How often should authors post their book cover on social media?

It’s the age old question — how many book cover shots is too many book cover shots? You don’t want your social feed to look like a catalogue with one title in it… but at the same time, you need to be building awareness of your book. A lot of authors wonder, where’s the balance?

To answer the question ‘How many times should I post my book cover?’, we have a few ideas.

Break it up

As big block of book cover photos can be off-putting to new visitors to your Instagram page or other social channels. After all, social media that feels like one big advertisement is pretty boring. So break up those shots of your book cover with photos of other things. Even if you’re not a fan of selfies or photos of you, take some snaps of your writing space, your morning coffee, and even your pets! Readers love to get a glimpse into the world of the author and get a sense of the person behind their favourite fiction. Try to make sure that each book cover photo has a different type of photo between it.

Change it up

It’s time for a photo shoot! When you finally get that first print copy in your hot little hands, take lots of photos of it in different ways. Maybe take the book for an excursion to some of the landscapes that inspired you. Pose the book on your writing desk or reading nook at home. Share photos of other people reading it in their homes, gardens, or out and about. The more different looking photos that still feature your lovely looking title, the better!

Mix it up

We’ve spoken about how social media shouldn’t be all about you, so mix things up by posting photos of other books. Share what you’re reading right now, and celebrate other writers success with launch photos of their new titles. Don’t worry, it won’t draw anything away from your own wonderful book. It just makes you look like an engaged and supportive member of the wider writing community. And other authors will return the favour!