In this newsletter and through Author University events, we at Author Development have frequently recommended forming connections with readers and bookish content creators to help build your audience. When you’re starting out, forging those connections can be tricky. To help, we spoke with three bookish content creators about how they prefer to interact with authors online.
Our Experts
Kimberly Nwokorie is a popular BookTok and Instagram creator, as well as one of PRH’s featured TikTok partners.
Simone Siew is a content creator, writer, and social media marketing freelancer. She also serves as one of PRH’s featured TikTok partners.
Cree Myles is an influencer, writer, and the creator and curator of “All Ways Black.”
Q: What was your best interaction with an author online? You don’t have to name who it was, but what did you enjoy about the interaction?
Kimberly: The best interaction I’ve had with an author online was when I made a post about their most recent book and how much I adored it and they not only responded, but held up a conversation with me via DMs. That really made me feel like all my thoughts were validated and gave me some insight into what they were feeling at the time of writing this book I enjoyed. It was a cool one-on-one experience that you don’t normally get with an author, so it was much appreciated.
Simone: My best interaction with an author online was with Betsy Lerner. She is an incredible writer and video creator in her own right, and she exudes kindness and authenticity. On top of her amazing career as a writer and a literary agent, she makes these beautiful videos talking about writing and looking through her diaries from when she was younger. From time to time, she will comment really sweet and thoughtful things on my videos, and it feels special to have someone like her take the time to interact with me. I may never meet her in real life, but I feel like if I did, she would treat me like a friend.
Cree: It’s hard to name just one; the Black reading and writing community isn’t perfect, but I think overall, it’s pretty healthy. We value each other. I’d extend that sentiment to BIPOC at large as well.
Q: Is there something you wish more authors did online to interact with readers? Is there something you wouldn’t recommend?
Kimberly: I am someone who really respects when authors keep a professional line between interacting with readers and their personal lives. So, I really appreciate when authors maintain their boundaries, but let people in just a little bit. It’s a tough line to walk, but I often think of authors like Rachel Lynn Solomon, who stays very interactive in her comment sections and sometimes direct messages. I think that’s a great way to go about things.
Simone: I wish authors posted more about themselves and their thoughts. They don’t need to be directly messaging or commenting on reader’s videos, but I wish they gave readers more information to hold on to. This could come in the form of fun facts or thoughts about books. Regarding things they shouldn’t do, I personally would avoid calling out negative reviews.
Cree: I mostly wish authors were just themselves. I don’t know the struggle of needing to constantly push a project, but I feel like if there is already online rapport with you, I’m more inclined to read your debut. If you’ve posted things that would suggest you are a curious person, that we align politically, that you are brave, I would assume your book is well-written.
Q: What things make you want to follow an author?
Kimberly: Something that makes me want to follow an author is when they have a sense of humor. Usually through Instagram posts or stories, I can find out what type of person they are, and that often makes me want to follow. I also love to see an author’s authenticity, if they speak out about important topics, if they just have a really kind demeanor or an aesthetically pleasing page!
Simone: The thing that makes me want to follow an author’s social media account is if they share content outside of the book they are promoting. I want to see their personalities! I want to know about the books they like, their opinions on other authors and topical things going on in the literary world, writing advice, and behind-the-scenes of getting a book published. The cherry on top is if they interact with me by responding to my comments or watching my own videos and commenting. I know authors are already so busy with their writing, so it feels wrong to add another thing to their list, but that’s really what gets me to click follow!
Cree: If the book knocks my socks off. The last author I followed in haste was Kaveh Akbar.