(Especially if You’re Just Starting or Reviving Your Socials)
Whether you’re launching your author socials for the first time or trying to resuscitate an account that’s been collecting digital dust, let’s make this simple: You don’t need to go viral. You need to get consistent, memorable, and a little bit fun.
The goal: connection first, promotion second.
Readers fall in love with you before they fall in love with your books.
Below are easy, repeatable content ideas that don’t require ring lights, full makeup, or becoming a TikTok comedian. (We love low-lift content in this house.)
Low-Effort, High-Connection Post Ideas
These build interest and identity — without your face if you don’t want to be on camera.
1. Mood / Vibe Boards
Share the feel of your book using images (Pinterest is your friend).
Think: atmosphere first, plot second.
2. Character Introductions
Keep it short and spicy.
- Name + Trope
- One fatal flaw
- One redeeming reason we root for them
3. Quote Drops
One line. No context. Let readers hunger.
“He said my name like a promise he absolutely intended to break.”
Done.
4. “What to Read When…” Lists
Recommend books with certain vibes and slide yourself in there too.
No shame. Strategic marketing.
5. Three-Emoji Story Teaser
Drop 3 emojis that describe your book’s vibe and let your audience guess.
Example: 🪓💋😠 (angry lumberjack + surprise kissing… obviously)
Face-Optional Content That Still Shows Personality
6. Your Author Origin Story (30 seconds max)
People connect with why you write.
7. Workspace Snapshot
Whether it’s a gorgeous desk setup or a couch and chaos — show real life.
8. Tiny Writing Timelapse
Prop your phone on a coffee mug.
10 seconds of typing.
Add a caption like:
“Trying to make my characters stop glaring at each other. It’s not going well.”
Engagement Triggers That Are Actually Fun
9. “Help Me Choose” Polls
Cover variations, character names, title options…
Readers love being included.
10. Trope Polls
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Only One Bed
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Bodyguard/Client
Let people fight in the comments. It’s good for engagement.
11. Hot Takes
You don’t need to be controversial — just opinionated.
“The MMC should be at least a little obsessed. Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk.”
If You’re Reviving a Dormant Account
Week 1:
- Mood board
- Character intro
- Trope poll
Week 2:
- Quote card
- Writing check-in
- Ask followers for recs
Week 3:
Start posting book CTA every 3rd post.
Not before. Trust me.
Focus on re-opening conversation before you start selling.
Caption Cheat Sheet (Copy + Paste)
- “I accidentally wrote emotional damage with kissing. Oops.”
- “The vibes: longing, banter, and poor life choices.”
- “This character is horny and sad. A winning combination.”
- “I didn’t choose the trope. The trope chose me.”
Humor + honesty = connection.
Connection = engagement.
Engagement = sales (eventually).
Want Hands-On Help?
Bookcase Media offers:
- Done-for-you content planning
- Caption creation + posting support
- Marketing strategy for romance authors
- ARC + street team management
- Quote pulls, hooks, and marketing bibles
If you want to hand off your socials and breathe again, we’ve got you.
📩 Contact us at: [email protected]