#PublishingReinvented 265 Instagram Planning for Authors + Another Book In The Running for $100 of Free Ads in May - This One Has a Really Beautiful Cover

Ideas For Authors Using Instagram

1. Name & Username – Be Discoverable and On-Brand

• Name field: Use keywords related to your niche and writing focus (e.g., “Fantasy Author,” “Romance Writer,” “Western Poet”).

• Username: Keep it simple, memorable, and genre-appropriate (e.g., @JaneWrites, @ThrillsByTara).

🛠 Tip: Your name and username should instantly convey your identity to new visitors. Think of them as your Instagram SEO tags.

2. Bio – Your Mini Pitch

• Include your writing niche and what you offer: “Bestselling crime author | Twisty plots & unforgettable detectives.”

• Speak directly to your ideal reader or client.

• End with a clear call to action: “👇 Download a free short story!”

🛠 Tip: Use 1–2 niche-related emojis for readability and personality.

3. Profile Picture – Consistent and Recognizable

• Use a professional headshot, branded logo, or your most recent book cover.

• Make sure it’s high-resolution and fits your tone (e.g., bold for thrillers, soft for romance).

🛠 Tip: This image should match or echo your author brand across other platforms (website, book covers, Amazon Author page).

4. Link in Bio – Support Your Primary Goal

• Use a smart link (like Linktree or your own website) that routes visitors to your key content: newsletter, books, blog, media kit, or a freebie.

🛠 Tip: Always match this to your bio CTA. If you say “Read my latest story,” that should be the first thing in the link.

5. Highlights – Your Visual Portfolio

• Use them to showcase content pillars: “Books,” “Writing Tips,” “Reader Reviews,” “Events,” or “About Me.”

• Use consistent colors, fonts, and icons that match your overall aesthetic.

How to Build an Instagram Aesthetic As An Author

A consistent visual style will help build recognition and trust. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Core Color Palette

• Pick 2–3 primary colors and 1–2 accent colors that reflect your genre:

  • Thriller/crime: black, deep red, slate gray.

  • Fantasy: forest green, gold, dark blue.

  • Romance: blush pink, cream, lavender.

  • Non-fiction/memoir: neutral tones like beige, navy, white.

🛠 Use these in backgrounds, highlight covers, overlays, and fonts.

2. Define Your Image Style

• Photography: Bright and airy for romance/memoir; dark and moody for suspense/thriller.

• Graphic design: Use the same fonts (1 serif + 1 sans-serif), overlays, and templates.

• Content types: Decide on a ratio—e.g., 60% writing tips, 20% personal insights, 20% book promos.

🛠 Use Canva or other presets to maintain a consistent look.

3. Grid Planning

• Consider using a checkerboard (quote-image-quote-image) or row theme (e.g., Monday tips, Wednesday quotes, Friday books).

• Use planning tools like Planoly or Later. (no affiliation, ma’am) to visualize and schedule.

Below is an example of how the above ideas can be applied to our next free ads candidate below:

Color Palette Inspired by Raven's Call

Drawing from the book's themes and imagery:

• Midnight Blue: #2C3E50

• Storm Gray: #7F8C8D

• Crimson Red: #C0392B

• Ivory White: #ECF0F1

• Charcoal Black: #1C1C1C

This palette captures the mysterious and dramatic essence of the novel

Sample Grid Layout & Ideas for Instagram

To maintain a consistent and engaging feed, implement a repeating 3x3 grid pattern:

1. Top Row:

   • Quote from the Book: Overlay a compelling quote on a background using your color palette.

   • Character Spotlight: Share an illustration or description of a key character.

   • Behind-the-Scenes: Post about your writing process or inspiration.

2. Middle Row:

   • Fan Art or Reviews: Highlight artwork or a review from readers.

   • Book Excerpt: Share a short, intriguing sentence.

   • Author's Life: Give a glimpse into your daily life or writing space.

3. Bottom Row:

   • Upcoming Events: Announce book signings or virtual readings.

   • Thematic Imagery: Post images that reflect the book's themes.

   • Interactive Post: Engage followers with a poll or question related to the story.

Repeat this pattern to create a visually appealing and organized feed.

Not all suggestions will apply to all authors!

Additional Tips

• Consistent Filters: Apply the same filter or editing style to all images to maintain a uniform look.

• Typography: Use fonts that reflect the book's tone—consider serif fonts for a classic feel or script fonts for a more whimsical touch.

Our Next Candidate for Free Advertising in May:

The above is another of the books in the running for $100 of free ads in May. Each book will be shown in a post here. See the above book on Amazon here.

Do you think it will sell well if advertised?

Yes! What a beautiful cover. So tempting! Do go ahead and buy it!

If you want your book to be bought by others on this SubStack, all you have to do is post a link to it in the comments.

BooksGoSocial will decide whether to spend the $100 on Facebook ads or Amazon ads, depending on the genre. Only books with 5 or more good reader reviews please.

You will see from the comments & our updates who gets this and you will be able to track if ads work for that book!

Can you predict what book will sell with ads?

We will bid high too when the ads start so the book def gets seen!

#PublishingReinvented is the Substack you’ve been looking for.

Book Marketing in action! Yes!

To subscribe to this newsletter, for those who may have received this email as a trial, click below for monthly and annual options:

Subscribe now