Do Authors Really Need Social Media?

(And Which One Should You Pick?)

Some authors love social media.
Others would rather wrestle a bear than post another “writing update.”

So let’s get honest:
Do you really need it?
And if you do use it, which platform actually makes sense for you?

Here’s how to think about social media without losing your mind, your voice, or your writing time.

First Things First

You don’t have to use Social Media. There are successful authors who use it daily, and there are just as many who don’t touch it at all.

You can sell books through a newsletter, podcast interviews, book clubs, signings, ads, or word of mouth. Social media is one tool, not the tool.

But if you enjoy it—or are curious about it—it can be a powerful way to connect with readers, build trust, and share your work over time. And connection is really the key. In the same way How to Write Compelling Dialogue explores how words build relationships between characters, social media is about building that same bridge with readers.

What Social Media Can Do for You

Help readers find you before your book is published
Show your personality in a low-stakes way
Build community with other writers
Let you test ideas and get feedback
Create long-term interest in your writing

What it can’t do?
Magically sell thousands of books in one viral post.
(That happens, but it’s rare—and not something you can plan for.)

Picking the Right Platform for You

If you’re going to use social media as part of your author platform, here’s the most important rule: pick one place to start. Not three. Not all of them. Just one. You can always branch out later, but trying to juggle everything from the start is a fast track to burnout.

Each platform has its own rhythm, culture, and strengths. The goal is to find one that fits you—your personality, your time, and your comfort level. Here’s a more detailed look at the most common options for indie authors:

TikTok (BookTok)

Great for: Short videos, book marketing, behind-the-scenes content, building a strong reader community fast.

Why authors love it:
BookTok is one of the most influential spaces for indie authors right now. It’s built an entire ecosystem around reader enthusiasm. A single video can launch a book to bestseller status—especially if it hits an emotional note that resonates with your target audience.

What works well:

Talking directly to the camera about your book, your writing process, or what inspired a character.
Sharing book recommendations, writing tips, or funny takes on being an author.
Trends and sounds can give you an easy “in,” even if you’re new.

Good fit if:

You’re open to experimenting with short-form video.
You enjoy showing a little personality on camera.
You’re willing to post consistently and see what sticks.

Tips:

You don’t have to dance. Ever.
You don’t have to be super polished. Raw and relatable works better than overly curated.
Watch a few BookTok creators first to get a feel for what resonates.

Time commitment: Moderate to high if you want regular growth, but the learning curve is shorter than people think.

Instagram

Great for: Visual storytelling, author aesthetics, community building, and bookish vibes.

Why authors love it:
Instagram gives you space to be creative without needing to film yourself talking. It’s ideal if you love the idea of sharing glimpses into your writing life, your book covers, favorite quotes, or your desk setup. It’s also where many readers and writers hang out for inspiration and community.

What works well:

Carousel posts for writing tips, quotes, or short updates.
Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses, polls, questions, and casual check-ins.
Reels if you want to dabble in video without committing to TikTok.

Good fit if:

You enjoy photography, visuals, or simple graphics.
You like crafting short captions with a personal tone.
You’re not a fan of being constantly on camera.

Tips:

Use Stories regularly to stay connected without pressure to post perfectly.
Hashtags still matter, but not as much as engaging content and consistency.
Try Canva templates for easy, professional-looking graphics.

Time commitment: Moderate, depending on how polished you want your feed to look. Stories are low-effort and effective.

Threads (by Instagram)

Great for: Casual updates, personal thoughts, and ongoing conversations with your audience.

Why authors like it:
Threads is designed to be a more relaxed, text-first social platform—less curated than Instagram, less chaotic than Twitter/X. It’s still evolving, but it’s great if you want to share your thoughts and connect in a low-pressure way, especially with readers or fellow writers who already follow you on Instagram.

What works well:

Quick updates about your writing process or daily life
Short quotes, sneak peeks, or musings about storytelling
Threaded conversations that feel more personal than polished

Good fit if:

You’re already active on Instagram
You like writing micro-posts or conversational blurbs
You’re looking for a gentler, less performative space than other platforms

Tips:

Keep it casual and in your voice
Use Threads to build connection, not just sell books
Engage with others—this platform is still growing, so interaction matters

Time commitment: Low. Think of it like a writer-friendly texting thread with your audience.

X (formerly Twitter)

Great for: Writing community engagement, witty commentary, real-time reactions, and bookish trends.

Why authors still use it:
X has long been a hotspot for the #WritingCommunity. Pitch events, threads of advice, and viral writing jokes often start here. It moves fast and can be chaotic, but it’s still a strong place to connect with both writers and readers—if you’re comfortable in that environment.

What works well:

Writing tips and short-form advice threads
Real-time commentary on publishing trends or creative life
Engaging in pitch events like #PitMad or #MoodPitch

Good fit if:

You’re clever with words and enjoy bite-sized posting
You want to participate in fast-moving community conversations
You’re not overwhelmed by high-volume feeds

Tips:

Be authentic and interactive—don’t just post and vanish
Don’t rely on automation. This platform rewards real-time interaction
Mute or block when necessary to keep your feed peaceful

Time commitment: Moderate. You can hop in and out, but engagement and consistency go a long way

Facebook

Great for: Community building, deeper reader conversations, and connecting with older demographics.

Why authors love it:
Facebook is still incredibly useful for certain genres and audiences, especially if you’re writing romance, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, or nonfiction. The Group feature allows for a sense of community that feels more intimate than other platforms.

What works well:

Creating or participating in reader groups related to your genre.
Posting longer updates or reflections without the need for graphics.
Running events like launch parties, giveaways, or Q&A sessions.

Good fit if:

You’re already active on Facebook, or your readers are.
You enjoy interacting with people over time in a slower-paced setting.
You write in a genre with a strong Facebook presence.

Tips:

Consider starting a private group just for your readers or newsletter subscribers.
Be selective with who you friend on your personal page—use an Author Page or Group for public interaction.
Facebook Ads can be powerful, but there’s a learning curve and some cost involved.

Time commitment: Low to high depending on whether you’re managing a Group or just posting occasionally.

But What Do You Post?

That’s the question, right?

Here are a few ideas:

A line you just wrote:
This can be as simple as one great sentence you’re proud of from today’s writing session. It doesn’t have to be profound—just something that gives a glimpse into your style or story. Maybe it’s snarky dialogue, a moody piece of narration, or a swoony line from your main character. You can even preface it with something like, “Today’s favorite line,” or “I wasn’t sure about this scene, but this line made me laugh.” Readers love getting a peek behind the curtain, and this is an easy way to share progress without overthinking it.

A photo of your writing space:
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect desk setup to share this. Snap a picture of your laptop and coffee mug, your notebook with chaotic scribbles, or the pile of research books currently threatening to collapse. Even if you’re writing from your bed or the front seat of your car, showing where the magic happens makes readers feel like they’re in it with you. Add a caption like, “This is what writing looks like today,” or “My cat is my co-writer, and she keeps sitting on the keyboard.”

A book you’re reading and loving:
Authors who celebrate books tend to attract readers who, well, love books. Share a quick thought about what you’re reading right now and why you’re enjoying it. Tag the author if you’re feeling brave (they might even respond!). Whether it’s research for your own story, a comp title, or just a cozy weekend read, bookish posts help position you in the world you’re writing for. Bonus: you’re contributing to the larger reading community and not just promoting yourself.

A question for your followers:
People love to give their opinions, especially if you make it low-stakes and fun. Ask things like, “Which of these two cover mockups do you like better?” or “Would you rather read a slow-burn romance or an enemies-to-lovers arc?” You can tie the question into your current project or just use it as a conversation starter. The trick is to keep it casual and specific, not overly broad or serious. Give people something they can answer in one sentence without having to overthink it.

A behind-the-scenes look at your process:
Talk about what it’s really like to write your book. Are you revising a tricky scene? Stuck on a character name? Celebrating the fact that you wrote something today even if it was just one sentence? Share that. Pull back the curtain a little. You don’t need to be overly vulnerable or dramatic—just real. Readers and fellow writers appreciate honesty about the ups and downs of the creative process. It builds trust and reminds everyone that writing is hard but worth it.

A funny or honest moment from your writing day:
Did you spend two hours rewriting a single paragraph? Did your character suddenly develop a completely new backstory mid-draft? Did you forget your villain’s name halfway through the manuscript? These kinds of moments make for perfect posts. They’re relatable, lighthearted, and show that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Humor and honesty go a long way in building connection, and you’d be surprised how often someone will say, “Same,” or “Glad it’s not just me.”

If it feels like a journal entry or a conversation, you’re doing it right.

When It’s Not Worth It

Skip social media (for now) if: