Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Makela. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hannah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have been working towards making a full-time living as a creative in the book influencer space. It hasn’t been an overnight success, or a path easy to establish, but it has been enjoyable every step of the way.

When I first started my social media accounts in 2020, my focus was on building a presence and community around my passion for books. I began by consistently posting on TikTok, and Instagram, about my favorite reads, reviews, and bookish content. The key was to remain authentic and engaged with my audience, which gradually grew over time.

One major milestone was when I joined the early street team for Adalyn Grace’s Belladonna series. This not only helped me connect with fellow book enthusiasts but also taught me the value of community and networking within the literary world.

Pivoting my in-person book club, the Moody Readers Book Club, to a virtual book club was another significant step. It provided a platform to interact more deeply with my audience and share our love for books. It also allowed me to take a more involved approach with the community, by having a platform to host authors for virtual events.

In the past year, traveling to book festivals and author events also played a crucial role, as it allowed me to form valuable connections and collaborations.

Monetization hasn’t happened quickly or easily. Unlike other social media influencers, the influencers in the book spaces have a harder time with sponsorships. To attract attention of brands and publishers, I started by creating quality content and viewed my accounts as “digital portfolios”. Diversifying my income streams, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and eventually, partnerships with publishing houses, contributed to my ability to earn a living.

Knowing what I know now, I think I would have started reaching out to more brands and publishers earlier on, explaining my worth and value. I would not have held back waiting to hit certain follower milestones, but instead proven my worth through other metrics (such as my engagement rate).

Hannah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Hannah Makela, a 30-year-old professional bookworm who has turned a lifelong passion for reading into a full-time career. Over the past four years, I’ve been sharing my love for books on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where I post reviews, recommendations, and bookish content that engages and inspires my community of fellow readers.

My journey began, like many on “booktok” aka the book side of TikTok, in 2020. At this point, I had been hosting an in-person book club for 2 years but hadn’t really prioritzed reading as a regular part of my routine and lifestyle. I was a very casual reader, maybe reading about 8 books per year. Once the pandemic hit, I turned to books for distraction and comfort, and to the internet for connection and friendship. I found the reader communities on TikTok and Instagram, and the rest is history!

I create a variety of book-related content across social media platforms, including:
– Book Reviews and Recommendations: Honest and engaging reviews of the latest releases and timeless classics. I love to read all formats of books, including audiobooks!
– Reading Challenges and Book Clubs: I host the Moody Readers Book Club, where we explore different genres and themes each month. Each month is a new “mood” and we love to host the authors for virtual livestreams.
– Author Interviews and Panel Moderations: I organize and moderate discussions with authors, providing insights into their works and creative processes. Both in person, and virtually.
– Bookish Travels: Documenting my visits to book festivals, author events, and literary locations, sharing these experiences with my audience.

What truly sets me apart is my genuine enthusiasm for books and my ability to create a warm, inclusive community. My content is not just about books but about connecting with people who share the same passion. I aim to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone, whether they are lifelong readers or just starting their journey. I love to post silly, entertaining content! I believe in the power of showing your true self online, so that you can attract and find your people. I’m not afraid of a little chaos, or to make a fool of myself, if it makes someone laugh.

For authors and publishers, I offer a platform to reach a dedicated and engaged audience, helping to promote their works in an authentic and effective manner. For readers, I provide curated recommendations, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement around books and reading.

A few of my proudest moments in my “bookish” career so far, include moderating at in-person events. Over the last couple years, I have moderated panels at an independent bookstore and the Tucson Festival of Books. I have been able to interview authors, including Sara Shepard, Nina Simon, Jeneva Rose, and many others! Later on this year, I’ll be joining a favorite author of mine, Adalyn Grace, on her book tour for “Wisteria”. As someone who used to be afraid of public speaking, and whose job is primarily at home, behind a screen or book, this has been a huge change of pace – but oh so rewarding!

My mission is to celebrate the joy of reading and to inspire others to find their own adventures in books. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, wanting to dive deeper into the literary world, or simply seeking a community of like-minded individuals (aka bookish besties), I invite you to fol.low me on socials, pick up a book, and send me a message!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started posting about books in social media, I had no idea that it would grow into something I would persue as a career. I began my accounts with the intention of crafting a social media portfolio for book publishers to see, so that they’d see the value of my account, and I’d in turn be able to sign up for their influencer programs. I have always read faster than my budget would allow for, and this was my solution.

As I began posting, my first strategy was always to let my content speak for itself. For me, this means very high quality imagery and visuals. This includes great lighting, angles, and good equipment. The captions needed to be authentic, conversational, and relatable. Once I began posting, I knew I needed to find community. I started engaging with accounts I aspired to be more like, and whom I admired in the book space.

As I grew and continued to engage with these accounts, I was able to form real friendships, collaborate, and stay inspired.

Throughout the years, I have stayed consistent, posting nearly every single day, and evolving with the platform. I continued to level up learning new editing skills, trying out new techniques, and testing what the algorithms liked best. If Instagram started pushing Reels, I started creating Reels. I try not to get to niched into a certain content style, but rather let the social media platforms and trends dictate what I create. From there, I focused on showing my true personality and letting it all out, to continue to attract and connect with like-minded readers.

For those starting new accounts, I’d recommend making sure to show your face as much as possible! People want to connect with other people, not the “brand” or the “business”. Show them who you are! Chat on your Instagram stories, be silly, and be authentic.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up in an extremely religious community, I wasn’t allowed to watch television or socialize with other kids outside of school. My sheltered upbringing often made me feel like I lived in a bubble. For me, books were a window to the outside world, offering glimpses into other people’s lives, thoughts, experiences, and adventures.

Even today, I find books to be a profound source of empathy and understanding. They provide insights and perspectives that I might not otherwise encounter, giving me a personal and sensitive view into other human experiences. Reading continues to expand my worldview and is something I will always cherish.

My passion for reading drives my creative journey because of its immense impact on my life. On a daily basis, reading offers stress relief, entertainment, distraction, and joy. Connecting with other readers who share this passion has transformed my entire life. Now, I am dedicated to sharing this love of books with others, helping them discover the same comfort and excitement that reading brings to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaperbackbruncher/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepaperbackbruncher
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepaperbackbruncher