The truth is, we as readers adore getting lost in thousand-page novels and character-based epic stories, but sometimes, all we need is a dank book meme to make our day. There is a book meme that mocks our reading life or makes fun of our TBR (To Be Read) list, or the crushing despair of completing a great book, but there is something about book memes that only fellow readers and/or writers can understand.
We at The Publishing Legends think that literature is not only a serious business but a business that benefits from a social community. What about book memes? They are what we consider inside jokes. So, what about the fact that memes have entered the literary world and found a loving place there, bringing readers and writers closer together than ever before?
What Are Book Memes, Exactly?
A book meme is some image, GIF, or other brief post that expresses the eccentricities, frustrations, and pleasures of being a reader or writer. They are usually cynical, nostalgic, brutally apt, and over-shareable. The majority of the book memes exist on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and TikTok, where they have established viable fan groups for various books, including Pride and Prejudice and The Percy Jackson series.
They cover topics like:
- Never-ending TBR lists
- Falling in love with fictional characters
- The pain of book hangovers
- Procrastinating your writing (again)
- Finishing a 400-page book only to realize… It’s a series.
And let’s not forget the classics like:
“I’ll just read one more chapter…” said no reader ever without lying to themselves.
Why Book Memes Matter
You may ask yourself the following question: Why would memes ever be relevant to an industry based on a written word? Since memes are the editorial shorthand of the present time. In an all-digital, high-velocity world, the meme offers a voice that is both lighthearted and sincere, yet emotionally accurate. We can exchange our literary frustrations and pleasures without needing a paragraph explanation (at least, we can with each other).
What is more important, memes will create loyalty among readers and a sense of community.
A single meme can generate hundreds of comments from people saying:
“Me!”
“Too real.”
“Tagging my entire book club.”
For self-published authors and indie publishers, this kind of interaction isn’t just fun — it’s powerful.
Want your meme game to strengthen your book brand? Our book marketing strategy service helps you engage readers with relatable content, memes included.
How Authors Can Use Book Memes
If you’re an author (or planning to be one), book memes aren’t just for scrolling — they can be part of your author marketing strategy.
Here’s how:
- Build Relatability
Show your audience you “get it.” Share memes about writer’s block, character drama, or the chaos of editing. It makes you more human — and more shareable. - Promote Your Book (Quietly)
Instead of screaming “Buy my book!”, create a meme that hints at your plot or pokes fun at your protagonist’s attitude. Use humor to pull readers in. - Grow Your Audience Organically
Meme content is more likely to be saved, shared, and reposted. It can help you gain new followers who fall in love with your tone before they even read your blurb.
Some Favorite Book Meme Themes
Still not sure where to start? Here are some tried-and-true meme themes that never fail:
- “Bookshelf is full” — still buys more books
- “I’m writing a book!” — spends 80% of the time on Spotify playlists
- “That one fictional death” — still not okay 5 years later
- “The movie adaptation” — they cast WHO as the main character?!
- “Re-reading my favorite series” — as if I don’t know how it ends
Trust us — your readers live for this content.
Book Memes Are Modern Literary Culture
Book memes may not win a Pulitzer, but they do win hearts, and that’s the first step in building a loyal reading audience. At The Publishing Legends, we celebrate the funny, frustrating, and downright ridiculous parts of the writing and reading journey.
So, whether you’re crafting your first novel or just trying to finish one chapter without getting distracted by memes (ironic, we know), remember: storytelling takes many forms, and sometimes, it comes with a punch line.
Need help creating a brand readers will love? From social posts to author branding and design, The Publishing Legends is your creative partner in the digital literary world.
