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6 TikTok Top Tips for Authors
As a campaign manager, I’m in constant contact with authors who ask for TikTok Tips. Many reach out wanting to break into the TikTok market, which is understandable. It is an amazing platform to connect with readers and promote your book. However, the platform can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. Rest assured, when you book a campaign with Bookinfluencers.com, we never require you to be active on TikTok yourself. That said, I always encourage authors to dip their toes into the world of TikTok and try the app for themselves. It’s a fantastic place to connect with readers, build lasting relationships, and bring your stories to life, and most importantly getting readers excited about your books!
Here are 6 TikTok tips for authors who are just starting out on the platform or seasoned TikTokers looking for new inspiration.
Re-Introduce Your Book
On TikTok, you usually only have a few milliseconds to catch a reader’s attention. People scroll quickly, and it’s easy to scroll past a video if it doesn’t grab them right away. The first of our TikTop tips is a great way to make readers stop and stay is to re-introduce your book, but in an eye-catching way. Tell the story from the perspective of your main character. Make your book feel like a storytime session. Everyone loves a little gossip, and most of us are nosy enough to stick around for the full tea. End the video by wrapping up your story and introducing the title. Just be careful not to give too much away! Keep things mysterious and get readers excited.
Write With Me!
Everyone loves seeing a story take shape. Write-with-me videos are a great way to give readers insight into your writing process and reading ritual. Do you have a favorite candle or tea you always need on hand while writing? Or a specific writing spot that captures your personality? Show us! Making writing personal is a great way to connect with readers, as they indirectly get to know the person behind the words, making the story and book feel more personal to them, too.
Tropes for Days!
The next of our TikTok tips is to highlight your tropes. With only a few seconds to capture a reader’s attention, shouting your book’s tropes from the rooftops has never been more important. Tropes act like shorthand, they tell potential readers exactly what kind of story they’re getting. Whether it’s grumpy/sunshine, found family, secret identity, or enemies to lovers, these familiar elements trigger excitement and recognition. Tropes aren’t spoilers; they’re selling points. Think of them as the keywords of fiction. Embrace them, own them, and use them to connect with readers who are already searching for exactly what you’ve written.
Insider Tip
TikTok allows you to upload pictures, too. A great way to highlight tropes is by mind-mapping your book! Put your book in the center and create some cute graphics that showcase your tropes and themes.
Tease, Don’t Tell
Whether you’re writing a spicy romance or a chilling thriller, tease your thrills! Highlighting specific sentences or chapters without giving away the full context is a great way to get readers excited and curious about your book. They’ll want to know the context, what happens next, and all the details. There are many ways to do this on TikTok, get creative and find a sound that pairs perfectly with your teaser.
Aesthetics!
Pinterest is my best friend, I love finding aesthetic pictures to capture the mood of a book. You can use images or clips to convey both the plot and the overall vibe of your story. Readers love being able to visualize a book; it provides the perfect introduction to what they can expect. The options are endless. For example, you can create a POV video like “POV: You’re my main character” or “POV: You spend a summer in Chestnut Springs.” The more creative you get, the more exciting, and engaging it becomes!
What I Write vs What I Read
The final of our TikTok tips is an exciting one, a fun and relatable TikTok trend that highlights the contrast between your writing style and your personal reading preferences. Maybe your favorite author or book even offers insight into what readers can expect from your own work. Showcasing this contrast adds humor, personality, and authenticity to your author brand. It reminds readers that writers, just like them, have wide-ranging tastes, and it often sparks great engagement from fellow book lovers who relate.
Insider Tip
As an author, it’s important to recognize the lines between reader spaces and author spaces. This can be tricky to navigate on TikTok, but there’s room for everyone. Reader content often includes blunt thoughts and reactions, while author content tends to focus on the writing and publishing process. Navigating these spaces thoughtfully can help you engage authentically without overstepping or feeling out of place. Respecting reader spaces builds trust and shows that you value reader agency. It also helps maintain a healthy boundary between creator and consumer. You don’t have to agree with every take, but listening without interfering can offer valuable insight and help keep your reputation strong within the community.
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