We are very excited to have talked with Morgan Menzies about her book influencer career. In her journey creating a social media book club with her recommendations and reviews, she has interviewed authors like Kennedy Ryan, Tia Williams, and V. E. Schwab among many others. In her content creation, she has created a virtual book club but has also done work in the Washington D.C. area, curating in person literary events like The Reading Lounge and Book It Around™ to create more conversation around books and to foster community.
You can find and follow her here: Instagram @prettylittlebookshelf | Tiktok @prettylittlebookshelf | Substack @prettylittlebookshelf

Tell us about your book influencer origin story. What did sharing your book recommendations look like in the beginning? 

After finishing a good book, I couldn’t stop talking about it and loved discussing them with my family, friends and coworkers. This transitioned to virtual book clubs and bookstagram which completely opened up my world to the book community. In the beginning, my book recommendations were primarily historical fiction, featuring long captions and faceless posts.

When do you feel like it really started to take off for you?

I think it really started to take off when I increased my focus on building community through online initiatives and in-person gatherings. Books have introduced me to some incredible people.

What are some of the major changes you’ve seen take place in the book influencing space?

More people are reading for pleasure which is fantastic. One major change is IRL communities including book club, authors events, and festivals. Another change is the role book influencers have in the lifecycle of a book. We see activations, brand trips, panel discussions and budget allocated to engage readers. These initiatives demonstrate the value and genuine excitement book influencers bring to the space.

What do you think a book influencer’s role is in publishing and how do you navigate that space?

 A book influencer’s role is to be a bridge between the reader and publishing and sometimes the author. Recommending books we love goes a long way and our genuine reactions and perspectives build trust. The industry is ever-evolving and I navigate the space with excitement and curiosity.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to enter this space right now?

Be yourself and support one another. Read what excites you and don’t feel pressured to read a certain amount of books or post a certain number of times a day or week. Everyone is different and that’s what makes the book space special.

How do you select the books you decide to share?

I like to share debut novels, books by authors of color, books that teach explore the human experience, evoke emotion, and spark dialogue.

Has doing this enriched your reading experience, or occasionally removed some of the joy? 

I have broadened the books I read, fostered meaningful relationships and I’m truly grateful. I am intentional about keeping joy at the center of my reading experience and rest when I need to.

What are a few books you’re really excited about in 2026?

I’m excited to read Take What You Can by Naima Coster, Anger Is Only A Shadow by Elizabeth Acevedo, American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee, and Mazywood by Tananarive Due.

How do you see the role of book influencer evolving for you as you grow in this space?

  I see my role in this space as a community builder and architect readers. I am excited to continue curating spaces meant to hold people and invite them to slow down with a good book.