Tag: social media

Meet Our Bookstagrammer of the Week: @stackedshelves

What’s the story of your Bookstagram?

I first started my Bookstagram back in February 2019, as a way to get back into reading fiction after reading almost exclusively academic books and articles for my degree. I was spending so much time browsing other feeds that I thought I may as well give it a shot, and here we are!

image via @stackedshelves

What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?

Hopefully, to inspire a sense of peace and an escape from reality for anyone who visits my page! And of course, to encourage people to read the books I love. 

Favorite Bookstagrammers?

There are so many great Bookstagrammers out there – some of my favorites include: 

@bookaline 

@amybucklesbookshelf

@riannewrites

@abookishdemon

@bethsbookshelf 

 

Favorite books and authors?

The Great Gatsby, Rebecca, and The Picture of Dorian Gray are some of my favorite books! As for authors, I love Taylor Jenkins-Reid, Bret Easton-Ellis, and Leigh Bardugo. 

TBR List?

At the top of my list is The Night Circus because I read it years ago and can’t remember anything, so I’m in need of a refresh! I’m also very eager to read Ninth House because it sounds amazing. 

image via @stackedshelves

Do you have a special approach to sharing content?

A lot of my followers think I have someone help me take my photos, but 99% of them are taken by myself with a tripod and a self-timer. I set aside an hour or two in a day when I have some free time and try out different outfits and angles until I find a shot that I like. I usually take quite a few photos in the same spot and then scatter them throughout my feed over a few weeks. It’s very lighting dependent – sometimes it’s too bright or too dark and I just have to abandon the thought of taking any photos at all. 

Any specific posting schedule? 

I post once a day, usually in the afternoon/early evening time as that’s when most of my followers are active according to my Insights. Back when I first started out, I was posting multiple times a day to see what content people liked to see from me, but once I had that figured out, I didn’t need to post as much anymore! 

 

What does your Bookstagram mean to you?

It means more than people could know! It got me back into reading again, which I’m so grateful for, and it’s a platform that allows me to connect with so many other book lovers who I’d never get to talk to otherwise. Having it as a project to work on outside of university/my job has also made it a great space for me to have fun and de-stress. 

 

image via @stackedshelves

What publisher would you love to supply you with a lifetime of books?

I would have to say Penguin because Penguin Classics do so many beautiful editions of so many amazing books. I’d love to own all of them if I could!

An author you’d love to take a selfie with?

Taylor Jenkins-Reid! I think she’s so cool and has the most original ideas for books at the moment. 

Favorite book cover?

The Canterbury Classics Word Cloud edition of Jane Eyre (lilac is my favorite color and I love the typography!)

image via @stackedshelves

Aesthetic of your page?

My aesthetic is based on the pairing of books with my outfits, so those are the two fundamental elements underlying my posts. On top of that, my edits are focused around injecting warm tones into my photos to inspire that cozy feeling when you visit my feed. 

Favorite Insta-Post of your own?

My sister helped me take a photo where I’m lying on my bed in a gold dress with books scattered around me – I really love that one. It was hard to set up and get the angles right, but all good fun, and I love the way the edit came out. 

image via @stackedshelves

When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?

Probably around when I started to gain a lot more followers after changing up my photos to include my outfits in the shot. I don’t think you necessarily need to have a lot of followers to make it as a Bookstagrammer, but because I started seeing this growth after changing my aesthetic, I knew I had hit upon my ‘niche’. 

Involvement in any fandoms?

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly into fandoms anymore, but when I was younger I was such a Twihard. I had a framed photo of Edward and Bella next to my bed, I had special hand-painted Twilight converse, I lived in Team Edward T-shirts…it was very intense when I look back on it now. But I think it’s cool for people to be super into things! And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still love Twilight. 

 

Additional bookishness for our audience?

Keep reading! And never let anyone make you feel bad for loving books – when I was younger I was always made to feel weird for being a reader, but there are so many people out there who share the same interests as you! It just takes time to find them.

Advice for aspiring ‘grammers?

Post regularly and interact as much as possible with other accounts – it’s definitely the way to embed yourself in the community! 

image via @stackedshelves

Fun fact?

I used to be a shelf stacker in a library and that’s where my Bookstagram username came from! 

Well, what did you think about @stackedshelves? I would totally steal her wardrobe if I could! Do you have a favorite Bookstagrammer in mind? Contact us through any of our social media platforms and you just might see them here next week! 

featured image via @stackedshelves

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5 Bookish TikTok Users to Check Out!

These days, TikTok is taking over the world! From dance routines to yummy recipes to sneaky life hacks, TikTok is a platform that lets users create sixty second videos and upload them to a whole web of users centering around virtually anything! Books and literature are no exception, so here are five bookish TikTok users to check out the next time you find yourself scrolling through the app!

 

1. @berrybookpages

@Berrybookpages is all of our favorite book memes but in real life! Her bio, which reads “CEO of falling in love with emotionally unavailable book characters,” perfectly sums up the essence of her TikTok account. She frequently acts out what it’s like to love the villain of a story or what it’s like to have to wait a year for the next book in a series. Berrybookpages videos are sure to be relatable for every book lover!

 

image via BerryBookpages

 

2. @penguin_teen

From publishing giant, Penguin Random House, @penguin_teen brings all of your favorite book and publisher memes to life. They have a variety of videos all centered around books and publishing and even have guest star appearances (see their TikTok featuring Broadway’s Krysta Rodriguez, Alex Boniello, and Steven Sater). If you want to see the humorous side of working in publishing with irl book memes peppered in, then check out @penguin_teen!

 

image via facebook

 

 

3. @bearcub79

If you’ve ever wondered what the bookbinding process looks like, then check out @bearcub79’s account. Sprinkled throughout his rugged style videos are the most mesmerizing bookbinding demonstrations. Bearcub79 shows his viewers everything from different bookbinding methods to book restoration projects. If you’ve ever wanted a closer look at the bookbinding process, then be sure to check out @bearcub79.

 

image via tiktok

 

4. @epic_reads

@epic_reads’ account perfectly captures all the ups and downs book lovers go through. From lending your book to a careless friend to receiving a new book delivery right before the COVID-19 quarantine, epic_reads has tons of hilarious and relatable content. They are always on top of the latest TikTok trends, all with a bookish spin on it.

 

image via pennington public library

5. @24hourlibrary

With a bio reading “books, coffee, cats, and crafts,” this perfectly sums up @24hourlibrary’s account. From a real librarian, 24hourlibrary posts helpful book recommendations based on all your favorite reads, as well as concise book reviews and updates on what she is currently reading. If you find yourself stuck in a reading rut, check out @24hourlibrary for some great recommendations for your next book! 

 

image via tiktok

 

And after you’ve checked out these five, bookish TikTok users, be sure to follow our new Bookstr TikTok account, @bookstr. Get ready for lots of fun, relatable bookish content!

 

Featured Image via Vocalo

 

 

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Meet Our Bookstagrammer of the Week: @britishbookreader

What is the story of your Bookstagram?

I created my Instagram in 2011, though at the time it was just my personal account. I didn’t really set out to create a Bookstagram, I just shared my life which happened to be very bookish! Over time, readers began to notice me and for a while, I did lean more into the community. However, this year I went back to it being my personal account that also happens to be a Bookstagram, if that makes sense! In other words, my account is my life, told through book photos.

What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?

I want it to be a cozy, bookish corner of the internet that gives people a safe and welcoming space to be inspired and share their love of books.

image via @britishbookreader

Fun fact that your followers may not know?

One fun fact about me is…I love facts! I’m a big “did you know” person and I have a book of 2,000 facts beside my bed that I read every night. 

Favorite Bookstagrammers?

I love so many: @blogaboutalatte, @themusicofalice, @reader_vvn,  @spicypages, and @thelibraryofpeculiar all come to mind. I’ve known some of them for years and they’re the sweetest, most genuinely kind people ever! Plus, their accounts are gorgeous and I love watching their stories.

 

 

Favorite Books and Authors?

I don’t have a single favorite author or book, but I love ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt, ‘The Truth About Keeping Secrets’ by Savannah Brown, and ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins.

TBR List?

Oh my gosh, so many! ‘The Goldfinch’ by Donna Tartt, ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ by Holly Jackson, ‘The Testaments’ by Margaret Atwood, and ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman. I’m also on a real self-help kick right now, so lots of those books too!

Do you have any special approach to sharing content?

I try to be as authentic and honest as possible. My followers know me very well and I think that’s because they’re genuinely a part of my life. I don’t think I do anything special other than share myself in a very organic way.

image via @britishbookreader

How about a posting schedule?

My schedule is fairly loose. I tend to post on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, but only if I’m in the mood. I went through a slump a while ago where social media felt very toxic and the whole process became so mechanical. It had become a numbers game for me and I felt forced to post photos out of fear of falling behind. An uncomfortable weight hovered over me on evenings I knew I had to post, so I ended up taking a break to reset my mind and when I came back, I only cared about creating a happy online space for myself and my followers, regardless of how many there were.

I do keep it professional, of course, since it is still a part-time job for me, but authenticity and mental health come first. I won’t post anything unless I want to.

What does your Bookstagram mean to you?

It’s my creative space, first and foremost. I love having a platform to share my passions and life, like a virtual diary. But it’s also the root from which everything else derives. My art business, my collaborations, my future career as an author, events I attend, etc. – they all stem from my Bookstagram platform, so it’s extremely important to me both personally and professionally.

Which publisher would you choose to supply you with a lifetime of books?

Oh, that’s hard! Maybe Harper Collins. Their YA section is brilliant.

 

 

Author to take a selfie with?

I’ve met a lot of authors but the only one I’ve asked for a selfie with is Alice Oseman, so I suppose my answer should be her!

Favorite Book Cover?

I love the meaningful, plain white cover of ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’.

image via @britishbookreader

Aesthetic / Instagram page theme?

Definitely cozy and warm (and bookish, of course). I built my aesthetic around my life, so my feed is gold, brown, and beige because my house and city are those colors. As I said, this is my personal account first and foremost.

When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?

I didn’t until just now! [Laughs]

I suppose when I hit 10,000 followers, and people started asking to meet me in person, which was surreal. Then when I did start meeting followers in real life, they were so lovely and complimentary, it made me realize the effect my little Bookstagram was having on real people. Also, getting free books and earning money from my account were good signs too! I’ve recently been getting some very exciting collaboration offers that remind me that the outside world knows I exist!

Fandoms?

Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls (Team Jess!) 

 

 

Advice for people interested in becoming Bookstagrammers?

Do it! It’s so much fun and the community is so welcoming.

Just remember to create a corner of the internet you’re happy to spend time in, and don’t worry about the numbers. This is your space to share whatever you want. You get to design and create your world, so enjoy it! If people come, that’s just a bonus. Also, make sure to let me know when you join so I can peep your account!

image via @britishbookreader

Any additional bookishness to share with our audience?

If you like bookish gifts, art, reading trackers, prints, or bookmarks feel free to check out my Etsy shop ‘britishbookart’. I do a lot of book-related products but the main things are painted characters on their book pages. The Harry Potter-themed ones are the most popular(my art account is @britishbookart on Instagram).

image via @britishbookart

What did you think of @britishbookreader?

featured image via @britishbookreader

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Meet Our Bookstagrammer of the Week: @booknerdbecky

How did you first get into bookstagramming?

When I first created my Instagram account, I had no idea that there were readers around the world who shared their love for reading with beautiful photos of books. I started following bookish accounts that inspired me and I remember adding a lot of books to my TBR list from that very first day. After seeing so many beautiful bookish photos, I decided to start my own Bookstagram account, but I didn’t start to post right away. At first, I was nervous because I kept wondering, “what if no one likes my content?” I also didn’t know anything about photography. Then one day, I was reading an ebook on my nook and decided to take a photo and post it right away… that was the very first photo I posted on my account. Since then, Bookstagram has been an amazing, fun, and incredible experience.

What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?

I like to share my love for books through photos in hopes that someone might consider reading one based on my recommendation. It means a lot when readers reach out to tell me how they have discovered a new favorite book, or show, because of me and how they trust my opinion.

IMAGE VIA @booknerdbecky

 

Favorite Bookstagrammers?

@booknerd_reads

@myfriendsarefiction

@thereaderandthechef

@inquisitivebookworm

@everlasting.charm

@reverieandink

IMAGE VIA @booknerdbecky

Favorite authors?

– Joanna Hathaway

– Brigid Kemmerer 

– Julie C. Dao

– Leigh Bardugo

– Sarah Glenn Marsh

– Julie Israel

– Jodi Meadows

– Demetra Brodsky

– Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka 

 

 

Favorite Reads?

– ‘All The Stars and Teeth’ by Adalyn Grace

– ‘Woven in Moonlight’ by Isabel Ibañez

– ‘The Cruel Prince’ by Holly Black

– ‘Time of Our Lives’ by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

What is your Bookstagram aesthetic?

I like to think my aesthetic is kind of cozy and warm vibes.

Do you have any special approach to sharing content?

If you look through the photos on my Bookstagram, you will see how much my theme has changed. I have to say, I’m pretty happy with how the current one looks. I used to take my photos the same day I posted them and become stressed about them not looking the way I wanted. Now that I take my photos on the weekend, I have more time to choose the books I want to feature and focus on how I want my photos to look.

 

Do you have a specific posting schedule?

I like to post my photos between 12:00 am and 2:00 pm! I didn’t have a posting schedule before, but I figured having one would help me to be more organized. I try to post every single day but if for whatever reason I can’t, that’s okay. Ever since I started to take my photos on the weekends, I’ve been able to post more regularly.

What does your Bookstagram mean to you?

Everything! It’s a space where I can share my opinions and my love for books. It’s also the place where I’ve been able to meet so many amazing readers who I can talk about books with all the time.

IMAGE VIA @booknerdbecky

What author would you love to get a selfie with?

Leigh Bardugo [author of the novel shown below]. I love her books and her incredible characters so much, it would be amazing to meet her.

Favorite Book Cover?

There are so many to choose from, but I’d have to say King of Scars. I love the design so much. 

IMAGE VIA @booknerdbecky

When did you know you’d made it as a Bookstagrammer?

When someone told me they got a book because of a photo they saw on my Bookstagram account.

Well, what did you think about Rebecca? Do you have a favorite Bookstagrammer in mind? Contact us through any of our social media platforms and you might just see them here next week!

Featured image via @booknerdbecky

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#Bookstagrammer of the Week: @booksnest

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

This Week’s Featured creator: @booksnest

 

Each week Bookstr is going to be highlighting your favorite Bookstagrammers. A Bookstagrammer is someone who shares all of their literary interests, ranging from book reviews and aesthetically pleasing book pictures to outfit pictures featuring their current reads. Anything that evokes bibliophile feels is on their Instagram pages. Make sure to give these Bookstagrammers the love they deserve! This week we are getting to know a Bookstagrammer, blogger, and book lover: Beth, or as you would know her on Instagram, @booksnest.

Here is her story:

 

image via @booksnest

 

 

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Bookstagram Account

 

Beth, a Bookstagrammer from Berkshire in the South of England, joined the Bookstagram community purely for her love of books and as a personal goal for herself.

 

I loved following other book accounts so I started my own in 2013 as a New Year’s resolution. I took photos I loved and have continued to do so ever since. I wanted to feel part of this community and that is exactly what I have achieved.

 

Beth’s favorite books are mostly from the fantasy genre, including The Priory of the Orange Tree, Vicious, The Poppy War, Strange the Dreamer and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Her favorite authors are V.E. Schwab and Samantha Shannon.

If given the chance, Beth would take a selfie with V.E. Schwab, of course.

 

 

image via @booksnest

 

So what books does Beth plan to read in the near future?

I don’t tend to set a TBR to be honest, but in my head I know soon I want to get to Ninth House, A Little Life and The Dragon Republic.

 

Her fandoms are Harry Potter, Star Trek, and The Lord of the Rings.

 

Beth’s fun fact is more about horses than about books.

I used to ride a horse called Treacle as a kid, but as an adult I’ve never got on a horse. 

 

Chapter 2: To The Bookstagramming

 

Bookstagrammers carefully choose the prettiest book covers to fit their aesthetic and theme, and Beth also has some personal favorites.

I think the covers for the Caraval series are stunning and so clever! 

 

She can describe her Bookstagram aesthetic in one word:

YELLOW! ??

 

Beth adjusts her schedule to her followers’ activity in order to determine what times she should post. She rightfully takes pride in the followers she has.

I always post around 8pm GMT during the week and sometimes in the morning around 10am GMT at the weekends. I either post daily or every other day, I base this on how well my last post did and if I want to give it more time to grow. I get these times by looking at my Instagram insights and seeing when my followers are more online. 

When I hit 10k in May of 2019 I felt a real sense of pride and accomplishment and I felt really happy. That was a big day for me and really hit home that my hard work had paid off. 

 

image via @booksnest

 

Beth is most inspired by these four fellow Bookstagrammers:

@amysbookshelf

@throneofshatteredbooks

@everlasting.charm

@hayaisreading

 

 

Chapter 3: What does bookstagram mean to you?

 

Beth’s Bookstagram page is a beautiful representation of her favorite reads, but what does it mean to her personally, and what does she hope it means to other people?

Bookstagram is living proof of my dedication and motivation to grow and develop a space to create my content. It shows my love of reading and photography, but also somewhere for me to fuel my creativity and that means an awful lot to me! 

I want to offer a cosy and happy space for people to come to enjoy both the photos and the books I feature. I also love being able to offer help and advice to other Bookstagrammers.  

 

She also has some advice to offer aspiring Bookstagrammers.

Building up an audience takes time, but as long as you’re doing what you love and learning and developing each day, you will grow. Don’t take it too seriously, have fun with it and keep putting in the effort. With persistence, you will see growth, but it does take time. 

 

Featured image via @booksnest

 

 


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