram this is typically more aesthetically pleasing and eye catching, and on TikTok this is typically using a variety of styles of video. Does the account post about books in your genre? Do they post regularly? Are their posts eye catching/scroll stopping? Have a look at a couple recent posts too, do they get people engaging on their posts? However, do bear in mind that for a lot of influencers, this is a hobby, not a full time job. Don’t discount accounts that aren’t perfectly styled if they get good engagement and show passion. Engagement can be more important than a beautifully styled, aesthetic post.

Finally, think about Engagement Groups and boosted posts. These don’t show organic engagement, as you are either tagging a group (on Instagram) who all have to like and comment on your post, or paying for a Spark Ad (more on this later) and buying those views. If you are looking for people to organically engage with your book, it is worth looking for people who don’t use these. Not to say that you should discount an account who is using Engagement Groups, but don’t overwhelm your final list with these accounts.

As an additional note, on Bookinfluencers.com, influencers have an option to write a ‘pitch’ to showcase themselves and why they want to be on the tour. We would strongly suggest reading these. People who have written a pitch are already invested in the book, they have put additional time into telling you why they want to be on this tour. These might be your megafan, super supportive influencers, even before reading the book.

Running the Book Tour

So you have decided on your incentives, and chosen your influencers with a range of account sizes, styles and checked that they have good engagement. What’s next? First off, some housekeeping. Make sure you are communicating with your chosen influencers. Part of this may include negotiations for financial incentives. You should always make sure to close your deal before you mail anything out. Otherwise you may find influencers backing out after they have received the book, if they were not happy with the offer. When it comes to negotiating deals, we suggest starting by asking a creator for their fee. You can either agree or make a counter offer. If you book a full service tour with us, we will handle these negotiations for you.

Communication is Key

Let your chosen influencers know when the books have been mailed. You should also engage with their posts when they post about your book (a comment or share can go a long way!) Be sure to pay them promptly as well when the tour is over. This will keep a positive relationship, and can lead to the influencer becoming one of your mega-fans! 

You may decide to add on Spark Ads to your campaign. This is a way of boosting TikTok videos to push the algorithm to show a specific video to more people. Earlier, I mentioned looking out for this and not picking someone who relies on Spark Ads to get their views. This isn’t organic engagement, so ideally you will want people who have high organic engagement with their own followers wanting to see and interact with their content. However, you may also want to boost a video to get it in front of more people to get more impressions and eyes on your book. This is a fantastic aspect of a campaign- use Spark Ads as a way to bolster your marketing campaign. It is even more impactful when you boost  a post that organically had great reach.

Remember, we do offer Full Service Tours where we do all of this for you. We will send you a short list of people we think are suitable for your campaign for you to pick from, you will always have the final say. We will have done all of these account checks for you and will negotiate all deals too.

So what are you waiting for? Drop us an email to find out how we can work together on your next book tour!

Embark on a Joyful Journey with These Irresistible Romantic Comedy Books

Guest Blogger September 27, 2024

Romantic Comedy is a popular genre in movies, but it’s also a subgenre of books! If you’re exploring rom-com novels for the first time, you’re in for a delightful experience. These stories seamlessly blend humor and romance, guaranteed to lift your spirits and warm your heart. Get ready to laugh, swoon, and fall in love with our curated list of personal favorites and must-read titles. Perfect for anyone eager to discover their next favorite book!

Why Choose Romantic Comedy books?

Romantic comedy books are like a warm hug on a chilly evening. They combine witty banter with charming scenarios that are sure to put a smile on your face. Romantic comedies capture the magic of love and laughter, whether through the classic trope of opposites attracting or the excitement of an unexpected sweet love story. They create a delightful space where humor and romance blend harmoniously, offering readers an engaging escape into heartwarming narratives. These books are not just about finding love; they’re about finding joy and amusement in the journey of life. Whether it’s a short novella or as lengthy as The Art of War (looking at you, Lucy Score), the romantic comedy genre is rarely dull. Each story offers engaging moments that keep readers entertained, proving that there’s always something delightful to discover in rom-coms.

For Beginners: Top Picks to Get You Started

Most believe the romantic comedy genre is where it begins and ends. I hate to break it to you but the subgenres/subtopics go on for miles! Navigating the world of romantic comedies can feel overwhelming at first, but there are some fantastic titles that make the transition easier. These books serve as perfect introductions, allowing you to comfortably immerse yourself in this delightful genre.

  • The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. This book tackles real-life issues with humor and grace, exploring the fine line between friendship and romantic love.
  • The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. Dive into the lives of two best friends with polar opposite personalities but a shared understanding of each other’s needs.
  • Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. A uniquely charming tale where love unfolds between a man who falls for a woman whose emails he has been monitoring at work.
  • Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. Enjoy this laugh-out-loud story of a young woman who spills all her secrets to a stranger on a plane, only to discover he’s her new boss.

Explore the Romantic Comedy Classics:

For a taste of timeless romance and wit, these literary classics should not be overlooked:

  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Dive into the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they navigate the turbulent waters of first impressions and societal expectations.
  • Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Enjoy the sharp-tongued banter and romantic entanglements in this brilliant Shakespearean comedy.
  • Emma by Jane Austen. Follow the well-meaning but often misguided Emma Woodhouse as she plays matchmaker in a series of comedic missteps.
  • Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Explore this classic play about the transformation of Eliza Doolittle, which inspired the beloved musical My Fair Lady.

Must-Read Titles for Further Exploration:

Once you’ve dipped your toes into the genre, these contemporary titles are sure to solidify your love for romantic comedies:

  • Beach Read by Emily Henry. Enjoy a summer of transformation with two rival writers who swap literary genres.
  • The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. An enemies-to-lovers story set against the backdrop of a paradise vacation.
  • Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren. Follow the quirky and endearing friendship between Josh and Hazel as they attempt to set each other up on disastrous dates.
  • You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle. Revel in the hilarity as a seemingly perfect couple engages in mutual sabotage to avoid their upcoming wedding.

For Young Adults and Newcomers:

Exploring romantic comedies can be especially magical for young adults, offering stories filled with hope, humor, and heartfelt lessons:

  • Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. A charming tale about a romantic chasing movie-worthy moments in her love life.
  • The Upside of Falling by Alex Light. A sweet story about a fake relationship between two teens that leads to real feelings.
  • Tweet Cute by Emma Lord. Enjoy this modern twist on You’ve Got Mail, featuring a social media war between two classmates.
  • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. Explore the captivating story of Lara Jean, whose secret love letters to her past crushes are mysteriously sent out, turning her quiet high school life upside down.

Diving into the world of romantic comedy books promises a journey filled with laughter, love, and endless feel-good moments. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to the genre, these books are designed to uplift and inspire. So, curl up with a cozy blanket, a warm cup of tea, and a fantastic rom-com book that will transport you to a world of happily-ever-afters. Happy reading, and welcome to what is sure to become your new favorite genre! If you want to read further about Romance Books, check out Maren’s blog here.

Guest blogger Enya can be found talking all things Romantic Comedy on Instagram at trcbookclub and TikTok at romcombc

Of Gold and Shadows: Interview with the author, Michelle Griep

Kristin September 20, 2024

We sat down with author Michelle Griep to chat about her latest book, Of Gold and Shadows. In Of Gold and Shadows, Michelle Griep introduces us to the fascinating world of Victorian England through the eyes of a determined Egyptologist. From her Netflix-inspired story ideas to the quirks of her writing routine, Michelle shares valuable insights into her creative process and the messages she hopes to convey through her work.

a graphic showing a book cover with text around it. there is a plant in the top left corner and a purple flower at the bottom

Could you give readers a glimpse into the world of Of Gold and Shadows? What themes and characters can they expect to encounter when delving into your story?

Ami Dalton is an Egyptologist struggling for recognition in the manly world of Victorian England. She is fiercely independent, determined, and yet inside her still lives the little girl who longs for her father’s affection. It takes the insights, respect, and true adoration by England’s most eligible bachelor to help her realize her value doesn’t depend on her performance or intelligence, but on the fact that she is a worthy creation of God just as she is.

How did you bring your story to life? Please tell us about the inspiration behind Of Gold and Shadows.

Okay, I’ll admit it. One of my favorite ways to procrastinate is to binge on Netflix, which has its pros and cons. One day I did a double-header with Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Mummy. Talk about archeological inspiration! I simply mixed that with the Egyptology rage that held in England in its grip in the late 1800s and voila. Instant story.

Reflecting on your journey as an author, what motivated you to pursue storytelling?

Besides the fact I’ve been writing ever since I discovered Crayolas and blank wall space, one of my favorite pastimes as a young child was to sit beneath the dining room table and hold extensive conversations with Daniel Boone. Which naturally worried my mother. She took me to a pediatrician, thinking something wasn’t right in my head, to which he laughed and said that I simply had an overactive imagination…and there ya go.

Can you share a little bit about your writing routine? Are there particular habits that helped you draw inspiration?

I write in the mornings usually until early afternoon. Well, mostly. I do pop over to Facebook and Instagram way too many times during that period. My general habits are to sip on a bottle of mango kombucha and burn incense, which makes me sound like a raging hippy, but honestly I just love the taste and the smell—and psychologically it’s my “on” switch to get busy penning a story.

Navigating the early stages of writing can be challenging for many aspiring authors. What valuable advice would you offer to those looking to embark on their own writing journey?

Finish what you start. Don’t keep going back and polishing that first chapter over and over again. Just push ahead until you get to “The End.” The biggest secret of success to become a published author is simply to keep on writing no matter what.

Within Of Gold and Shadows, is there a particular scene or moment that resonates deeply with you? If so, what makes it special?

A recurring motif in many scenes is Ami’s quirky sense of fashion. Always preoccupied with other thoughts, she often ends up with mismatched outfits. Our intrepid hero, Edmund, finds this endearing and loves her all the more for it. This is a great reminder that this is how God views us—not by our outward appearance but by our inward heart.

Speaking of the story, what underlying message or messages do you hope readers take away from the pages of Of Gold and Shadows?

To be vulnerable is not weakness, but neither is weakness a detriment—for in weakness we are forced to trust God.

Looking ahead, are you working on any future releases that we can anticipate? If so, our readers would love to hear an exclusive sneak peek!

I’m always working on something! Currently I’m in the editing stages of the second book in this series, Of Silver and Secrets. It features Bram Webb, a character you’ve already met in book one. He’s a professor of Roman archeology at Cambridge University, but far from being stuffy, he’s quite the handsome rogue. Heroine Eva Inman discovers this when Bram and his team conduct a dig on her property. She hopes the dig will provide the funds she desperately needs to pay taxes. Unfortunately, she begins to doubt this hope when she learns Bram has been accused of stealing relics in the past.

You can find Michelle’s books here. If you want to read other author interviews, check out the interview with Simone Warren or Anne van Zwieten

How to create content with digital books

Maren September 6, 2024

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.

  • Take your TBR and up the game with edits that follow the beat of your favorite song.
  • 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!

Cabin Fever: Four Chilling Summer Camp Books for Summerween

Guest Blogger August 30, 2024

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.

Jordan Murray © 2021

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Synopsis: 

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.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

Synopsis:

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. 

The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

Synopsis:

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.

The Counselors by Jessica Goodman

Synopsis: 

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.

Jordan Murray © 2019

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.

Is BookTok only for young people?

Antina August 23, 2024

‘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. 

@antinavanderveen

I need more booktok oldies! #booktok #booktoknl #boektok #boektoknl #booktoker #booktokers #booktokcommunity #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #booktour

♬ yes and – chan

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. 

@ezeekat

Reorganizing my books has gone a little off the rails 😅 #booktok #books #bookshelforganization #bookhoarder #bookshelf

♬ original sound – Jaysen

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.

@thecreepybookclub

Comment with a book you wish you could read again for the first time

♬ original sound – TheCreepyBookClub

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.

@laurens.little.library

#bibliophile #booktok #fiction #booklovers #storytime

♬ original sound – Lauren’s Little Library

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.

@nickluebke

Empathy is powerful. Showing people they arent alone is some of the most important work we can do #mentalhealth #growth #mindset @Erwin Raphael McManus

♬ original sound – Nick Luebke

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.

@hai_hoku

🤣🤣🤣 #sailormoon #animefyp #otaku #oldtaku #sailormoonfans

♬ Now and Then – ✨Angie✨

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.

BECOMING AN AUTHOR

Paula August 9, 2024

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.”

@paulaleest

Ik geloof dit nog steeds niet hoor 🥹 MEI 2025 @Uitgeverij Zomer & Keuning #boekentips #schrijven #auteur #schrijver #booktok

♬ original sound – James Jones

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.”

The only Summer Reading Guide you need!

Guest Blogger August 2, 2024

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!

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