Fans Not Followers: Authors Need to Ditch Social Media and Find their 1000 True Fans
Authors need to find their 1000 true fans who will support them like the Beyhive supports Beyoncé. On episode 65 of the Your BIPoC Writing Coach podcast, you’ll learn why BIPoC authors need to stop searching for social media followers, and start focusing on finding their true fans.
Press play on the podcast, to hear a pep talk about finding your 1000 true reader fans. This is a term that is often thrown about in entrepreneur spaces when it comes to sales and marketing, but it’s something authors need to think about as well. Consider this the most important lesson in our special, “Your Famous Author Era” season.
On the show you’ll learn:
Why authors should be searching for fans not audiences or followers. (Hint: Followers don’t read!)
How to figure out who your real fans are.
Where to find your fans online and in real life.
How to nurture your fans once you find them.
This isn’t going to be a theoretical pep talk, I’m sharing facts and figures from the publishing industry to support why authors need 1000 true fans to significantly move the needle on their career and longevity as a writer.
By the way, you can listen to the Your BIPoC Writing Coach podcast on Apple podcasts, YouTube and every other podcast platform.
Links to Learn More about Author Fandoms
If you want to start your own book club and/or find your readers online try:
Fable: A Social App for readers
The Storygraph: An alternative to Goodreads created by a Black woman.
Bindery is a start-up publisher relying on author fandoms to drive publishing decisions.
The Black British Book Festival recently announced their new partnership with Pan MacMillan.
Links to Optimize Your Literary Life
WE’RE OPENING THE DOORS TO The Sanctuary at the end of November 2025. If you’ve been looking for a supportive writing community to join, and you are a BIPoC woman who takes your writing seriously, then make sure you’re on the Tell Me More Wait List so you’ll be the first to know when the applications go live. Inside The Sanctuary we provide everything writers need to succeed and thrive in their writing life. Check out the website for more details on what we offer.
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