Using Social Media While Querying: Do’s and Don’ts

The writing community on social media is great. I’ve met many good writing friends on Instagram, used it to connect with beta readers and CPs, and enjoyed following other writers to see what they’re working on and what inspires them. 

That being said, when you’re querying, it’s time to start treating your social media (whatever site you prefer) like a professional account, because that’s what it is.   

So here are the to-dos (and not dos!) of social media while querying.

Do: use your account to begin building your author brand

I like to post about about my current WIPs (and also my cats). I share writing advice from other authors, engage in discussions about writing, and share content I find interesting or helpful. 

If you have a blog, bookstagram, or other writing-related social media account, twitter is a great place to link to your other content - it’s an easy way to build followers! 

Do: use your account to connect with the writing community 

The #writingcommunity hashtag is a great way to meet other authors who write in your genre, or find accounts of authors you’re interested in following. Likewise, #amwriting and #amquerying connected me to a lot of new people and resources! 

There are also a lot of giveaways, contests, and other chances to interact with other writers, and potentially also receive some awesome free advice or prizes like ARCs or copies of books! 

Don’t: use your social media to badmouth agents, books, or other authors

It’s rude and nasty and won’t win you any admirers. Don’t do it. Don’t post negative things about agents who reject you or other authors whose work you don’t like (unless you’re rightfully calling them out on something like racism or appropriation). 

(Also, don’t tag authors in negative reviews of their books. It’s just not necessary, and authors may not want to read negative reviews for their own mental health. Don’t force us to see them by tagging. Thank you 😅.)