Social Media for Authors: Find Readers, Build Trust, Sell Books

All new authors (and publishing companies) need a presence on social media—because that’s where readers discover books, follow creators, share recommendations, and join communities. Every platform has its own “personality,” its own rules, and yes—its own business model built around keeping people scrolling and selling ads. The good news: you don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to pick the right places for your readers, show up consistently, and give people a reason to care.

On the platforms we use, we try to stick to one clear theme per brand. For Southern Dragon Publishing, we post graphics and videos about publishing, supporting other authors, practical digital marketing, and the real-life ups and downs of being indie. That focus makes it easier for readers to recognize what we’re about—and easier for the algorithms to understand who to show our posts to.

Facebook Pages

Facebook has been around for years and still works well for authors—especially for reaching adults who enjoy written posts, photos, polls, short videos, and event announcements. It’s also a powerhouse for community-building through Groups, where readers and writers gather around genres and shared interests. The best approach is to post consistently, interact like a real human (not a billboard), and use your Page to guide people toward your books, newsletter, and events.

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://www.facebook.com/SoDragonPublishing/

Jolene’s Books and More
https://www.facebook.com/jolenesbooksandmore

Instagram

Instagram is a visual platform built around photos, Reels (short videos), and Stories—great for book aesthetics, author personality, behind-the-scenes content, and quick reader-friendly updates. Hashtags and “interest signals” help content reach new people, but consistency matters more than perfection. Since links aren’t clickable in most captions, use your bio link strategically and lean on tags, comments, and collaborations to expand your reach.

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://www.instagram.com/sodragonpublishing/

Jolene’s Books and More
https://www.instagram.com/jolenesbooksandmore/

YouTube

YouTube is still the best long-game platform for authors because videos keep working for you long after they’re posted. It supports long-form video, Shorts, live streams, podcasts, and Community posts (polls, images, updates). Growth usually comes from clarity (what your channel is about), consistency, and strong calls-to-action like “subscribe,” “comment,” and “share.” Think of YouTube as a discoverability engine that can build trust fast—especially when readers get to hear your voice and see your personality.

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://www.youtube.com/@SouthernDragonPublishing

Jolene’s Books and More
http://www.youtube.com/@JolenesBooksAndMore

X (Twitter)

X is a fast-moving microblogging platform where short posts, trending topics, and conversations can spread quickly. Some authors left, some stayed, and many use it as a “signal boost” channel rather than their main community home. If you keep an account here, treat it like an outpost: share updates, links, and quick thoughts—but don’t rely on it as your only reader pipeline. Your email list and website should always be your home base.

Jolene MacFadden
https://X.com/JoleneMacFadden

Pinterest acts more like a visual search engine than a traditional social network, which makes it fantastic for authors with evergreen content. Pins can send traffic to your website, blog posts, book pages, or freebies for months (sometimes years) after you post them. Organize boards by genre, themes, settings, tropes, or reader interests—and make sure each pin has a clear title and a clickable link. It’s especially strong for nonfiction, how-to content, and “bookish” inspiration.

Jolene’s Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/jolenemacinjax/

TikTok

TikTok has been one of the biggest reader-discovery platforms on the planet—especially for fiction—because short videos can travel far beyond your followers. It rewards creativity, personality, and clear “book hooks” (genre, trope, vibe, and emotional payoff). In the U.S., TikTok’s legal status has been messy: a federal “sale-or-ban” law took effect in January 2025, with enforcement and deadlines shifting over time. Bottom line: if you use TikTok, also repurpose your videos to YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels so your work isn’t trapped on one platform. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://www.tiktok.com/@sodragonpublishing

Jolene’s Books and More
https://www.tiktok.com/@jolenesbooksandmore

Mastodon / Bookstodon

Mastodon is part of the “Fediverse,” meaning it’s decentralized—no single corporation owns the whole network. That can feel different at first, but it’s great for community conversations and niche interests, including book-focused spaces like Bookstodon. Growth here comes from authentic interaction, joining conversations, and following hashtags—not from chasing virality. If you like the idea of “social without the corporate noise,” this is worth exploring.

Southern Dragon Publishing (Bookstodon)
https://bookstodon.com/@sodragonpublishing

Jolene’s Books and More (Bookstodon)
https://bookstodon.com/@jolenemacinjax

Threads

Threads is Meta’s microblogging platform and connects closely to Instagram, which makes cross-posting and audience carryover easier. It’s good for casual updates, quick thoughts, book quotes, reader questions, and short discussions. Unlike the early days, Threads does support post scheduling now, which helps busy authors stay consistent. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://www.threads.net/@sodragonpublishing

Jolene’s Books and More
https://www.threads.net/@jolenesbooksandmore

Bluesky

Bluesky is a microblogging platform that opened to the public in February 2024 and has attracted many writers, artists, and readers who wanted a calmer alternative to X. It supports text posts, images, and video, plus hashtags and custom feeds that let you “tune” your experience. For authors, it’s a solid place to build relationships, join bookish conversations, and be discovered through shared interests. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Southern Dragon Publishing
https://bsky.app/profile/sodragonpublishing.bsky.social

Jolene the Writer
https://bsky.app/profile/jolenethewriter.bsky.social

Substack

Email is still the most reliable way to reach readers because algorithms can’t “hide” your newsletter the way feeds can. Substack makes it simple to publish newsletters, build an audience, and even offer paid subscriptions if you choose. For authors, a newsletter becomes your launch team, your relationship-builder, and your steady sales engine—especially when social media gets noisy or unpredictable.

More Platforms Authors Should Know

These aren’t “must-do everything” suggestions—think of them as optional tools that can be incredibly powerful depending on your genre, audience, and goals.

Goodreads

Goodreads is where many readers track what they’ve read, write reviews, and browse recommendations. Claiming your Author profile helps you look professional, manage your book pages, and connect your releases to your name. It’s especially useful for long-term visibility because reader shelves and reviews keep pointing back to your books.

https://www.goodreads.com/

The StoryGraph

StoryGraph is a reader-tracking platform that’s grown quickly, especially with readers who love detailed “mood” and genre tagging. It can help authors understand what readers seek and discover how books are being described by real people. If your audience likes data-driven recommendations, this platform can be a quiet goldmine.

https://thestorygraph.com/

BookBub

BookBub is famous for deal promotions, but it also offers author profiles, follower tools, and paid ads. Readers follow authors here specifically to get notified about new releases and discounts. If you write in popular genres and can run periodic promos, BookBub can drive serious sales.

https://www.bookbub.com/

Amazon Author Central

If your books are on Amazon, Author Central helps you claim your author page, add a bio, photos, videos, and connect all your titles in one place. It’s one of the easiest “trust signals” you can set up because readers already check Amazon before buying. Keep it updated—especially your series order and latest releases.

https://author.amazon.com/

LinkedIn is underrated for nonfiction authors, speakers, coaches, and anyone selling services (editing, design, marketing, workshops). It’s less about “book selfies” and more about credibility, relationships, and professional opportunities. If your writing supports a business, this can be a strong lead-generation platform.

https://www.linkedin.com/

Reddit can be incredible for research and community—if you participate respectfully. Many genre communities exist, but aggressive self-promo usually backfires. Use it for listening, learning reader language, testing hooks, and participating in discussions where your expertise naturally fits.

https://www.reddit.com/

Discord

Discord is ideal for building a “street team” style community: readers who want direct connection, events, and conversations. It works best when you have a reason for people to stick around—like monthly book chats, writing sprints, early cover reveals, or bonus chapters. Think of it as a private community space rather than a public billboard.

https://discord.com/

Google Business Profile (Local / Events)

If you do in-person events (book signings, speaking, workshops), a Google Business Profile can help you show up in local searches. It lets you post updates, collect reviews, and display accurate contact info. Not every author needs this, but it’s very helpful for authors who sell locally or run a small press.

https://www.google.com/business/