I absolutely love scrolling through Instagram. My feed is full of Bookstagramer's gorgeous flat-lays and bookshelf eye-candy. Some of my favorite reading buddies have come from the connections I've made through talking about books on Social Media.
If you've never created a flat-lay, I double-dog-dare you to try today! You might find that you like it. Personally, I LOVE spending time with books I adore, making them into my own little pieces of art. Besides, it's a good marketing skill to have. Whether you're announcing a new book, hosting a giveaway, geeking out about your latest read, or connecting with other readers, book flat-lays can make a big statement.
Here are a few pointers to help you get started. Don't forget to click on the links to see examples of well done posts from some of my favorite Bookstagram accounts.
Backgrounds
Every flat-lay needs to start out with a gorgeous background. The purpose of a background is to add a little bit of texture, but mainly be a supporting element to highlight your product. You have to look for something modern, clean, and appealing. The biggest mistake I see is when people use outdated or considerably worn materials from around their house. If you have designer wood floors, plush throw blankets, yards of flowing linen, use it! But face it, most of us are moms with jelly stains and tight budgets. So, where can we find backgrounds that aren't lackluster?
Here are a few options:
1. Books: Try lining up some of your favorite covers side by side. Or even open up their pages and layer them in a fun way.
2. Things from around the house: Do you have a cool chunky knit blanket that you cuddle up with when you read? Has your back porch weathered in a cool way that fits your Insta's rustic theme? Get creative. Even if something's not perfect, you can make it into a lovely backdrop.
3. Go on-sight: The outdoors have so much potential. And all the natural light you could want! There are some really fun examples under #outdoorbooks and #readingoutside on insta. Go check them out for inspiration!
4. Paper Backdrops: If you're going to be regular about flat-lays, I recommend investing in a paper backdrop. I have two that look like gorgeous hardwood floors. You can find them online for as low as $10 each. Search around on Etsy or Amazon for the look you want. Having a consistent background color helps each of your pictures stay within a related color palette and will make your feed look really cohesive.
Utilize Props
You can use as many, or as few props as you want when you're setting up a flat-lay. Just remember, using props should support your books, not detract from them. Start by finding items around your house that relate to the book, match the tone of the cover, or even just look nice. Here are some ideas for suggested props:
Artificial Flowers: These are one of the easiest props to start with. If you hit up a 50% off sale at Hobby Lobby or Michael's, hunt down flowers at yard sales, or post a "looking for" post on social media, you can piece together a decent amount of prop flowers without breaking the bank. Try to find colors that will compliment the widest variety of books you can. I purchased a lot of white, a few cool colors, and a few warm colors. That way, I'm covered, no matter what color palette I'm working with.
Fandom Items: Funko-pops, socks, crowns, swords, home decor, mugs, bookmarks, maps... If you're a collector, utilize these items in your flatlays! Someone who does a really great job of this is @lulumoonowlbooks.
Food: Snacks and books are a natural pairing. What are some of your favorite snacks to eat while you read? Are you into baking? What is your drink of choice when you sit down to relax? Connect with your audience on more than one level!
More Books: Sometimes the best way to highlight a book is with other books. If I see a book that I haven't read, I'll be more inclined to read it if it's paired with other books that I have read and enjoyed.
Simple Items: Sometimes you can get creative and set a mood with simple items from around the house. Are there things you own that might work? Check out moonlight.reader for a TON of good examples. Flatlays can be a lot of fun to play around with. The options are as wide as your imagination.
Cover facing up: Having the full cover visible is a great way to highlight a particular book. If you are showcasing more than one book, try not to put them in a straight line. Play around with diagonals, alternating heights, or even varying angles.
Spine facing up: You can get creative about how you showcase your book spines. Form different shapes, create rainbow effects with alternating colors, or come up with something completely unique! Arranging your books in a fun way, and taking a close up can be a simple way of creating a flat-lay without a background or props. Play around with different options, browse around for inspiration, and enjoy spending some quality time with your books!
Taking the Picture
I usually use my phone to take flat-lay pics. I use the Photo Shop Express app to make it look it's very best. When you go to post on Instagram, the recommendation is to use the same filter every time, to make your feed really cohesive. So, if you do choose to use a filter, stick to the same one to keep the same tone throughout. Once your picture is cropped and edited, it's ready to go!
I hope you take a few moments today to try it out. I'd love to see what you come up with! Post a link to your flatlay below so I can come celebrate your books with you!