If you’ve spent any time scrolling through bookish corners of Instagram, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled upon Kray’s Book Club. Kristen Cioffi, aka Kray, is a longtime Bookstagrammer who’s been bringing humor, honesty, and some seriously strong book opinions to the platform since 2018.
In our conversation, Kristen shared how she stumbled into Bookstagram during a tough season in life and found a corner of the internet filled with fellow book nerds and a whole new sense of community.
“I didn’t even know Bookstagram was a thing. I was just posting about books because I’ve always been a nerd.”
Turns out, the thing she thought she was inventing already existed… and lucky for us, she jumped in anyway.
Why You Won’t Catch Her Dancing on BookTok
With the rise of BookTok and other platforms, I had to ask if Kristen had dipped a toe in that pool. Her answer?
“I can’t see myself going on camera doing TikTok dances to books. I barely have time to breathe or shower.”
She cracked me up saying maybe one day she’ll join BookTok, like in retirement, but for now, Instagram is her happy place. Plus, there’s something comforting about the Bookstagram vibe: a little cozier, a little less chaotic.
Being Honest When a Book Deserves the Dumpster
One of the things Kristen is known for is her blunt honesty. It’s part of what keeps her audience coming back. Whether she’s loving a book or ready to throw it in the trash, she’s not sugarcoating anything.
“If a book belongs in a dumpster, I’m going to say it belongs in a dumpster.”
That level of candor builds trust. Her followers know that when Kristen raves about a book, it’s because she really loved it, not because it’s trendy. And that authenticity, she believes, is the key to real engagement on social media.
Growing a Community Takes Actual… Socializing
Kristen’s take on building a successful Bookstagram? Don’t just post and ghost.
“You can’t post and then be annoyed when people DM you. You’re opening yourself up to engagement. So engage!”
She talks about making real connections, like her seven-year friendship with Diane from Canada (a grandma!). These relationships make the whole experience richer and more fun. And that’s part of the magic—when Instagram becomes more than just a feed and turns into a community.
Monetizing, Oprah, and Reese
Kristen’s still a full-time teacher, but she’s had some seriously cool opportunities through her account. From partnering with Book of the Month to being invited to exclusive events with Leanne Moriarty, Reese Witherspoon, and even Oprah, she’s found that a lot of monetization happens organically.
“Sometimes I’m like… did they mean to email me?”
While Kristen has earned money through Instagram bonuses and brand collaborations, she emphasizes that relationships matter more than follower counts. She stays in touch with publicists, checks in with publishers just because, and only works with people and books she genuinely loves.
Don’t Let the Algorithm Boss You Around
While many creators obsess over hashtags, algorithms, and posting schedules, Kristen keeps it simple. Yes, reels help boost engagement, especially when she has more free time in the summer. But she doesn’t let the pressure to post daily burn her out.
“You have to find consistency that works for you. Because if you start to hate it, what’s the point?”
Reels, hashtags, and trends can all be tools, but not at the cost of your sanity.
Know Your Worth, Even If You’d Do It for Free
Kristen and I both agree: just because something’s fun or easy for you doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. If a brand wants to use your content, it’s okay (and important) to ask for compensation.
“The first time you hit send on that email, you want to die. But the worst they can say is no.”
We even joked about getting a “yes” so quickly on a rate that we wondered if we should’ve asked for more. It’s all part of learning your worth and not being afraid to advocate for yourself, even in a space that started as a hobby.
Advice for Aspiring Bookstagrammers
So what would Kristen tell someone just getting started?
- Be yourself. If you’re only in it for the free books, people will see right through it. Don’t pretend to like a popular author just to fit in. Find your niche and stick to it.
- Build real connections. The books are great, but the people are better.
- Don’t be afraid to ask. Whether it’s pitching for books or paid opportunities, send the email. You never know what can happen.
And perhaps most importantly?
“It’s not that serious. This should be fun.”
