March 2026
By Christina Benchoff
Let’s start with a truth bomb:
You do not need to be everywhere on social media.
In fact, trying to show up on every platform at once is the fastest way to burn out, get frustrated, and quietly fade off into the sunset.
At Prickle Forrest Books, we believe social media should feel like a tool—not a full-time identity crisis.
So before you start filming videos, designing graphics, or stress-Googling “how to go viral,” let’s take a step back and look at the landscape.
The Big Players: A Quick Breakdown
Here’s a no-fluff overview of the main platforms authors are using right now—and what they’re actually good for.
- Best for: Community building, events, and loyal readers
- Think: Book clubs, reader groups, live chats
- Bonus: Still one of the strongest platforms for reaching readers over 30
👉 If your audience likes connection and conversation, Facebook still delivers.
- Best for: Branding, aesthetics, and reader engagement
- Think: Book covers, lifestyle shots, reels, behind-the-scenes moments
👉 If your brand has a vibe (and it should), Instagram helps you show it off.
TikTok (BookTok)
- Best for: Discovery and viral reach
- Think: Quick, emotional, or entertaining videos
👉 If you want new readers to find you fast, this is where it happens—but it does require showing up on video.
- Best for: Long-term traffic and searchability
- Think: Blog posts, book aesthetics, quotes, mood boards
👉 This is the quiet achiever of social media. It’s less about “posting” and more about being found.
X (formerly Twitter)
- Best for: Networking and real-time conversation
- Think: Writing community, industry talk, quick updates
👉 Great for connecting with other writers—not always the strongest for selling books.
YouTube
- Best for: Deep connection and long-form content
- Think: Writing advice, vlogs, storytelling
👉 If you love talking and teaching, this platform builds serious trust with your audience.
Email Newsletters (Yes, This Counts)
- Best for: Ownership and direct communication
- Think: Updates, exclusive content, reader relationships
👉 Social media can change overnight. Your email list? That’s yours.
Matching Platforms to Your Genre (Because Yes, It Matters)
Not every platform works equally well for every author. Here’s a simple guide to help you narrow it down:
- Romance: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
- Fantasy / YA: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
- Mystery / Cozy: Facebook, Pinterest
- Nonfiction: Pinterest, YouTube, X
- Lifestyle / Cookbook: Instagram, Pinterest
The goal isn’t to chase trends—it’s to show up where your readers already are.
Here’s Your Permission Slip
You are officially allowed to:
✔ Not join every platform
✔ Not post every day
✔ Not dance on TikTok if that’s not your thing
What does matter?
Consistency. Clarity. And choosing platforms that fit you just as much as your audience.
What’s Coming Next
Over the next several weeks, we’re going to break this down platform by platform—no overwhelm, no jargon, and no unrealistic expectations.
We’ll cover:
- Who should actually be using each platform
- The pros and cons (yes, all of them)
- Practical, doable tips you can start using right away
Feeling Overwhelmed Already? Let’s Fix That.
If you’re reading this and thinking,
“Okay…but I still don’t know where to start,”
You’re exactly who we created Prickle Forrest Books for.
We help authors:
- Simplify their social media strategy
- Create content that feels natural (not forced)
- Stay consistent without sacrificing writing time
Because marketing your books shouldn’t feel harder than writing them.
👉 If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, Prickle Forrest Books is here to help you make social media actually work for you. Contact us… We’re just an e-mail away… prickleforrestllc@sssnet.com
Prickle Forrest Books 