Darla G. Denton | Author Platform Coach

What should authors post on LinkedIn? Before we get into that, it helps to know why LinkedIn matters. Authors should use LinkedIn because it helps them get seen, build trust, and connect with people who can help their careers, like readers, librarians, podcast hosts, event planners, agents, editors, and other writers.

LinkedIn is also too big to ignore. LinkedIn says it has more than 1 billion members in more than 200 countries and territories, which gives authors a real chance to put their ideas, books, and message in front of the right people.

That does not mean authors need to sound stiff or turn every post into a sales pitch. It means LinkedIn gives them a strong place to share useful ideas, talk about their writing life, and build a presence that helps their work grow.

This guide will show you a simple way to do that.

Why do authors struggle to know what to post on LinkedIn?

Authors usually struggle to know what to post on LinkedIn because they are trying to invent a brand-new idea every time they open the app. That is tiring, and it makes posting feel harder than it needs to be. The real problem is not a lack of ideas. The real problem is a lack of structure.

That matters because LinkedIn itself points creators toward content that is relevant, authentic, and useful. When authors think every post has to sound formal or promotional, they start overthinking instead of sharing. 

Authors often struggle because they do not have a clear system

A lot of authors hear advice like “share a writing update” or “talk about your book.” That sounds helpful, but it does not give them a real plan. After a few posts, they are stuck again.

A simple system makes posting easier because each post has a purpose. Instead of guessing what to say, authors can choose from a few post types that fit their work and their audience.

LinkedIn can feel too formal for authors at first

LinkedIn looks more polished than other platforms, so some authors assume their posts need to sound stiff or business-like. That can stop them before they even begin.

A nonfiction author may think every post has to teach something serious.

A fiction author may think story ideas or character insights do not belong there.

Neither one is true. Clear and useful posts work better than overly formal ones.

Nonfiction and fiction authors run into this in different ways

A nonfiction author might post that their manuscript is done, then stop because they do not want every update to sound like a pitch. A better next post could be a short lesson from research, a common mistake people make, or one question their topic keeps raising.

A fiction author might share a cover reveal, then go quiet because LinkedIn seems too business-focused. A better next post could be a note about world-building, a theme in the story, or a moment when a character surprised them during drafting.

Are you tired of opening LinkedIn and still not knowing what to say? Download my free resource, 30 Days of LinkedIn Prompts for Authors, for simple ideas that make posting feel easier.

What are the four types of LinkedIn posts authors should share?

Authors should share four main types of LinkedIn posts: posts that teach, posts that show behind the scenes, posts that share a point of view, and posts that invite conversation. That mix works well because it gives authors variety without making content feel random. It also helps authors stay visible without sounding repetitive or overly promotional.

That approach fits LinkedIn’s own guidance. The platform recommends posts that focus on one clear idea, use your real voice, and offer practical value people can relate to.

1. Teach your audience something useful

Teaching posts help authors share what they know in a way that feels helpful, not salesy. These posts work well because they give readers a clear takeaway.

A nonfiction author might share:

• three signs of burnout from their area of expertise
• one myth people believe about their topic
• a simple tip readers can use right away

Example:
“Here are 3 small mistakes people make when trying to build better habits.”

A fiction author might share:

• what writing dialogue has taught them about human behavior
• what they learned while researching a time period or setting
• how storytelling can reveal truth in a different way than facts alone

Example:
“Writing my main character taught me how fear can look like confidence from the outside.”

2. Show readers your writing process

Behind-the-scenes posts help people connect with the person behind the book. These posts make your work feel real and give readers a reason to care before the book is even in their hands.

A nonfiction author might show:

• research notes
• a messy draft page
• a photo from an interview or event
• part of the writing routine that helps them stay focused

Example:
“I cut an entire chapter this week because it was repeating the same point. It made the book stronger.”

A fiction author might show:

• character sketches
• world-building notes
• setting inspiration
• a small moment from drafting or revising

Example:
“I changed the setting for one scene, and suddenly the whole chapter made more sense.”

3. Share your point of view on something relevant

These posts work well when authors respond to an article, trend, interview, event, or idea connected to their work. The key is not just sharing the link. The key is adding your own take.

LinkedIn’s guidance on engaging content says posts should be relevant, relatable, and built for real people. That is why your comment on the topic matters more than the link itself.

A nonfiction author might:

• share a news story tied to their subject
• explain what people often miss about it
• connect it to a lesson from their book

Example: “This article on workplace stress left out one big issue: people do not just need time management, they need healthier expectations.”

A fiction author might:

• respond to a trend in publishing or reading culture
• talk about why a certain theme keeps showing up in stories
• connect a current conversation to the kind of fiction they write

Example: “This recent conversation about villain stories made me think about why readers connect so strongly with flawed characters.”

4. Invite your audience into a conversation

Question posts help authors start discussions and learn what their audience cares about. They also make LinkedIn feel more like a conversation and less like a broadcast.

LinkedIn’s creator guidance encourages people to build meaningful engagement and lasting connections, which is one reason question-based posts can work so well.

A nonfiction author might ask:

• “What is one habit that helps you stay focused?”
• “What is the biggest myth people still believe about this topic?”
• “What is one question you wish more people asked?”

A fiction author might ask:

• “What makes a character unforgettable to you?”
• “Do you care more about plot or voice when you choose a novel?”
• “What kind of setting pulls you into a story right away?”

These posts are simple, but they can lead to strong engagement because they invite people to share their own thoughts.

Why this four-part system makes LinkedIn easier

This system works because each kind of post has a clear job. One post teaches, one post shows, one post shares a point of view and one post starts a conversation. That makes it much easier to come up with ideas without forcing yourself to be clever every time.

It also works for both nonfiction and fiction authors. A nonfiction author can use the framework to share insight and expertise. A fiction author can use the same framework to share story themes, creative choices, and writing progress. The format stays simple, even though the content looks different.

Would it help to have a clearer plan for turning these post types into a strategy that fits your author platform? My Social Media Strategy Service helps authors build a practical content plan that works for their goals and voice.

How can authors stay consistent with LinkedIn content?

Authors stay consistent with LinkedIn content by using a simple posting routine they can keep up with week after week. That usually means choosing a small number of post days, rotating through the four post types, and keeping a running list of ideas so posting never starts from a blank page. The goal is not to post every day. The goal is to post regularly enough that people remember you and come to expect your voice.

That matches LinkedIn’s own guidance. LinkedIn says creators should post regularly without flooding people’s feeds, and it also says consistency helps build presence and credibility over time.

Pick a posting schedule you can actually keep

A simple schedule works better than an ambitious one you abandon after two weeks. For most authors, two or three posts a week is enough to stay visible and build momentum. That gives you room to show up consistently without making LinkedIn feel like a full-time job.

A nonfiction author might post on Monday and Thursday. One post could teach something useful. The other could share a behind-the-scenes look at research or drafting.

A fiction author might post on Tuesday and Friday. One post could share a story insight or writing lesson. The other could invite readers into a conversation about characters, themes, or settings.

Use the four post types as your weekly plan

The easiest way to stay consistent is to stop guessing what to post next. Rotate through the four post types instead.

A simple weekly rhythm could look like this:

• Week 1: teach
• Week 2: show behind the scenes
• Week 3: share your point of view
• Week 4: invite conversation

You can also rotate them inside one week if you post more often. What matters is that each post has a clear job. That keeps your content from feeling repetitive, and it makes planning much easier.

Keep a running list of post ideas

Consistency gets easier when you collect ideas before you need them. LinkedIn’s content tips recommend choosing core themes and building a posting system, which is useful advice for authors too.

Your idea list might include:

• questions readers ask you
• lessons from drafting or editing
• research surprises
• scenes, themes, or characters you keep thinking about
• common mistakes tied to your topic
• articles or trends you want to respond to

A nonfiction author could save ideas like “3 myths people believe about burnout” or “What I learned from interviewing educators.”

A fiction author could save ideas like “Why I changed my villain’s backstory” or “The setting detail that made one chapter come alive.”

Make posting easier when you feel stuck

When authors feel stuck, they usually do not need more pressure. They need a shorter path to a usable idea. The fastest fix is to ask one simple question: what is one thing I learned, noticed, or questioned this week?

That question can lead to strong posts for both kinds of authors.

A nonfiction author could turn that into:

• one mistake people keep making
• one lesson from client work or research
• one idea they changed their mind about

A fiction author could turn that into:

• one character choice that surprised them
• one theme showing up in the draft
• one scene that became stronger after revision

This is also where repurposing helps. One idea can become more than one post. A research note can become a teaching post now and a conversation post later. A drafting update can become a behind-the-scenes post now and a reflection post next month.

Focus on a routine, not perfection

Authors do not need a huge content plan to stay active on LinkedIn. They need a simple routine they can repeat. Pick a schedule you can keep. Rotate through the four post types. Save ideas as they come. That is enough to make LinkedIn feel more doable and a lot less stressful.

This section also folds together two overlapping ideas from the rough draft: staying consistent and knowing what to post when you feel stuck. Keeping them together makes the article tighter and more useful.

Do you still have questions about how to stay consistent without making LinkedIn feel overwhelming? You can contact me with any questions, and I’ll help you find the next best step for your content.

How can authors repurpose content for LinkedIn?

Authors can repurpose content for LinkedIn by taking one strong idea and reshaping it into more than one post. That could mean turning a blog post into a short lesson, turning research notes into a behind-the-scenes update, or turning one good question into a conversation post. Repurposing works because it saves time, cuts down on content stress, and helps authors get more value from ideas they already have. LinkedIn’s own content repurposing guide says repurposing means reusing your best ideas in different formats instead of starting from scratch every time.

Repurposing does not mean copying and pasting the same post again. It means keeping the core idea, then changing the angle, format, or example so the post feels fresh and useful. LinkedIn’s repurposing guidance describes it as transforming existing material into new formats or messages to extend the life of your ideas.

Start with one idea that is worth reusing

The best content to repurpose is content with a clear point. It should teach something, show something, share an opinion, or start a conversation. If the original idea is fuzzy, the new versions will be fuzzy too.

A nonfiction author might start with one strong idea like this:
“People do not burn out only because they are busy. They burn out because they never get real recovery time.”

A fiction author might start with one strong idea like this:
“My setting started to feel real when I stopped treating it like a backdrop and started treating it like part of the conflict.”

Both ideas can lead to more than one LinkedIn post.

Turn one idea into different kinds of posts

One idea can often become two, three, or even four posts when you change the purpose of the post.

A nonfiction author could take one research insight and turn it into:

• a teaching post with one key lesson
• a behind-the-scenes post about what led them to that insight
• a point-of-view post about why people get the topic wrong
• a question post that asks readers what they have seen for themselves

A fiction author could take one scene or theme and turn it into:

• a behind-the-scenes post about how the scene changed in revision
• a teaching post about what the scene taught them about storytelling
• a point-of-view post about why that theme matters
• a question post that asks readers what kind of story moment stays with them most

That is the easiest way to make LinkedIn feel lighter. You stop treating each post like a brand-new task.

Repurpose blog posts, book notes, and research

Authors already have more source material than they think. LinkedIn’s repurposing guide says longer pieces can be broken into smaller, self-contained content assets that still offer value on their own.

A nonfiction author can repurpose:

• blog posts
• workshop notes
• podcast interviews
• book research
• client questions
• newsletter content

A fiction author can repurpose:

• drafting notes
• revision lessons
• character sketches
• setting research
• deleted scenes
• author newsletter content

For example, a nonfiction author could take one blog post and pull out:

• one short tip
• one surprising fact
• one mistake people make
• one question to ask readers

A fiction author could take one chapter and pull out:

• a lesson about pacing
• a post about how a character changed
• a note about the setting
• a question about what readers notice first in a novel

Change the angle, not just the wording

This is the part that matters most. Repurposing should create a new reader experience. It should not look like the same post with a few words swapped out.

A nonfiction author might turn “3 signs of burnout” into:

• “The burnout sign people ignore most”
• “What I learned while researching burnout”
• “Which burnout sign do people miss most?”

A fiction author might turn “Why I changed this scene” into:

• “The one setting detail that fixed this scene”
• “What this scene taught me about tension”
• “Do you notice setting first, or character first?”

The main point stays the same, but the post now does a different job.

Repurposing helps authors stay consistent

Repurposing is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent on LinkedIn because it lowers the pressure to keep inventing new ideas. It gives authors a simple way to build content from work they are already doing.

Want more simple ways to get more mileage out of the content you already have? Check out my other free resources for extra support, ideas, and tools for your author platform.

What should authors post on LinkedIn if they do not have a book yet?

Authors who do not have a book yet should post about the work that is already happening before publication. That can include research, lessons from drafting, questions they are exploring, early themes, writing challenges, and small breakthroughs. A finished book is not required to have something worth sharing. In fact, early-stage content can help readers connect with the ideas behind the project long before the book is done. Your rough draft makes that point well, and this section is worth keeping because it adds something new to the article instead of repeating earlier advice.

That approach also fits LinkedIn’s own guidance. LinkedIn says strong creator content should be relevant, authentic, and useful, which means authors can share real progress and real thinking instead of waiting for a polished launch moment.

Pre-published authors can share the ideas behind the book

A book usually starts showing its value long before it is published. A nonfiction author may be collecting research, testing ideas, or noticing patterns that keep coming up. A fiction author may be discovering a character, shaping a setting, or working through the heart of a story. Those early pieces can become useful LinkedIn posts because they show what the author is learning and why the project matters.

A nonfiction author could post about:

• a pattern showing up in interviews
• one idea that changed during research
• a question the book keeps raising

A fiction author could post about:

• a character choice that changed the story
• a theme that keeps showing up in the draft
• a setting detail that made the world feel real

Early-stage posts help readers connect before the book is finished

Pre-publication posts do more than fill space. They help readers follow the journey from idea to book. That makes your future release feel more familiar and more meaningful when it finally arrives.

A nonfiction example could be:
“I am researching burnout for my next book, and one pattern keeps coming up. People are not only tired. They also feel like they never get to recover.”

A fiction example could be:
“While outlining this novel, I realized my main character’s greatest strength may also be the reason everything starts to fall apart.”

Both posts give readers something real to think about. They also make the author’s work feel active and alive.

The best posts at this stage are specific and easy to follow

This is not the time for vague updates like “Working on my book today.” A stronger post shares one clear idea, one useful detail, or one honest observation.

For nonfiction authors, that could be:

• one research takeaway
• one myth tied to the topic
• one lesson from an interview or case study

For fiction authors, that could be:

• one line of thinking behind a character
• one challenge in revision
• one theme the story keeps returning to

The simpler the post, the easier it is for readers to understand and respond. That is what makes this kind of content useful on LinkedIn.

Authors without a book can still build trust and visibility

Waiting until publication day puts too much pressure on one moment. Posting before the book is done gives authors a chance to build trust over time by sharing what they are noticing, learning, and creating right now.

Are you ready to create a LinkedIn plan that feels clear, doable, and tailored to your work as an author? Sign up for a free 30 minute video consultation call to talk through your goals and next steps.

What should authors post on LinkedIn moving forward?

Authors should post on LinkedIn in a way that feels simple, useful, and steady. That means sharing posts that teach, show behind the scenes, share a point of view, or invite conversation. When authors use that mix, LinkedIn stops feeling like a place where they have to perform and starts feeling like a place where they can connect.

Moving forward, the goal is not to post perfectly. The goal is to post with enough clarity and consistency that readers start to recognize your voice, your ideas, and your work. LinkedIn’s creator guidance supports that kind of approach by encouraging content that is authentic, relevant, and valuable to your audience.

A simple plan will help authors keep showing up

A nonfiction author does not need to sound like a lecturer. A fiction author does not need to sound like a marketer. Both authors can do well on LinkedIn by sharing clear ideas, real progress, and thoughtful questions.

A nonfiction author can move forward by posting:

• one useful lesson
• one research insight
• one opinion on a relevant topic
• one question that starts a conversation

A fiction author can move forward by posting:

• one insight from the writing process
• one detail about character or setting
• one reflection on story or theme
• one question for readers about books or storytelling

The best LinkedIn posts are clear, specific, and real

The strongest posts do not try to say everything at once. They share one idea in a way that is easy to read and easy to respond to.

For example, a nonfiction author could say:
“I keep seeing the same mistake in my research on burnout: people think rest and recovery are the same thing.”

A fiction author could say:
“My story started to work better when I stopped making the setting feel pretty and started making it feel dangerous.”

Both examples are simple, clear, and easy to connect with. That is what makes them work.

Authors do not need more pressure, they need a better system

That is the main point of this article. Authors do not need to keep guessing what to post on LinkedIn. They need a simple system they can return to, a short list of ideas they can build from, and a posting rhythm they can actually keep.

That is what makes LinkedIn manageable. It gives authors a place to build visibility, grow trust, and stay connected to the people who care about their work.

Final Thoughts

Authors should remember that LinkedIn does not have to feel complicated. The best posts are usually the ones that are clear, useful, and real. You do not need to post every day, and you do not need to sound overly formal. You just need a simple way to share your ideas in a way that helps people get to know your work.

That is why a simple content system matters. When authors rotate between teaching, showing behind the scenes, sharing a point of view, and inviting conversation, LinkedIn becomes much easier to manage. It also becomes a stronger part of an author platform over time.

The goal is not to be perfect on LinkedIn. The goal is to keep showing up in a way that feels steady, thoughtful, and true to your voice. That is what helps authors build visibility, trust, and stronger connections around their work.

30 Days of LinkedIn Author Posts

Need help figuring out what to post on LinkedIn without second-guessing every idea? This free resource gives you a simple starting point so you can show up with more confidence and less overwhelm.

• 30 ready-to-use prompts
• 5 post templates
• Weekly posting structure
• Engagement question ideas

Get a Social Media Strategy Built for Your Author Platform

Posting gets a lot easier when you have a strategy behind it. My Social Media Strategy Service helps you choose the right platforms, clarify your content focus, and create a plan that supports your goals as an author.

• Personalized strategy for your platform
• Content direction based on your goals
• Clear guidance on what to post
• A plan designed to save time and reduce guesswork