Beyond the Book Launch: Social Media Strategies That Keep Your Book Working

What happens to your book marketing strategy after launch day? And how can you keep showing up on social media without feeling like you’re constantly selling your book?

For nonfiction authors, publishing a book is a major milestone, but it’s far from the finish line. Your book is filled with ideas, stories, and expertise that can fuel your content strategy, build meaningful relationships, and create new opportunities long after publication. The challenge is knowing how to turn that valuable material into engaging content that connects with the right people.

In this episode of All Things Book Marketing, Smith Publicity CEO Sandy Poirier Smith and Marketing Manager Rachael Robertson welcome Karlyn Ankrom, founder and lead strategist of Oh Snap! Social, to explore how authors can maintain their social media momentum before, during, and long after their book launches.

As the creator of the Fan Firestarter Framework and Expert Excellence Engine, Karlyn helps nonfiction authors, experts, and thought leaders transform their books, ideas, and expertise into authentic social media content that builds trust and supports their larger professional goals.

Together, Sandy, Rachael, and Karlyn discuss practical ways to repurpose book content, extend the life of media coverage, build an engaged audience, and turn online conversations into meaningful opportunities. They also explore why follower counts and viral moments aren’t always the best measures of success, and how authors can reconnect with their audiences after taking a break from social media.

Whether your book is launching next month or has been on shelves for years, this conversation offers actionable strategies for making your book a long-term asset for your personal brand, business, and professional platform.

In this episode, we explore:

• How can authors build an audience before publication, even if they’re getting a late start?
• What are the best ways to repurpose your book into engaging social media content?
• How can you extend the value of podcast interviews, media coverage, and other publicity opportunities?
• Why do authentic conversations and relationships matter more than follower counts or viral posts?
• How can authors use social media engagement to create speaking, consulting, and business opportunities?
• What practical steps can you take to restart your social media presence after a book launch?

Episode show notes

Timestamps are approximate

00:00 – Introducing Karlyn Ankrom and Oh Snap! Social

03:30 – Why authors should start building visibility before their book launches

05:00 – Bringing readers along on your writing and publishing journey

09:45 – Why book launch day is the beginning, not the finish line

11:00 – Turning your book into a long-term content generator

14:15 – The “one page, one line, one post” content repurposing strategy

16:00 – Writing calls to action that encourage meaningful conversations

18:30 – Building authentic relationships through LinkedIn and social media

22:00 – Why authors should continue sharing and repurposing media coverage

24:00 – Creative ways to turn interviews and articles into social media content

27:30 – Connecting your expertise to timely trends and conversations

32:30 – Measuring social media success beyond followers, likes, and views

34:30 – Why community engagement and strategic outreach matter

39:00 – Three ways to restart your social media strategy after a break

42:30 – Celebrating book anniversaries and reconnecting with your audience

45:45 – Why your social media content should focus on serving your audience

About Karlyn Ankrom

Karlyn Ankrom is the founder and lead strategist of Oh Snap! Social, where she helps nonfiction authors, experts, and thought leaders turn their ideas, books, and expertise into engaging social media content that builds trust and creates meaningful connections.

With a background in journalism, Karlyn brings a storytelling-focused approach to social media strategy. She is the creator of the Fan Firestarter Framework and Expert Excellence Engine, a strategic program designed to help authors and thought leaders repurpose their expertise, strengthen their online presence, and build momentum beyond their book launches.

Her approach emphasizes authentic storytelling, audience engagement, and practical strategies that help even the most social media-reluctant experts show up confidently without losing their voice.

Connect and learn more

Karlyn Ankrom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlynankrom/ 

Oh Snap! Social: https://ohsnapsocial.com

Smith Publicity: https://www.smithpublicity.com

Smith Publicity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-publicity

Smith Publicity on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithpublicity/

Explore more conversations with publishing professionals, authors, and book marketing experts on Smith Publicity’s All Things Book Marketing podcast.

At Smith Publicity, we help nonfiction authors, experts, thought leaders, academics, and business leaders build visibility for their books, ideas, and expertise—reaching new audiences, strengthening credibility, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Our tailored campaigns bring together book publicity, media relations, author platform strategy, and expert positioning based on each client’s goals, audience, and unique areas of expertise.

Whether you’re preparing to publish a book or ready to bring greater visibility to your ideas and expertise, we invite you to start a conversation with the Smith Publicity team.