Ones to Watch: Authors
Curated by Megan Collins, Cultural Anthropologist, Generational Expert and contributor to the MTD blog
These days, authors–like musicians–are increasingly being tasked with getting on social media to act as their own marketing team and build their audience. For better or worse, authors are finding that having a robust social media presence might not only make it easier for them to secure a book deal but certainly helps create a community and fanbase…if they play their cards right. For authors looking to read more about how we recommend building your social strategy, check out our dedicated post on the MT Deco Blog. And read on for 3 authors who we think are effectively engaging the bookish communities across platforms.
In addition to being an author, Abby Jimenez is a Cupcake Wars champion and motivational speaker. Her NYT bestselling romance novels, such as 2021’s Life's Too Short and this year’s Just For The Summer, are beloved by readers globally. Off the page, her social media savvy and sense of humor have helped her grow an engaged and devoted following, especially on TikTok where she has over 700k followers and is a fixture of the “BookTok” community. Notably, Abby hasn’t reached these heights by only posting about books! She also posts authentic and heartwarming content featuring trending memes, snippets from her book tours, her pets (Stuntman Mike & Tess), and the occasional pop-in from her delightfully precocious teen daughter.
You should also know Jack Edwards aka @JackintheBooks, a popular English YouTuber, author, social media influencer, and host. Jack is known for his “BookTube” content where he reads mostly contemporary fiction and ties it into popular culture in fun and interesting ways. For instance, he read the book that inspired this year’s Met Gala theme, often shares books recommended by celebs like Harry Styles, and most recently, did a deep dive into when poetry was an Olympic sport. In addition to reading a ton of books, in 2020 Jack released his own book: “The Uni-Verse: The Ultimate University Survival Guide”. His thoughtful analysis and passion for literature have made him a beloved figure among his audience, and in recent years, the industry at large. In 2023 & 2024 Jack hosted the official livestream of the prestigious Booker Prize!
Ann Patchett / Parnassus Books & Bookstagram
Ann Patchett is a prolific author known for her insightful explorations of women, human relationships, and all complexities that life brings. She’s written over a dozen books since her 1992 debut, 5 non-fiction and 9 novels most recently Tom Lake. In 2002, she received both the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize for Fiction for her novel Bel Canto. Beyond her writing, she’s passionate about supporting independent booksellers and is the owner of a Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee has become a beloved institution in the city and on Bookstagram.