Introducing: Alberta Bookstagrammer, Brianna Gitzel
An Interview with Editorial Director, Ashley Holloway
Ashley Holloway (AH): Hi Brianna Gitzel (BG), thanks for spending some time with Unleash! Among many other really cool things, you are an Alberta Bookstagrammer who has a pretty big following. I am really interested in how you got your start; can you tell me a little bit about how your journey from reader to Bookstagrammer began?
BG: Oh, thank you! I had a personal Instagram account and began to follow and become more aware of pages that were dedicated to posting book recommendations, reviews, anything bookish, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that community. One Christmas break a few years ago, I decided to create a book specific account, a Bookstagram, and I’ve learned, and added so much to my TBR pile ever since.
AH: How do you choose which books to review?
BG: I review all the advance reader copies (ARCs) I receive, but not all on my Bookstagram. The majority of my ARCs are through NetGalley, a website where anyone can create an account and request digital ARCs, and I always submit my feedback on their website. I also try to post my thoughts on other platforms that allow book reviews, like Goodreads, The StoryGraph or Amazon. As Bookstagram is my hobby, what I post there can ebb and flow with life. This year I am trying to post some brief thoughts to my story on every book I read and save them as a highlight to be referenced by anyone at any time. I mostly post favourites, recommendations, wrap ups, cover reveals I am a part of, or any time creativity strikes on my Instagram grid.
If you’re trying to grow, pay attention to trends and what’s popular.
AH: A big part of being a Bookstagrammer is creating engaging content with great visuals. How do you decide how best to feature the books you are reviewing?
BG: This is a great question! I think this is constantly evolving. I try to post as relevantly as possible, like with reels or trending music, but mostly I just try to post. My goal is to chat all things book related, so I try to create posts that engage people and open a conversation. For reviews specifically, I try to be as spoiler free as possible so I like to include a brief synopsis and a ‘read if you enjoy’ list, so other readers can decide if they think this book is worth picking up.
AH: Do you have any pearls of wisdom to share for those who may be interested in starting a Bookstagram?
BG: I would say just start! Find accounts that speak to you and follow them. Engage in other people’s content. If you’re trying to grow, pay attention to trends and what’s popular.
AH: I know it’s a bit like asking someone to pick their favourite child, but do you have a favourite book?
BG: This is tough! Fredrik Backman’s Beartown is high on my list. The hockey aspect of this would normally not interest me, but the way he wrote about people? This is why I love reading!
About Brianna:
Brianna Gitzel is an Alberta-based Bookstagrammer sharing her bookish adventures as @tbr.ianna. She loves getting lost in a great story, discovering new authors, and connecting with fellow readers to chat all things books.