Bookstagram Etiquette for Authors: How to Build Genuine Connections Without the Cringe
For authors, Bookstagram (Instagram’s book-loving community) can be a goldmine for reaching readers—if you do it right. Many writers dive in with promotional gusto… only to be met with silence or, worse, unfollows. Why? Because treating Bookstagram like a billboard instead of a community is a surefire way to get ignored.
This guide covers the unspoken rules of Bookstagram for authors. Whether you’re a debut novelist or an established writer, these etiquette tips will help you connect with readers authentically—without making common missteps.
1. Don’t Treat Bookstagram Like a Sales Pitch
What Not to Do:
- Posting only about your book with “BUY NOW!” captions
- DMing book bloggers out of the blue with review requests
- Ignoring other books/genres to focus solely on self-promotion
What Works Better:
- Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% engaging content, 20% book promotion
- Share your reading life too—post books you love, even if they’re not yours
- Build relationships before asking for reviews or shares
Why It Matters: Readers and Bookstagrammers can spot a hard sell from miles away. If your feed feels like an ad, they’ll scroll right past.
2. Engage Authentically (No Copy-Paste Comments)
The Cringe Approach:
- Leaving generic comments like “Great post! Check out my book!”
- Liking a post but never commenting
- Tagging random book bloggers in unrelated posts
The Right Way:
- Leave thoughtful comments (e.g., “This review makes me want to reread this book! Did the ending surprise you too?”)
- Respond to Stories and DMs like a real human (not a bot)
- Support other authors—readers notice who’s genuine
Pro Tip: If someone posts about a book similar to yours, engage naturally—don’t hijack their post to plug yours.
3. Respect Book Bloggers & Reviewers
Biggest Pet Peeves of Bookstagrammers:
- Authors demanding 5-star reviews
- Getting angry over critical reviews
- Sending unsolicited review copies without asking first
How to Approach Reviewers Politely:
- Check their profile to see if they accept review requests
- Send a polite DM (not a comment!) asking if they’re interested
- Accept a no gracefully—never argue with a reviewer
Remember: Not every reader will love your book, and that’s okay. How you handle criticism says more about you than the review itself.
4. Give Credit (Or Risk Backlash)
Common Mistakes:
- Reposting a reviewer’s photo without permission
- Not tagging the original creator in shared content
- Using fan art/graphics without crediting the artist
Proper Etiquette:
- Always ask before reposting someone’s photo/review
- Tag the creator in both the caption and image
- If you share fan art, credit the artist and link their page
Why? Bookstagrammers work hard on their content—skipping credit burns bridges fast.
5. Avoid Hashtag Spam & Follow Bait
What Looks Desperate:
- Stuffing 30 irrelevant hashtags (#Foodie #Travel) on a book post
- Following hundreds of accounts just to unfollow later
- Begging for follows (“Follow me and I’ll follow back!”)
Smarter Strategies:
- Use relevant hashtags (#Bookstagram #YAReaders)
- Engage with 10-15 posts per day (meaningfully)
- Let followers grow organically—no gimmicks
Note: Instagram’s algorithm penalizes spammy behavior. Play the long game.
6. Handle Criticism with Grace
What Not to Do:
- Commenting defensively on negative reviews
- Subtweeting (or “sub-gramming”) about “mean” reviewers
- Asking friends/fans to attack critical reviewers
Better Responses:
- Stay silent—don’t engage with negativity
- Thank reviewers for their time, even if they disliked the book
- Learn from feedback—some critiques can help your next book
Hard Truth: Even bestselling authors get bad reviews. How you react defines your reputation.
7. Support the Community (Not Just Yourself)
Ways to Be a Valued Member:
- Celebrate other authors’ releases
- Share reader-generated content (with credit)
- Join reading challenges or book clubs
Bonus: Many Bookstagrammers promote authors they like for free—if you’ve built real connections.
Final Thought: Be a Reader First
The most successful authors on Bookstagram don’t just push their books—they’re active, engaged members of the book community. They comment on posts, share their own reading stacks, and treat Bookstagrammers with respect.
If you approach Bookstagram as a place to give (not just take), you’ll find loyal readers who genuinely want to support your work.
Your Turn: What’s Your Bookstagram Experience?
- Authors: What strategies worked for you?
- Bookstagrammers: What do you wish authors knew?
Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts below!
