The Best Social Media Channels for Fiction and Nonfiction Writers Right Now

Your time is limited, so here’s how to use it wisely.

Photo by CJ Dayrit on Unsplash

Whether you write thrillers, memoirs, cookbooks, or literary fiction, your audience is hanging out somewhere online. You just need to know where.

The truth? Not every social platform is ideal for every genre. Crazy, right? And, there’s more.

Not all social media platforms are indexed by Google and AI search engines (looking at you, Bluesky). So why bother?

Social Media for Authors in 2025 – Helpful or Overrated?

As writers, when it comes to marketing, we think, UGH, ICKY GROSS, especially if you’re introverted like me. So, where should we allocate the precious time and energy we have for book marketing on social media? Let’s discuss…*

*I’m not getting into the ethics or politics of the various social media sites. I’m sharing practical info for writers. Choose to do what you will.

Think about book marketing as a way to connect with readers through genuine connection on the topics of your book, and also your topics of interest.

💥 Shout-out to my exclusive advertising sponsor, the always-free Booklinker (universal book links—so helpful!), and the paid tool, GeniusLinks. I love both💥 (affiliate link).

Best Social Media Platforms for Fiction Writers

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, YA, Horror, Historical, Literary, Erotica.

✅ Facebook

Bear with me. Lots of authors write off Facebook as ‘outdated,’ but for fiction writers, it still has huge potential when you use it with purpose.

In 2025, over 3 billion people log in every month, and more than 2 billion log in daily. That’s a massive, active audience you can still tap into. (Source: Cool Nerds Marketing.)

Here’s why:

1. Facebook Groups = Built-In Reader Communities

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where discovery relies heavily on algorithms, Facebook Groups give you direct access to engaged communities of readers. For example:

• Genre-specific groups (Romantic Suspense Readers, Cozy Mystery Club, Historical Fiction Fans).

• Book clubs that actively choose group reads.

• Writer-reader hybrids where you can network with other authors and their fans.

Readers in these groups are already looking for books like yours. If you participate genuinely (without spamming), you can connect with fans who are primed to make a purchase.

2. Long-Form Storytelling

Facebook is one of the few platforms where long-form posts (with a character limit of up to 63,000 characters 😳 - don’t use it all - nobody reads that much on social media!) actually perform well.

You can share excerpts, behind-the-scenes insights, or origin stories about your book, and readers will take the time to engage with them.

3. Events and Launch Parties

You can host virtual launch events or book discussions right on Facebook. Live video, polls, and Q&As let you create interactive experiences.

For example, many authors often run “release day parties” with giveaways and cross-promotions with other writers.

Remember, even if your turnout is small, that’s okay! It’s being indexed. You’re still getting ‘juice.’

4. Reader Demographics

Many avid fiction readers, especially women over 40 (a massive book-buying demographic), are highly active on Facebook.

They may not be scrolling TikTok, but they’re definitely checking Facebook daily.

If your audience skews to this group, Facebook is gold. 🏆

5. Advertising Power

Facebook’s ad targeting is still one of the best for authors:

• You can target readers of comparable authors (e.g., “Fans of Sara J. Maas” or “Readers of Stephen King”).

• You can retarget website visitors or your newsletter list.

• You can test ads at a low cost to determine which covers, blurbs, or hooks perform best.

• You can create an event and boost it just for that geographical area (or online if a Zoom event).

• Connect your Instagram account, and ads will appear there as well.

• If you go into the ad module, you can target posts to appear on Facebook, Instagram, and now, Threads as well.

6. Relationship-Building Over Time

Because Facebook allows commenting, private groups, and messenger connections, it creates more of a “community feel.”

For fiction writers, this means your readers don’t just buy a book; they feel like they’re part of your journey, which builds loyalty for future releases.

✨ Bottom line: Facebook might not feel shiny, but it’s still one of the most effective spaces for building loyal fiction readers, especially if you combine groups, organic engagement, and smart ads.

How Writers Can Use GeniusLink and Analytics to Sell More Books

✅ Instagram

Think ‘visual.’ Many people use a link aggregator, in their bios, like LinkTree (free). You can add up to five links to your profile (only on mobile). You can now add link stickers to your stories as well.

Book covers, quotes, aesthetic vibes? Instagram nails it.

• Great for Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, YA, NA (New Adult), and Historical Fiction, as well as nonfiction genres such as cookbooks, memoirs, and history.

• Use features like Reels (bookish trends), Stories (cover reveals, reader Q&A), and carousels (writing tips or plot teasers). You also have Highlights.

  Though Highlights are moving!

• Examples:

  • @cassandraclare – Urban fantasy, aesthetic-rich visuals

  • Ali Hazelwood - Romance/romcoms with quirky reels and book drops

Add #bookstagram, #amwriting, and genre-specific tags like #historicalfictionlovers.

🎥 Reels (Video Clips Up to 90 Sec)

Best for: Hooks, humor, trends, behind-the-scenes

• Record a 3-point video: “Here’s what my book is about,” “Why I wrote it,” “Where to buy it.”

• Use trending audio/music with captions or point to floating text (super Bookstagram-friendly)

• Always end with a CTA (Call To Action): “Preorder now,” “Follow for updates,” or “Comment with your fave trope.” “Makes a great gift,” is helpful for this time of year.

🔗 Tool: InShot for easy editing
📣 Example: @emilyhenrywrites

📚 Carousels (Swipeable Posts, 3–10 Slides)

Best for: Writing tips, teasers, quotes, reviews

• Create mini-lessons or bonus scenes readers can swipe through

• Share the top 3 reviews or pull quotes with consistent branded visuals

• End with a call to save/share: “Bookmark this if you’re writing a memoir!”

🔗 Tool: Canva for pre-built templates
📣 Example: Chloë Drimal

⏳ Stories (Disappear in 24 Hrs)

Best for: Real-time updates, cover reveals, Q&As

• Use stickers: polls, countdowns, question boxes

• Share BTS: messy desk, reader photos, launch day vibes

• Keep them casual and human, which is perfect for building a connection

• If you share a story, you can then save it as a highlight (see next point).

🔗 How-to: Tap your profile > camera icon > upload or record
📣 Example: @abbyjimenezauthor

🖼️ Highlights (Save Your Best Stories)

Best for: Organizing your brand

• Create Highlight categories: Books, Reviews, About Me, Events

• Use custom icons (Canva has templates for this)

• Treat Highlights like your mini author website on IG

🔗 Tip: Add stories to Highlights right after posting
📣 Example: @brenebrown

✅ TikTok

BookTok is still the juggernaut, especially for YA, NA, Fantasy, Romantasy, Erotica, and Romance. (Most of my author clients are my age (61) or older, so TikTok may not feel comfortable. It’s loud. It’s busy. But I don’t discount it at all. It’s an excellent option!)

However, if it feels like too much, skip it. Younger genres reign here.

• Focus on emotionally compelling hooks ("He’s a vampire. She’s his therapist.")

• Trends and fast clips win over polished content.

• Examples:

  • @ayida_shonibar – YA & fantasy author with robust engagement

  • @bookish_kels – Reader/reviewer niche

• Use #booktok, #romancereads, #spicybooks, etc.

✅ X (formerly Twitter)

Still works for speculative fiction, literary fiction, sci-fi, YA, nonfiction, humor, and horror. Writers, agents, and publishers used to live there (well, between Substack, Bluesky, IG/FB, X, you’re covered).

• Great for threads, writing prompts, and reader connections.

• Start and join conversations with other authors, especially during book events.

• Examples:

  • @Riley_Sager – Suspense and horror updates

• Utilize lists, pinned tweets, and tools like free Booklinker to create universal buy links.

📚 Best Social Media Platforms for Nonfiction Authors

Genres: Memoir, Self-Help, Business, Creative Nonfiction, Health/Wellness, True Crime, History, Cookbooks, etc.

✅ LinkedIn

Still one of the top platforms for business, career, and self-help nonfiction.

• Ideal for: Thought leadership, sharing excerpts, and driving newsletter signups.

• Feature-rich newsletters, long-form posts, polls, and event promotion.

• Examples:

  • Dorie Clark – Business author using weekly strategy tips

  • Susan Cain – Psychology/memoir blend with high interaction

• Use topic hashtags like #leadership, #nonfictionbooks, #writingtips

✅ Facebook (More to Think About)

Older demographic? Facebook reigns supreme, especially in genres such as memoir, history, cooking, parenting, and spirituality. With over 3 billion monthly active users, approximately 37% of the world’s population uses Facebook at least once per month.*

*However, Facebook is not used worldwide. Social media bans are commonplace, and the platform is blocked in several countries.

• Groups are gold! Consider starting or joining a niche group around your topic. I founded two groups: one for writing and marketing, and one for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and I am part of many other groups.
  
  Even if you don’t participate actively, watch. See what you love and what you would change in your own group. Then make it happen.

• Author pages remain important for advertising and SEO purposes, particularly when combined with events, giveaways, and reader clubs. Plus, wherever you may end up having events or readings, they will want to be able to tag you (personal accounts can’t be tagged on Pages).

• Examples:

  • Mari Smith – Conversation and social media updates

  • The Writers Forum – Writing, writing, and more writing.

✅ Instagram

Still great for nonfiction that’s visual, inspirational, or practical.

• Think: Wellness tips, journaling quotes, DIY, recipes, lifestyle content.

• Examples:

  • @brenebrown – Researcher + personal storytelling

  • @nedratawwab – Mental health and boundaries advice

✨ Bonus Platforms Worth Exploring

📧 Substack

• Both genres are especially strong for nonfiction or serialized fiction.

You’re here reading this. What brought you here? What got you to read this far?

• Authors build email lists while publishing longer-form content.

• Examples:

  • Roxane Gay

  • Charles Levin

📌 Pinterest

• Underrated for authors, especially those in romance, lifestyle, cookbooks, and self-help genres.

• Think: infographics, reading lists, checklists, and tip boards.

🎧 YouTube

• Best for authors with courses, podcasts, or visual storytelling (true crime, tutorials, behind-the-scenes). #BookTube is a reviewer hashtag, so be sure to connect with those folks (in your genre). Also helpful for book blog tours.

• For SEO purposes, there’s no downside to having a YouTube channel and adding videos (or even ‘shorts’), just as you do on other platforms, as Google owns YouTube.

• Examples:

  • Joanna Penn – Writing and publishing advice

  • Jasmin Darnell (fantasy illustrator/author)

🤔 Final Thoughts: Where You Show Up Should Match Your Reader

Not every author needs to be on every channel. The goal is to be discoverable in the places where your readers already spend time.

If you write cozy romance, go where cozy readers hang out (hint: Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook). If you write business strategy, join the conversation where those folks scroll (hint: LinkedIn).

Select 2-4 platforms that align with your book and your audience, then dive deeper.

Happy writing!

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