Few writers have seen their star rise as quickly in the changing world of modern literature as Colleen Hoover. Born on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, Hoover’s path from self-published author to bestselling author and cultural icon is a testament to the power of storytelling and the capabilities of social media.
Growing up in Saltillo, Texas, Hoover studied social work at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She worked as a social worker and teacher, dividing her professional life between raising three sons with her husband, Heath Hoover. It wasn’t until 2011 that Hoover started writing, authoring her first novel, Slammed, which was inspired by a line from The Avett Brothers. Initially intended as a personal project, she self-published the novel in January 2012, aiming to share it with her mother.
Slammed gained popularity fast, especially following a five-star review by book blogger Maryse Black. The success of the novel pushed it to the New York Times Best Seller list, prompting Hoover to release a sequel, Point of Retreat, and later sign with Atria Books. Her next book, Hopeless, became the first self-published novel to dominate the New York Times Best Seller list.
Hoover’s rare combination of romance, emotional insight, and hard realities appealed to readers, making her a standout among the “new adult” fiction genre. Her books usually discuss love, trauma, and recovery, tapping into a very varied audience.
The rise of TikTok and the #BookTok phenomenon significantly contributed to the skyrocketing fame of Hoover. The fans on social media shared emotional responses and reviews of her books, especially It Ends With Us, propelling the book back to success years after its first release. This natural promotion resulted in Hoover having the bestsellers lists under control, with six of her books placed in the top ten bestselling novels in 2022.
Hoover’s bibliography is wide-ranging, including series such as Slammed, Hopeless, Maybe Someday, and the It Ends With Us duology, in addition to standalone novels such as Verity, Ugly Love, and Reminders of Him. Her writing skills have not only ensnared readers but also drawn Hollywood’s attention. Movie adaptations of It Ends With Us, Verity, and Regretting You are being developed, with It Ends With Us featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
In spite of her celebrity status, Hoover is down-to-earth, living in her home town and close to her family. She respects her private life and still communicates with her fan base, lovingly referred to as “CoHorts.” Hoover also co-hosts Book Bonanza, a yearly literary festival raising money for several charities, showing her willingness to give back to society.
Time magazine in 2023 listed Hoover as one of the world’s 100 most influential people, highlighting her immense contribution to modern literature and popular culture. She has made it easier for writers to communicate with readers through candid storylines and her use of online media. She has changed the routes to literary stardom.
Colleen Hoover’s rise from a self-published writer to a literary phenomenon highlights the power of transformation that stories can have and the democratizing effect of social media. Her books continue to motivate and engage readers across the globe, cementing her place as a voice of her generation.
