TikTok often earns recognition for its trendy dances and acting challenges. Recently, the platform has also highlighted a potentially surprising topic – the book world. The phenomenon known as #BookTok has become key in the publishing industry. It has transformed book recommendations and driven fiction sales like never before.
The publishing industry began to take notice in 2020 as novels were raved about on TikTok. This caught publishers, authors, and even the TikTok users themselves by surprise. Today, #BookTok has become a formidable force, propelling some of the biggest book sales recently.
One of the most notable features of #BookTok is its ease of access and flexibility. Regular readers drive it, sharing heartfelt recommendations and passionate videos about the books they love. The focus is less on author bios and plot summaries and more on the emotional journey a book provides.
TikTok’s influence on sales is beyond doubt. Authors like Colleen Hoover, propelled by BookTok, have become some of the best-selling authors in the past few years. NPD BookScan reported that out of the top 10 best-selling publications, Hoover authored four. BookTok has helped sell 20 million printed books in 2021, marking its unique impact on the industry.
BookTok supercharges the age-old tradition of word of mouth in novel recommendations. While one person may put a book on the radar, it takes the collective voice of BookTok to make a book truly successful. The community’s passion and engagement drive books to become bestsellers.
TikTok’s community brought popularity to genres such as romance, science fiction, fantasy, and even classics like “The Great Gatsby.” The fantasy section seems to be dominating the hashtag. With stories like ‘A court of Thorns and Roses’ a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The story is now in the works to become a TV series in the next couple of years.
TikTok has helped authors like Madeline Miller, whose book “The Song of Achilles,” achieved remarkable sales growth. Such success stories are rare in the publishing world, and TikTok’s influence is evident. Fantasy series are at the top of the pyramid, as showed by Sarah J. Maas’s “Throne of Glass” series. An epic saga that follows the journey of the fearless assassin Celaena Sardothien.
@bookswithjosie THRONE OF GLASS READING ORDER- Hope this helps! if you’ve read it already, what order did you read TOG in? #throneofglass #tog #throneofglassreadingorder #togreadingorder #sjm #sarahjmaas #fantasybookrecs ♬ original sound – Books With Josie
Similarly, Leigh Bardugo’s “Shadow and Bone” series, was so successful it already has two seasons out on streaming platforms. These thrilling tales of strong heroines, intricate world-building, and captivating narratives have captivated young readers on TikTok. These richly developed fictional realms draw readers in, providing an escape from the challenges of the real world.
Bookstores, including Barnes & Noble, have recognised the power of BookTok and began featuring trending titles on their tables. TikTok and Barnes & Noble have partnered to encourage more users to share their reading experiences.
#BookTok has not only redefined book recommendations but also restored the literary world, driving book sales in unprecedented ways. It showcases the power of passionate readers and emphasises the emotional connection between readers and books. This online movement has not only brought attention to classic literature. It has also highlighted contemporary works, making the literary world more vibrant than ever before.
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