As a writer, Facebook still holds value. While new platforms continue to emerge, Facebook remains the world’s largest social media site. With over 3 billion monthly and 2 billion daily active users as of 2024, it’s an audience you can’t afford to ignore.
One of the biggest reasons I still stay active on Facebook? Facebook groups for authors.
For years now, Facebook pages have dropped in effectiveness unless you have a massive following or you’re paying for ads. But groups? Groups still offer real traction—especially for writers looking to build community, boost visibility, and grow their readership organically. Even Facebook knows this—remember their 2020 Super Bowl commercial all about groups?
Since then, groups may have cooled slightly in impact, but they remain powerful tools for connecting with readers and fellow creatives.
What Should My Facebook Group Be About?
If you’re an author thinking about starting your own group, the topic matters—a lot.
Two guiding principles:
- The riches are in the niches—specific topics are better than broad ones.
- Think about search intent—what kind of group is someone actually searching for?
Fiction authors can build communities around genres, themes, or worldbuilding elements in their books. A fantasy writer might start a group to discuss epic fantasy tropes or characters. A romance author could create a space focused on faith-based love stories or small-town settings.
Non-fiction authors can build groups around their core topic. If you write about productivity, start a community for Christian creatives tackling time management. If you help church leaders, your group could be a support space for small-church pastors. The more specific, the better.
Tightly focused Facebook groups for authors help build a meaningful, engaged audience that’s actually interested in what you write.
10 Tactics to Grow Your Audience Using Facebook Groups
Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty. If you’re starting a group as part of your long-term author platform, here are 10 tips to help you make the most of it:
1. Name Your Group with Search in Mind
Facebook is a search engine (albeit a clunky one). People use the search bar to find groups on specific topics. That’s why group names packed with keywords tend to do well.
When you search a topic, you mostly see that name. That name determines the subject and how Facebook may recommend it. Here’s an example when I typed in “Christian romance” and looked in the groups category.
Too often, people opt for a cutesy, fun name, maybe with their brand name in it, but that doesn’t help people answer the question, “What can I expect in this group?” Instead, be clear. My group “Christian Novelists & Fiction Writers” gets traffic simply because it says exactly what it is. Add a fun or branded subtitle if you want, but make the main title functional and searchable.
2. Collect Emails from Members
Facebook groups by authors are a great place to build your email list. And like it or not, email is still king. Facebook could shut down my groups at any time but I’d still have a way to contact people through email.
If your group is set to “private,” you can ask new members questions before they join. This is your chance to ask (optionally) for their email and offer a quick reason why—such as access to a freebie or updates relevant to their interests. Get more email lead magnet ideas here.
I’d estimate that roughly 75% of people give me their email when joining my groups. You can either log in this emails manually or use tools like GroupFunnels to automate the process.
3. Have a Clear Mission
Treat your group like a mini-business. Start with a simple mission: What’s the group for? Who is it serving? Why should someone join?
Crafting a mission statement that describes your goals can be helpful so everyone is on the same page.
Then write rules that reflect that mission. Keep things focused. If people start posting spammy or off-topic content, kindly enforce the rules. It might ruffle a few feathers, but staying on track builds trust over time. I’ve definitely had people prefer my groups because I enforced the rules and didn’t allow junk.
4. Post Consistently
You don’t have to post daily, but consistency helps people know to expect fresh content. It keeps things engaging and moving. I suggest posting just enough to constantly get attention to your group, but not too much that you annoy people.
Even just two scheduled posts per week can keep engagement alive. For example, I once ran a weekly #TipTuesday where members shared writing advice. People actually missed it when I skipped a week.
Especially in new Facebook groups built for authors, consistent posting builds momentum.
5. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Comments drive the Facebook algorithm more than likes or shares. One of the easiest ways to get comments? Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions.
Jesse Synan, admin of “Social Media for Christian Writers,” says:
“Ask solid questions. But easy questions. Get the conversations flowing. That way you’re being social and learning what your community wants to know about next. Then create it!”
Ask questions. Start discussions. Build a place where readers want to show up.
6. Give Value (Without Overselling)
As an author—especially a non-fiction author—you bring expertise to your group. Share what you’re learning. Talk about your writing journey. Offer really good advice and tips without sounding like a sales pitch.
I like to share experiments I’m trying. For instance, I once told one of my groups that I was sending out press releases to newspapers and magazines, which I had never done before, but I framed the story around advice and ideas that would benefit my audience and not just focus on me. It’s helpful, honest, and keeps the group focused on growth.
7. Go Live
Live video adds a human touch. Facebook often notifies group members when you go live, boosting visibility.
Use lives to share behind-the-scenes updates, talk about writing challenges, or even host Q&As. You can also bring on guests to share their wisdom and expand your group’s reach.
Bonus: Messy hair and real-life interruptions make you relatable—not unprofessional. People want authenticity.
8. Moderate the Content
I’ve been in some groups that are off-the-rails crazy. Groups break down and stop becoming valuable when anything goes.
So don’t let your group become chaotic! Admin approval on posts can help you catch irrelevant or inappropriate content before it goes live. In truth, your brand is directly tied to how well-organized and chaos-free the group appears.
Make sure every post ties back to your group’s purpose. A well-moderated group earns trust—and keeps people coming back.
9. Don’t Over-Promote Yourself
Yes, you’re the admin. Yes, you can post about your books or offers. But be selective. Use wisdom.
I might be in charge, but I don’t want to abuse the privilege I have to speak to my community.
Save promotional posts for big announcements, and make sure they’re framed around how they benefit your audience. Pin key promotions to the top of the group as announcements so they stay visible longer.
Be generous, not spammy. That balance matters.
10. Funnel People to Other Platforms
Creator-drive Facebook groups are powerful, but Facebook still owns the playground. Don’t rely on it as your only channel.
Point group members to your email newsletter, website, or other social platforms. Post links to your blog or podcast when relevant. The more places someone connects with you, the more likely they are to become a loyal fan over time.
In Summary
If you’re an author looking to build your platform and connect with the right readers, Facebook groups for authors are a valuable, low-cost tool.
You don’t need to be a social media guru to start one. Just be clear about your purpose, serve your audience well, and show up consistently. Then watch the fans come through the doors!
Jake Doberenz is a writer, teacher, minister, and creative thinker from Oklahoma City, OK. He is the Founder and President of Theophany Media. Additionally, he ministers at the Mayfair Church of Christ and teaches middle school debate at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies in Oklahoma City. Jake is almost done with his Master of Theological Studies at Oklahoma Christian University, the same place he recieved an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Communication Studies.