Getting Started with Social Media as a Romance Author: A Beginner's Guide to Strategy and Setup
If you're a romance author staring down the social media rabbit hole, wondering where to begin, this guide is for you. With a few strategic steps, you can build a presence that connects with readers and supports your writing career.
Step 1: Claim Your Name Across Platforms
Before you dive into posting, secure your author handle on all major platforms: Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
Even if you don't plan on using every platform, grabbing your name now protects your brand for future growth.
Choose a Searchable Handle
Use your name first, then add "Author" or "Writes" (e.g., JessicaMackAuthor). This ensures you show up when readers search your name. If you add 'Author' at the start of your handle, it's going to be a lot harder for people to find the correct account, especially in Instagram Stories where only the first 9-12 characters of your handle will be shown in search. You don't want 'Author' to take up six of those characters.
Keep Your Username Consistent
Try to keep your username consistent across channels (e.g., @JessicaMackAuthor) to make it easier for readers to find you. If you don't already have a handle you're using, search social media platforms before you settle on one, to make sure it isn't already taken.
Step 2: Set Up Your Accounts
Snag a Business Account
On platforms that allow it, I recommend setting up your account as a business or professional account. This will give you access to better analytics and advertising down the road.
Upload Your Avatar
Upload a clear avatar, ideally a photo of you holding your latest book. This gives you instant credibility and also helps readers find the correct person, especially if you have a common-ish name).
Write a Bio
Write a concise bio that includes your genre and a touch of personality. Don't 'keyword stuff' but do be sure to use terms that are likely to be searched by your potential readers. Read more in Why Romance Authors Should Care About Instagram SEO.
Add a Link
Be sure to add a link to your website or a Linktree-style page with multiple links. Make it easy for new readers to find and buy your books. I can't tell you how many authors I see forget this piece, causing potential new readers to hunt them down.
Start Posting
Post a few introductory pieces of content on each platform so your pages don't look empty.
I recommend starting with a post on who you are and how you got into writing, a post about your book(s), a deeper dive into the tropes covered in your latest book, and an introduction to the main characters in your latest book. If you need some help, take a look at the templates in the Plot & Post store.
Use Hashtags (Selectively)
Hashtags are starting to be phased out on a lot of channels in favor of keywords, but a few well-chosen tags will help search engines determine what your post is about. For example, #RomanceAuthor, #Bookstagram, #IndieAuthor, and #RomanceReads help readers discover your content. Mix popular tags with niche ones to reach the right audience.
Pin an Intro Post
After you've created your "About Me" post, pin it to the top of your grid. Include a short video. Instagram's algorithm loves video content, and obviously TikTok's does too.
Step 3: Focus on One Platform First
You don't need to be everywhere, in fact, that's likely to lead to burnout real quick. Choose the platform you enjoy the most (it will show), and preferably where your readers are most active. Start small, stay consistent, and grow from there.
Romance readers are currently the most active on Instagram and TikTok, especially within communities like #Bookstagram and #BookTok.
Step 4: Repurpose Your Content
Now, I'm not saying you should post the same thing five times in a row, but repurposing content is smart and efficient. For example:
Tweak your Instagram Reels for TikTok.
Turn blog posts, bonus book content, or other juicy extras into carousels, Reels, TikToks, and captions.
Use quotes from your book across platforms.
Recycle evergreen posts from a month ago. I promise not all of your followers will have seen it, and no one is going to be scrolling back that far directly on your feed.
As long as your main channel gets the most attention, repurposing saves time and keeps your content pipeline flowing.
Ready to simplify your social media strategy? Subscribe to the Plot & Post newsletter for monthly tips, tools, and templates designed just for romance authors.
