Showing up as an unpublished writer on social media is incredibly challenging. Early this year, I started brainstorming ideas because without a book to promote, publishing deals to celebrate, or writing tips to share (still figuring that last one out myself), it can feel like I have nothing worth posting. So, back in February, I shared 10 content ideas for unpublished writers on Instagram. This snowballed into a regular series, and I’m happy to share that I have officially hit 100 content ideas for unpublished writers!

To save you time from scrolling through my Instagram posts on horror subgenres and moodboards, here is the full list.

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1. Share deep dives and research on your genre(s) and/or subgenres
2. Share snippets you love or that tease your story (without giving too much away!)
3. Share books and stories that are similar to yours, or that inspire you in some way
4. Share monthly writing goals and updates
5. Share the hard parts of writing: the self-doubt, the rejection, etc.
6. Share moodboards for your story and/or characters
7. Share your writing routine: when, where, etc.
8. Share your process: notebooks, storyboards, etc.
9. Share songs or lyrics that inspire your writing
10. Share your TBR or book recommendations that align with your WIP so you’re reaching a good target audience
11. Share hype feedback/comments from followers and beta readers
12. Share what you’re currently reading or have read recently
13. Share pics of your desk or writing space
14. Share collages of your story or characters
15. Get to know the writer: what you write, what readers can expect, etc.
16. Share research you’ve done or things you’ve learned while writing your book
17. “Write with me” videos
18. Explore common tropes or character types in your genre
19. Share your “ideal reader” – what they like and what they can find in your stories
20. Suggest other media (films, tv shows) that explore similar themes to your WIP
21. “Revise with me” videos
22. Create memes that relate to your WIP
23. Choose 1 trope for a post or video and how you use it in your WIP
24. Books you plan to or are using as comps
25. Your dream cast if your WIP were a movie
26. Your writing must-haves (candles? music? coffee? silence?)
27. Important lessons your characters learn
28. Recent releases of the genre you write
29. Collage with the vibes of your WIP
30. Moodboards of all the stories/books you have ideas for or are currently writing
31. How it started vs. how it’s going
32. What my friends & family think I write vs what I actually write
33. What’s in my brain while writing
34. Your favorite authors and why
35. Outfits your character would wear
36. Sped-up reel of you creating a moodboard for your WIP or characters
37. Compliments you love (or would love) to get as a writer
38. Your writing journey (when you started, how many stories you’ve written, etc.)
39. A day in the life of an aspiring published writer/author
40. Pick a part of the plotting/writing/editing process and share your insights or tips
41. Non-bookish things you love (share a glimpse of who is behind the keyboard)
42. How many words you wrote this week or month
43. Your *ideal* writing space
44. An updated “Meet the Writer” post
45. WIP updates (for all, or just one at a time)
46. Your genre starter pack (ie., Fantasy Author Starter Pack)
47. Probably needed a hug…but I write (genre/trope) instead. (ie., Probably needed a hug…but I write about toxic relationships instead).
48. Where followers can find you (website, newsletter, other social channels)
49. A beginner’s guide to the genre you write. Would make a great series!
50. Your recommended seasonal reading list
51. Suggest a word/get a quote (a fun game to play with your followers to boost engagement & promote your WIP)
52. “Rate” your book based on the genre
53. Choose your own adventure (have followers explore your fictional world with props & elements from your story)
54. A mix-tape or playlist for your WIP
55. How your characters see each other vs how they see themselves
56. Five things you are celebrating this week or month
57. Advice you’d give to your younger writer self
58. Your favorite genre tropes
59. Books with your favorite genre tropes
60. Resources for other writers & authors that you love and would recommend
61. Weird things you’ve googled for your book
62. Desk tour to show off your writing space
63. How you want readers to feel when reading your stories/books
64. Writers you’d be honored to be compared to
65. Pretend film stills of your WIP
66. Books you’re reading for research purposes only
67. Your character’s favorite summer/fall/winter/spring hangouts
68. Photos or snippets from your writer’s notebook
69. Maps or floor plans of your setting
70. Motivational quotes that keep you going
71. “Why I always write about [trope/theme]”
72. Ask your followers, “Would you read a book about…[insert WIP blurb]
73. Ways followers can support you and your writing
74. The Author | The Main Character | The Love Interest | The Aesthetic
75. Create memes from your book (ex., “sleepwalking into the garden every night”)
76. Short stories that match the vibes of your WIP
77. Your genre 101
78. You had me at…(use tropes from your story)
79. Your writing timeline so far
80. A quote you wrote or read recently and can’t stop thinking about
81. Writing check-in: what you wrote this week and number of words
82. A movie/book you’ve watched/read and can’t stop thinking about (bonus points if it relates to your WIP)
83. Tease your WIP using only emojis
84. Choose a winter drink, get a book recommendation
85. Post an aesthetic flat lay with props that match your WIP
86. All the books in your genre that you’ve read in 2025 so far
87. Your bookish/writer goals for 2026
88. “All I Want for Christmas…” writer edition
89. Gift ideas for lovers of your genre (get creative!)
90. Your WIP timeline (when you thought of your idea, when you started writing, where you’re at now, etc.)
91. A quote from a book that inspired your WIP
92. “If you ever find yourself in a(n)…” based on your WIP. (ex., “if you ever find yourself in an abandoned castle…”
93. The best & worst parts of being a writer / aspiring author
94. “My winter plans.” include fun things from your WIP, like “hanging in a cozy tavern,” “reading by candlelight,” etc. Can reuse every season!
95. My manuscript wishlist, writer edition (what do you want to write/read about?)
96. Share your writing process (how you plot, draft, revise, etc.)
97. Share something writing related, like a recent blog post, newsletter, or website update
98. “My toxic trait is…” except for your main characters
99. Recommended winter (or other season) reads for your genre
100. Ideas for writers (scene ideas, character building, unique settings, etc.)

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