Ever Thought About Marketing Your Books on Tik Tok?

With the much valued autonomy of self-publishing comes the shocking reality of book marketing. It's just not fair is it? In my work, I have come to realise that this responsibility is increasingly shared by traditionally published authors too. Normally on much lower royalty rates. Does that make you feel any better? Finding unique ways to promote our books is a constant theme we need to be exploring as part of developing our author platforms. No doubt you will have heard about the buzz surrounding TikTok over the last few years, but do you know how much it's been changing the game for authors and publishers alike?

The hashtag "BookTok" has become a powerhouse for promoting books, especially to younger readers. Now, you might be wondering just how big this trend really is? Well, hold onto your reading glasses because the numbers are pretty impressive. The #BookTok hashtag has racked up a whopping 91 billion views on TikTok. Yes, you read that right – billion with a 'b'! And it's not just idle scrolling. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of young adults between 16 and 25 are turning to TikTok for their next gripping read. What does this mean for both trad and self-published authors? In a word: profits. Bloomsbury, the publishing house that brought us Harry Potter, saw their profits soar by 220% in 2022. And guess what? They're giving a nod to #BookTok for playing a part in that success.

Now, let's talk genres. While you can find just about any type of book on TikTok, some genres are really stealing the show. Young Adult fiction is a big hit, no surprise there. Romance novels are making hearts flutter, and fantasy books are casting their spell on readers. Don't forget about contemporary fiction and those page-turning thrillers and mysteries however – they're all finding their place in the TikTok spotlight. So, how are authors and publishers making the most of this trend? They're getting creative, that's for sure. They're whipping up short, snappy videos that capture the essence of their books in seconds. Some are teaming up with BookTok influencers to reach even more readers. Virtual book clubs and Q&A sessions are popping up, giving fans a chance to connect with their favourite authors. And for those who love a peek behind the curtain, authors are sharing glimpses of their writing process.

As we look to the future, one thing's clear: TikTok is reshaping how we discover and talk about books. For authors and publishers willing to embrace this platform, the possibilities are as endless as the stories on our bookshelves. So, I was very excited to learn about this absolutely free Tik Tok Mastery Course For Authors by Bobby Kim. It is not only totally free but updated. Cook huh? Is it time to get out your mobile phone and explore a new avenue for your book marketing arsenal?

If you don't fancy the limelight yourself then teaming up with an existing influencer who reviews books in your genre maybe the way to go. One of the pieces of software we use is a ite called EasyCollab which is a very effective database that enables you to both search and reach out to influencers to work with. It has saved us so much time and gives you the ability to see how much enagagement influencers are getting from their followers.

Onward, you brave author entrepreneurs!