5-Part Interview Series with Book Influencers in Africa
African Book Influencers are shaping the continent. As digital platforms and social media increase literature’s accessibility, book influencing’s impact on sales is expected to grow, shaping public opinion and inspiring change. Innovative marketing strategies are now essential, with influencer marketing playing a critical role. We have interviewed prominent book influencers across Africa to gain insights into their work.
Our fifth conversation is with Lady Crystabel Tamakloe, certified_book_lover, who is a reader, reviewer and bookstagrammer from Ghana with the goal to raise a revolution of young readers.
How do you discover new books or authors to feature on your platform?
I usually discover new books or authors through platforms like Instagram (Bookstagram). Reviews, recommendations, and even book rants by fellow bookstagrammers on Instagram often catch my attention. I also explore online bookstores, where a stunning cover will draw me in, prompting me to learn more about the book or author. Another key source is publishing houses, the excitement they create around their latest releases and authors often sparks my curiosity, leading me to dive deeper into their works.
What formats do you prefer for book reviews (e.g., physical copies, e-books, audiobooks)?
I prefer physical copies for book reviews. There’s something special about holding a new book, the smell, the feel of the pages, it just takes my breath away. Plus, I get to add them to my growing collection on my shelves. I also love being able to highlight and annotate memorable scenes and favourite quotes. It makes the reading experience much more personal and meaningful.
How do you utilise social media platforms to drive book sales and engagement?
I use social media platforms like Bookstagram (Instagram) and BookTok (TikTok) to drive engagement by creating visually appealing and authentic content. On Instagram, I post aesthetically pleasing book photos with captions that highlight key themes, favourite quotes, or my personal reflections. I also create interactive content through Instagram reels, featuring unboxings, book hauls, and more, often using trending audios to stay relevant.
On BookTok, I repurpose some of the same content from Instagram, while also participating in trending challenges and hashtag campaigns to connect with other readers. By staying consistent, engaging with my audience, and offering genuine recommendations, I build trust, which often leads to more sales and deeper conversations around the books I feature.
How do you monetize your bookstagram account, if at all? Do you consider being a bookstagrammer profitable and what opportunities or challenges have you encountered in this regard?
I haven’t monetised my Bookstagram account yet, and honestly, I’m not sure if I will in the future. So far there hasn’t been any monetary gains, but it has been profitable in many meaningful ways. As a book influencer, I’ve built a strong sense of trust with my audience, and I love that people appreciate my recommendations and bookish rants. The connections I’ve formed in the Bookstagram community are truly priceless and give me a great sense of belonging. Additionally, I get to inspire the next generation of readers through my book drives and initiatives like: A Book for Christmas, which has been incredibly fulfilling. The support from the bookish community has been key in making this impact possible. That said, one of the challenges I face is obtaining ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from authors and publishers, both locally in Africa and internationally. It’s difficult to get responses, and after rejections or being ignored, I often tell myself I won’t ask for ARCs again, but my love for books always keeps me going back.
How do you measure the success of your book promotions (e.g., engagement, sales, feedback)?
I haven’t specifically focused on measuring the success of my book promotions yet. However, I do notice a few indicators that suggest how well my promotions are performing. Engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares give me a sense of how my audience is responding to my posts. I also pay attention to the conversations and feedback I receive from followers, as their reactions can be quite telling. While I don’t track sales directly, I sometimes get a sense of impact through messages from readers sharing how my recommendations influenced their reading choices. Ultimately, the connections I build and the conversations I spark around books are what I value most in assessing my success.
How do you typically collaborate with publishers, and what benefits do you offer them?
I haven’t collaborated with publishers yet, but I recently secured a book influencer gig with a publisher here in Africa, and I can’t wait to start working with them and share the experience with everyone. The perks look promising, and I’m really excited about what’s to come. Fingers crossed for a successful collaboration!
What criteria do you use to select books from publishers for review or promotion?
When selecting books from publishers for review or promotion, I primarily look for genres that resonate with my interests, particularly fiction. I also consider the books themes and whether they align with my values or the conversations I want to encourage within my community. Additionally, I pay attention to the author’s background and the overall message of the book to ensure it contributes positively to the literary landscape. Ultimately, I aim to promote books that not only captivate my audience but also foster meaningful discussions.
How do you ensure your content aligns with publishers marketing strategies?
I strive to understand the publishers and authors’ goals and target audience. I pay close attention to their marketing materials, including social media guidelines and promotional campaigns. By incorporating their preferred messaging and using consistent hashtags or themes, I create content that aligns with their strategies while still reflecting my personal style.
How do you handle disagreements with authors/publishers?
I haven’t encountered any disagreements with authors or publishers so far, and I hope to keep it that way in the future. I believe in maintaining open communication and being transparent about expectations, which can help prevent misunderstandings. If any issues were to arise, I would approach them with a focus on finding common ground and resolving the matter amicably.
How can book influencers offer more support to publishers in Africa?
Book influencers have consistently supported publishers in Africa and beyond over the years. Through book reviews, recommendations, and various creative strategies, we generate buzz and initiate meaningful conversations around books, ultimately driving sales. By highlighting diverse voices and stories, we help increase visibility for publishers and foster a vibrant literary community. Our efforts not only promote individual titles but also contribute to a broader appreciation for literature in the region.
