Want to know why some writers have thousands of people eagerly waiting for their debut novel while others launch to silence? It’s not about going viral—it’s about building genuine excitement through authentic sharing. Today, I’m going to show you how to use social media to create anticipation that turns followers into fans. Let’s dive into the power of strategic enthusiasm!
Understanding Social Media Magic
Creating publishing buzz isn’t about posting constantly—it’s about making people invested in your journey. Here’s why social media works:
- Real-Time Connection: Followers feel like they’re part of your writing adventure, not just customers.
- Anticipation Building: Sharing your process creates excitement for the finished product.
- Community Creation: Your social media becomes where your future readers gather and connect.
How I Use Social Media to Build Excitement:
I share behind-the-scenes moments: typing away at 5 AM with my coffee, celebrating finished chapters, posting photos from research trips. When I’m stuck on a plot point, I ask followers what they think my hero should do. They feel invested because they helped create the story.
For my Sky King Ranch series, I posted Alaska photos, shared character casting ideas, and revealed tiny plot hints. By launch day, readers weren’t just buying a book—they were getting the story they’d been anticipating for months.
Your Social Media Strategy:
Share your writing process, not just your finished products. Post about breakthrough moments, research discoveries, character revelations, and even writing struggles. Make followers feel like insiders, not outsiders.
Quick Engagement Ideas:
- Writing Progress: “Chapter 12 done! My heroine just made a decision that changes everything…”
- Character Casting: “Who do you picture as my small-town sheriff hero?”
- Research Sharing: Photos from locations that inspired your settings
- Behind-the-Scenes: Your writing space, favorite writing snacks, playlist reveals
- Reader Questions: “What’s your favorite enemies-to-lovers trope?”
- Milestone Celebrations: First draft completed, agent signed, cover reveals
Platform-Specific Tips:
- Instagram: Visual storytelling with photos of your writing life
- Facebook: Longer updates and community building in groups
- Twitter: Quick updates, industry connections, and writing community engagement
The One Thing Challenge
This week: Choose one platform, post about your current writing project, share one behind-the-scenes moment, and engage authentically with three other writers’ posts.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to be everywhere. Pick one platform you actually enjoy and focus on building genuine connections there.
Remember: Social media isn’t about selling—it’s about storytelling. Share your journey authentically, and people will naturally want to read the stories that come from it.
You’ve got this! Go Write Something Brilliant!