Looking for blog post ideas for authors? Blog articles offer a direct and personal way for writers to reach their readers, but it’s not always easy to know which types of content will be effective in achieving that goal. Many authors publish blog content specific to their own books — sneak peeks, writing process updates, new release and deal announcements, contests, and so on — but what other content might be engaging and shareable?
We’ve rounded up a list of blog post ideas for authors featuring examples of some of our strongest performing posts from the BookBub consumer blog. Whether your goal is to stay connected with readers between book launches or create fodder for mailing lists, these suggestions aim to be flexible, repeatable, and engaging. Happy blogging!
1. A list of recommended books in your genre
Readers are always looking to fill their to-be-read lists with new books, especially in the genres they know and love. As an author, your recommendations are held in especially high regard, so why not share a few suggestions with your readers? If you write mysteries, try rounding up a list of upcoming novels you’re excited to read this season, or your favorites from the past year. This allows you to refresh the list seasonally or annually.
What worked for us: Our preview list of The Biggest World War II Historical Fiction Books Coming in 2018 was a strong performer in January.
2. A collection of bookish memes your audience can relate to
Humor is a great way to connect with your audience, and positions itself as a highly-shareable content type. Is there a particular reading pet peeve you could create a narrative around? Or perhaps a favorite fandom your readers might enjoy, too? Pinterest is a great platform to find relevant images — just make sure to always credit back!
What worked for us: 24 Things Every Romance Reader Can Relate To tapped into a shared experience for genre romance readers, gaining traffic and engagement from fans.
3. Images of reading nooks or bookshelf designs
Is there such a thing as a bookworm who doesn’t appreciate photos of cozy reading nooks or gorgeous bookshelves? We think not, and have found success rounding up these types of bookish images. Choosing a particular season or unifying theme helps to keep the content focused and repeatable, like outdoor reading nooks or DIY bookshelves. Pinterest and Instagram are great channels to repurpose this image-based content.
What worked for us: Our list of 14 Cozy Reading Nooks to Burrow in This Fall offered ideas for bookworms itching to get in the autumnal spirit, while 23 Gorgeously Organized Bookshelves to Inspire Your New Year’s Resolutions found an audience among readers looking for New Year’s inspiration.
4. A list of book-related gift ideas
When writing is your profession or hobby, chances are you’ve received all sorts of bookish gifts from friends (or purchased them for yourself)! Whether it’s a book light that you love, a framed print of your favorite literary quote, or a pair of Hobbit-inspired socks, these accessories can serve as the start to a great blog post. Though this type of content can work all year round, we find the greatest success in December as book lovers start looking for holiday gift ideas.
What worked for us: 20 Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Potterhead was one of our strongest performers from this past holiday season, and can be repurposed for other Harry Potter events (like Harry’s summer birthday), too.
5. A list of books that inspired your stories or feature similar themes
If you have an upcoming book release, this type of content offers a way to mindfully position this book while also drumming up interest from readers. Try rounding up a list of books that share commonalities with the one you’re launching — perhaps they inspired your writing, or approach similar themes and problems. Does your book focus on a specific time in history? Recommend a list of novels set in that same period. Or are you marketing your book as a hot summer read? Include your new book in the company of other novels that fit the bill.
What worked for us: 15 Must-Read Thrillers with Manipulative Narrators gained clicks from readers hungry for books in the vein of Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train. This type of list could be easily adapted by authors whose stories feature unreliable protagonists.
Though every audience’s tastes will be different, hopefully these blog post ideas for writers serve as a jumping off point for your content. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our consumer blog at bookbub.com/blog!
Which authors’ blogs do you love to read? What other idea blog post ideas for writers do you have? Let us know in the comments below!
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