This blog post topic was inspired by Episode 184 of Alexa’s Publishing Chat where Alexa Bigwarfe was in conversation with Women in Publishing social media expert Raewyn Sangari.

If you’ve ever opened Instagram and felt overwhelmed by what to post, how often to post, or whether reels are even worth it—you’re not alone.

In 2025, social media for authors looks a lot different than it did even a year ago. Algorithms change constantly, new tools roll out every month, and the pressure to “show up everywhere” can feel exhausting.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to do everything. You just need to connect authentically.

That was the central message of my recent conversation with Raewyn Sangari, the creative force behind the Women in Publishing Summit’s social media and design strategy. Together, we unpacked what’s actually working on Instagram right now—and it all comes back to human connection.

Why Authenticity Beats the Algorithm

The algorithm isn’t out to get you. It’s designed to reward meaningful engagement.

When you post with intention—sharing your personality, your stories, your process—Instagram recognizes that people enjoy interacting with your content.

As Raewyn explained:

“The algorithm is personal. It learns who you engage with and who engages with you. That’s why social connection matters more than ever.”

So instead of stressing about posting frequency, focus on these three principles:

• Be human. Comment, reply, and thank your readers genuinely.
  
• Be consistent. Show up regularly, even if it’s once a week.
• Be specific. Talk about what your readers actually care about—your genre, your characters, your writing journey.
  

Simplify Your Content with New Instagram Tools

Instagram has introduced several updates that make life easier for authors:

1. Text & Music on Photos: You can now add captions and songs directly to your static images—no need for Canva or third-party apps.
   
2. Trial Reels: Test your content with new audiences without paying for ads.
3. Linked Reels: Tell a story across multiple videos—perfect for authors who want to serialize their content.
4. Collaborations & Reposts: Team up with other authors or reshare reader reviews for greater visibility.

The key? Choose one or two features that feel fun and fit your personality. You don’t have to do it all.

For Authors: Think Story First, Strategy Second

Writers have a natural advantage on Instagram—storytelling.

Your audience isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for connection. Show them snippets of your world: your characters, your workspace, the messy middle of your creative process.

“Storytelling is never going away,” Raewyn said. “Instagram just gives us new ways to tell it.”

When you lean into your storytelling skills, your feed becomes more than a marketing tool—it becomes part of your reader’s experience.

How to Grow Without Burnout

If social media feels like a full-time job, simplify. Here’s a 3-step plan to make it sustainable:

1. Pick your platform: Focus on one or two social channels.
2. Plan your pillars: Choose 3–5 repeating topics (books, writing tips, quotes, personal life, etc.).
3. Engage intentionally: Spend 15 minutes daily connecting—no more, no less.
   

You’ll be amazed how much visibility you can build simply by showing up consistently.

The Bottom Line

Instagram success for authors in 2025 isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about building trust.

You don’t need to dance, go viral, or post every day. You just need to be social, be genuine, and be you.

When authors embrace authenticity, they don’t just grow followers—they grow fans.

Resources & Links

• Instagram for Authors Course
• Instagram Reels Subscription for Authors
• Women in Publishing Summit Events
• Alexa’s Publishing Chat Podcast

For the full conversation on Instagram marketing for authors, listen to Alexa’s chat with Raewyn Sangari of the Women in Publishing Summit.