How Colleen Hoover Took Over the Book World (And What Writers Can Learn From Her)

If you’ve spent any time in the book world—especially in the past few years—you’ve likely heard the name Colleen Hoover. The bestselling author of romance and contemporary fiction has taken the literary world by storm, dominating bestseller lists and turning social media into her personal marketing playground. But how did she do it? And more importantly, what can aspiring writers learn from her journey?

Let’s break down Hoover’s rise to success and uncover the writing lessons hidden in her story.

From Self-Published to Sensation

Colleen Hoover’s career began in a way that many authors dream about: she took a chance on herself. In 2012, Hoover self-published Slammed, a novel she wrote for fun and never intended to release. Encouraged by family and friends, she uploaded it to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, where it quickly gained traction thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews.

Then, something big happened. Slammed caught the attention of Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, which signed Hoover to a publishing deal. From there, her career skyrocketed. She continued writing books that resonated with readers, but her real breakthrough moment came with It Ends With Us (2016), which later saw a resurgence in popularity thanks to BookTok, the book-loving community on TikTok.

Now, Hoover’s books routinely top bestseller lists, sell out in bookstores, and inspire movie adaptations. She’s built an empire on emotionally gripping stories and a deep connection with her readers.

So, what can writers take away from her journey?

1. Write What Moves You

One of Hoover’s biggest strengths is that she writes from the heart. Her stories are deeply emotional, often exploring themes of love, trauma, and personal growth. She doesn’t chase trends—she writes what she’s passionate about, and that authenticity resonates with readers.

Writing Tip: Don’t write what you think will sell. Write what excites you, what keeps you up at night, and what you can’t stop thinking about. Readers can tell when a story is genuine versus when it’s trying too hard to fit a mold.

2. Embrace Self-Publishing (If It Feels Right for You)

Before landing a traditional deal, Hoover found success through self-publishing. Many authors shy away from this route, but Hoover’s story proves that independent publishing can be a powerful stepping stone—or even a full-fledged career path.

Writing Tip: If you’re struggling to get a traditional book deal, don’t be afraid to publish independently. Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark give writers control over their work. A strong story and smart marketing can turn a self-published book into a bestseller.

3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Hoover didn’t just rely on traditional publishing to market her books—she built a community. She engaged with readers on social media, shared behind-the-scenes insights, and fostered genuine relationships with her fans. When It Ends With Us took off on TikTok, she was ready to ride the wave.

Writing Tip: You don’t need a massive following, but being active on social media helps. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect with readers, share your journey, and build anticipation for your books. The more authentic you are, the better.

4. Make Readers Feel Something

One reason Hoover’s books are so popular? They make readers feel. Whether it’s heartbreak, joy, or shock, her novels evoke strong emotional responses. This keeps readers engaged and leads to word-of-mouth recommendations—arguably the most powerful form of book marketing.

Writing Tip: Focus on emotional impact. Don’t just tell a story—make readers experience it. Develop characters that feel real, craft dialogue that stings, and create moments that linger long after the final page.

5. Keep Writing, Keep Improving

Even after her first big success, Hoover kept writing. She didn’t stop at Slammed—she built a body of work that kept readers coming back. Over time, her writing evolved, and she experimented with different genres and storytelling techniques.

Writing Tip: Success doesn’t come from one book alone. Keep writing, keep improving, and keep putting your work out there. Every book is a new opportunity to grow as a writer and reach more readers.

Final Thoughts

Colleen Hoover’s journey is proof that writing success doesn’t follow a single path. Whether through self-publishing, traditional deals, or social media engagement, her story shows that persistence, authenticity, and connection with readers are key.

If you’re an aspiring writer, take these lessons to heart. Write what moves you, embrace new opportunities, and never stop honing your craft. Who knows? You might just be the next name dominating the bestseller lists.