How to Create a Facebook Author Page (With Best Practices)
- arynvandyke
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’re an author using Facebook, know that it's more than just a place to connect with friends and family. Facebook is a powerful tool for growing your audience, engaging directly with readers, building your brand, and driving book sales. I've worked with many authors to help them make the most of this platform, and now I’m here to help you do the same! I’ll explain how to create a Facebook author page and provide tips and best practices for authors using Facebook.
How to create a Facebook author page
Discover how to create a Facebook author page by following these steps:
1. Create a personal Facebook profile
If you already have a personal Facebook profile, feel free to skip to the next step. If you're new to Facebook, start by signing up on the homepage and entering your information. After you’ve submitted your details, you'll need to verify your account. Then, set up your personal profile with a clear, friendly photo that people will recognize, a short bio, and any other personal details you’d like to share.
Once you’ve set up your Facebook profile, connect with me on the platform!
2. Create a Facebook author page
Once your personal profile is set up, you’re ready to create your Facebook author page. Start by logging into your personal account and clicking on the menu icon (a square with dots) in the top right corner. From there, scroll down and select the “Pages” option. You’ll see a button labeled "Create New Page." Click on it to start setting up your Facebook author page.
3. Name your page
When prompted to name your Facebook author page, make sure your page name references “author”. This designation helps users identify your page more easily and it gives it a distinction from your personal profile (which is likely also your name). For example, "Imogene Adams – Author."
4. Choose a Facebook page category
When asked to choose a category for your Facebook author page, enter options like “Author,” “Writer,” or “Public Figure,” and select the one that best fits your brand. Choosing the right category will help your target audience find your page more easily.
5. Update your cover image
Update your cover image to a banner that includes your book cover and any other relevant information. Many authors also add a catchy headline or their book’s release date. For example, you could create a banner that features the cover of your book prominently on one side, with a catchy headline like “Unlock the Mystery – A Thrilling Adventure Awaits!” and, below it, “Available Now” or “Releasing on October 15th” along with a call to action, such as “Order Your Copy Today!”
6. Add a profile photo
When selecting a profile picture for your Facebook author page, opt for a high-quality image that conveys approachability and showcases your unique personality. A warm, inviting headshot with a friendly smile can help you connect with potential readers. Feel free to incorporate elements of your brand’s style, such as a specific color, background, or a visual hint that reflects the genre you write in.
7. Update your bio
Write a brief bio about yourself and your work. Mention the genres you write in, notable books, or any achievements. Aim to include relevant keywords, like “romance author” for example.
8. Include a link
Add a link to your Facebook author page, such as your official website or your author Amazon page, to make it easy for readers to find your books and learn more about you. You could also consider using a Linktree or a similar tool to provide multiple links in one place. Consider including links to your:
book retailer pages
social media profiles
newsletter sign-up
upcoming events
9. Pin a post
Pin one post to the top of your Facebook author page that highlights key details about your latest release, provides an overview of all your books, or features a video where you introduce yourself and your work. This pinned post should be engaging, visually appealing, and a strong representation of you as an author or the essence of your new book. Consider including a compelling call to action, such as encouraging readers to:
leave a review
visit your website
sign up for your newsletter
Facebook for authors: tips and best practices
Once your Facebook author page is set up, it's time to start engaging with your audience! Here are some tips and best practices to help you make the most of Facebook as an author:
Experiment with different post types
Popular post types you can share on Facebook include single photos or graphics, videos, Reels, and text-only posts. If you create a video where you're speaking, always include captions to ensure accessibility. Unlike some platforms, Facebook allows you to post videos of any length without them being Reels, but note that Reels can be useful for reaching people outside of your existing followers.
While text-only posts are acceptable, try to limit them since visual content tends to perform better. Also, Facebook doesn’t offer a carousel feature like some other platforms, so avoid sharing too many photos or graphics in a single post. A maximum of 4 images is recommended. If you’re still looking for post-inspo, check out my previous blog, 5 Social Media Post Ideas That Every Author Can Try!
Boost posts
Consider boosting posts to reach a wider audience, which involves spending a bit of money, but you can keep the cost low. Even a small budget of $1-2 per day for 7 days can effectively reach a targeted audience. When boosting a post, it’s crucial to select the right audience by setting relevant targeting criteria–such as interests, demographics, and location–to ensure you're not wasting money on people who are unlikely to be interested in your content. Additionally, choose posts that have already shown good engagement organically, as these are more likely to perform well when boosted.
Read more: Is Advertising My Book Worth the Cost?
Use hashtags
Use targeted and relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts–around 5 per post is ideal. Choose hashtags that are commonly searched but not overly specific, helping your content reach a broader audience of readers interested in your genre. For example, good hashtags might include #thrillernovels, #thrillerreads, or #thrillerbookclub, which attract people looking for books like yours. Avoid using overly specific or promotional hashtags like #youshouldreadbooktitle or #buymybookonamazon, as these tend to have low search volume and can come across as too sales-focused. Instead, focus on hashtags that connect with broader reader communities and align with popular interests related to your books.
Start a Facebook group
Facebook often prioritizes posts from groups in users' timelines, so consider starting a Facebook group linked to your author page. Think of this group as a fan community where you can share exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, or special content related to your books. It’s also a great space for readers to engage with one another and discuss your work, fostering a sense of community and deeper connection with your audience.
Join Facebook groups
Another strategy for authors using Facebook is to join book-related groups, where readers often seek recommendations and discuss their favorite books. To find these groups, use the search function to look for book clubs specific to your genre or general book club groups. By joining and participating in these groups, you can gain valuable insights into the types of books readers are enjoying and connect with potential fans.
Engage in group discussions about books you’re reading and participate in conversations meaningfully. While most groups will remove you if you spam the group with promotional posts, look for natural opportunities to mention your own book. For example, if someone shares a book they loved in your genre, you can casually mention that you’ve recently released a book in the same genre that they might enjoy.
Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.