Can you believe it’s 2024?!

 

Where did this year go?

 

This year marked 2 years on bookstagram and 1 year of business – two of the best decisions I ever made for myself (well, aside from marrying the love of my life and growing a family).

 

And over the last few months, I’d been reflecting a lot about what I knew I wanted to do as a bookish content creator, thought leader, and book business this year vs what I knew I wouldn’t want to do or bring with me.

 

A year ago today I was pretty all over the place and confused, so it is nice to have clarity going into 2024.

 

As we step into a brand new year, it’s important to take a closer look at our bookish goals and practices to decide what we can bid farewell to.

 

I’ve loved seeing so many of you share yours, whether it is putting less pressure on yourself to read x amount of books, launching a debut, growing your community or resting more.

 

After my deeper look, I’ve identified certain practices that do not align with my vision that I won’t be bringing into my bookstagram this year – a conscious choice for balance while holding a safe space for you to thrive.

 

Most of these I’ve never brought into my brand, but the 3rd was one I started my account with that I’m glad I discontinued this past year.

 

I’ve come to the conclusion that my 2024 will be meant for more refinement and simplicity rather than “bigger, better, hustle, repeat.”

 

There are many things I intentionally don’t do to make this a welcoming space, so let’s break down the eight things you won’t find here this year.

 

Chasing trends instead of building a unique brand

 

While trends come and go, I’ll always love original content (while also acknowledging it is tough to create truly original content!).

 

In 2024, I won’t be chasing every bookish trend – perhaps will hop on a few – but instead, I’ll be creating content based on what truly resonates with who I am and what I believe my community will genuinely enjoy and find value in.

 

I want every piece of content to build my personal brand, not look like someone else’s.

 

I’ve generally found that staying on top of trends can be stressful, so I’d much rather create content based off of what I love, and what will best serve this community.

 

What do you think?

Competing with other bookish creators & businesses

 

 

The bookstagram space is big enough for everyone, so there’s no need to compete.

 

There is no need for authors to compete with one another, businesses or creators competing with each other (even though I know firsthand that comparison and competition can seep in unwanted).

 

Instead of focusing on what other businesses and bookish brands are doing and how I can “one up”, I’ll be focusing on my own vision.

 

As I continue doing my thing, I know that those who are meant for me will find me (aka, I am truly so glad you’re here!)

 

 

Only sharing hyped books

 

While popular books hold a special place in my heart (they deserve all the hype, aka I will forever be an SJM fan like most and while we are on the topic I am dying for cc3), there are also so many that are just as good & woefully underrated. So this year, my goal is to focus on a more diverse reading palette and platform more underrepresented books. 

 

Indie and Bipoc authors have my heart and deserve all the love, so I’m dedicated to shedding more light on the underrated gems that are out there this year. I want to ensure that those books get the love and attention they need. 

 

I have always had a big passion for supporting bipoc authors, and loved participating in the 23for23 challenge. This meant reading 23 books by bipoc authors and featuring bipoc main characters. I’m so happy I made more of an effort to complete this challenge, but honestly, I want a majority of the books I read to be by bipoc authors.

 

Out of the 76 books I read in 2023, 54 of them were indie. I’ll be continuing to read and feature primarily indie books as well.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I also am a huge fan of traditionally published books too (hello, The Hurricane Wars, Babel, What the River Knows are all MUST READS). I will read what calls to me. But I find that there is a LOT of content about the hyped, traditionally published books on repeat. I want to use my platform to hype the underrated gems.

Tagging authors in negative reviews

 

We all know and recognize that not every book and author is a perfect match. But point blank, tagging authors in negative reviews ain’t it. 

 

Authors put their all into their books and work (and they’re people too), so while a book may not be for you and everyone can freely review, that doesn’t mean we’re entitled to tag and bash the author. What does that do for anyone? 

 

I will personally continue leaving honest and respectful reviews, no matter if I liked the book or not. Just because a book isn’t for you doesn’t mean you need to let the author know. I’ll even take a step further to say, why not be decent and respectful in a review when you did not like the book?

 

Only reading completed book series

 

I know it’s really tough to wait in between uncompleted series (the wait is eternallllllll), but I also recognize the importance of reading debuts & books as they come out. 

 

So, to support authors from the beginning, I’ll continue my practice of reading books as they come out — not waiting until they are completed.

 

Debut novels and new releases deserve just as much love!

 

By collecting and loving them just as much as a completed series, we contribute to the flourishing of these authors and their stories because when we don’t support the first books, there might not BE a completed series to look forward to!

 

Participating in hustle culture

 

I’ve decided to say “hell no” to hustle culture and “hell yes” to sustainable practices this year. While this was one of the busiest (yet best) I’ve had for my business, I also know firsthand the reality of burnout. 

 

Yes, I saw my bookish brand flourish this year, but finding balance is also incredibly important to me. 

 

I recently heard someone say in a business podcast, “Instead of asking yourself how you can make more money, ask yourself how you can make the same amount of money but easier.” This is the mindset I’m entering 2024 with.

 

This year, I’ll be prioritizing a more sustainable pace to foster a more healthy work-life-Bookstagram balance. It’s about quality over quantity. This way, I can ensure each post and action on my part resonates with genuine passion rather than mere output.

 

Instead of hustling for more followers or an increased income, I want to refine what I have. I want to make it all more simple while remaining impactful.

Some of the ways I plan to say no to hustle culture and have a sustainably paced life: Continue posting 3 times a week, no work or IG on Sundays and most Saturdays too), hiring more people to my team to reduce my workload, refining my offers instead of creating too many, repurposing content, keeping to 20 hour work weeks.

 

I really want to maintain a balanced and sustainable work-life balance over 2024, and by simplifying my systems, I’ll be able to make what works even better. 

 

 

No more empty requests for free books

 

Asking authors for free books with no intention to support them is not the way to do it. 

 

Just like you wouldn’t want to feel taken advantage of (especially in terms of something you worked really hard for), authors don’t want to feel it either. 

 

I’ve never sought freebies with no intention of genuine support, and I certainly don’t plan on doing so. 

 

I also recognize that I have unintentionally done this! I’ve requested arcs with the intention to read, review and post about the book and failing to do so for one reason or another.

This is why in 2024 I’m turning down free books more and more, and also request arcs way less.

 

I say this because I’m committed to helping this community more authentically support our authors, especially over 2024. This is your encouragement to more closely follow your favorite authors’ journeys. Share their stories and show them the support they deserve.

 

Not trusting myself and my vision

 

Finally (last but certainly not least), I plan to leave behind the second guessing of myself over 2024. And not only of myself but of my vision and direction I want to take my account and business.

Sometimes I get scared to implement new things and new ideas; scared to do things differently or make the big and small moves, but I’m going to *do my best* to leave all that behind.

I know that self-doubt won’t get me anywhere. So in 2024, we’re saying cheers to trusting ourselves and our vision.

 

I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed on my favorite podcast and share more on overcoming my self doubt and launching my bookstagram and book business. I’d love to invite you to tune in here!

 

 

As we welcome in 2024, these conscious choices I hope show my commitment to an authentic, supportive, and vibrant bookstagram community, brand, and business, and I encourage you to take a deep dive into your goals to do the same. 

 

Here’s to embracing change and creating a community that thrives. What are you planning to leave behind this year?