A Sanity-Saving Guide to Social Media for Writers

If you’re trying to grow your author platform, there’s a good chance you’re overwhelmed.

You’ve been told you need to “build your audience,” “be consistent,” and “show up everywhere.” Maybe you’ve tried posting on Instagram, dabbling in TikTok, or tweeting into the void. Maybe you’ve burned out. Maybe you’ve avoided it altogether because it feels like one more thing you’re supposed to master but don’t really understand.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be on every platform. You need a plan that fits your life and supports your writing.

That’s what this post is about.

Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to using social media as a writer without letting it take over your time, your energy, or your creative brain space.

The Myth of “Being Everywhere”

Writers often feel enormous pressure to be “everywhere” online. Maybe you’ve heard this advice:

“You need to be on TikTok making fun content or your book won’t sell.”

“Agents check your follower count.”

“If you’re not building a platform, you’re falling behind.”

But here’s the truth: presence without purpose is noise.

Many writers sign up for every platform, post sporadically, and then feel defeated when nothing gains traction. That’s not a strategy—it’s a cycle of guilt and exhaustion.

Your platform should serve your goals—not the algorithm’s.

Choose Your Corner of the Internet

Being everywhere is a nice thought, but the truth is, not all social media platforms will help you achieve your goals as an author or reach your audience.

Instead of burning yourself out, choose 1–2 platforms that:

• You genuinely enjoy using (or at least tolerate). I will never be on X and have significantly reduced my Facebook presence because I just don’t like them. Promoting your work (to a certain extent, anyway) should be fun—but it won’t be fun at all if you have to be a bunch of places you hate.

• Your ideal readers are already hanging out on. Does fun video content fit your vibe? Do TikTok. Would your book make a good addition to a particular Instagram community? Do that. Channel your efforts where they are most likely to succeed.

• Align with the kind of content you want to create. You don’t have to do video if that isn’t your thing. You don’t have to post inspiring words on X. Pick the platform that fits your strengths and interests.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Instagram: Great for visual storytelling, connecting with readers, and building a “writerly” aesthetic.

• Facebook: Still useful for author pages and groups, especially if your audience skews older.

• TikTok: Huge for discoverability (if you like short-form video and your genre is trending there).

• Twitter/X: Good for networking with other writers, but chaotic. Use with caution.

• LinkedIn: Surprisingly great for nonfiction writers and memoirists with professional tie-ins.

• Substack: A newsletter-first platform ideal for writers who want to build an audience around thoughtful, long-form content.

• Email Newsletter: Not social media, but arguably the most valuable tool in your platform. It’s intimate, direct, and algorithm-proof. (More on this in a future post)

Don’t pick a platform just because it’s popular. Pick the one where you can show up with consistency, creativity, and heart.

Show Up with a Plan, Not Pressure

 Let’s say you’ve chosen Instagram and email as your two core platforms. Now what?

You don’t need to post every day. You don’t need to go viral. You need a rhythm.

Here’s my recommendation.

Post 2–3 times a week with content that:

o   Offers value (writing tips, book recommendations, reflections)

o   Builds connection (behind-the-scenes, personal insights)

o   Mentions your work (gently, with context)

Engage with your community:

o   Reply to comments and DMs

o   Support other writers

o   Use stories or reels to be more visible without overthinking it

• Use batching: Create your content in 1 or 2 focused sessions per week to save time and reduce stress.

Remember, you’re a writer first. Social media should support your creativity—not swallow it whole.

Build Trust, Not Just Followers

 Your author platform isn’t about shouting into the void. It’s about building relationships.

Your goal isn’t just to sell books. It’s to connect with potential readers, other writers, and yes, even future collaborators or publishers.

That means being consistent (not constant), being yourself (not a brand robot), offering more than you promote, and showing up even when you’re not launching a book.

Trust grows when people know what to expect from you and feel like they’re part of something. Whether you’ve got 50 followers or 5,000, make them feel seen.

It’s OK to Grow Slowly

 I get it. This is overwhelming stuff, and it’s no wonder that most authors I talk to are afraid of social media. But you don’t have to have it all figured out right now.

You’re allowed to experiment. You’re allowed to take breaks. You’re allowed to change your mind.

Social media is not the heart of your writing life. It’s a tool. That’s it. And you get to choose how you use it.

So instead of asking “How can I go viral?” try asking these questions:

• What conversations do I want to start?

• Who do I want to encourage?

• What kind of reader do I want to invite into my world?

Interest in real people and how your work can meet them where they are is how you really build an audience.

Ready to Do Social Media (& Other Stuff) Without Losing Your Mind?

 If you’re tired of guessing your way through book marketing or you’re staring down a book release with no idea how to promote it without becoming someone you’re not, you don’t have to go it alone.

The Ultimate Book Launch Flight Plan is my signature strategy guide for writers who want a clear, actionable roadmap for launching their book with integrity and confidence.

Learn to build a launch team, create compelling social media posts, connect with podcasts and other creators, and much more.

Grab a free copy here, and let’s help you stop panicking about promoting your work and actually have some fun.