Last year we organized a campaign with two books by Dutch author Anne van Zwieten. Anne was also just starting on TikTok herself, we spoke to her about that process, influencer marketing and finding her audience online.

As we launched the campaign, you were just starting on TikTok. How did you feel about starting on TikTok?

I thought of it as a fun challenge. I was a bit afraid that I would be too old for the target group and that there would, therefore, not be much interest in my work, but nothing could be further from the truth. I actually quite enjoy making my own videos, although I do feel very old among all those young faces sometimes!

What do you enjoy about being on TikTok?

I find it interesting how younger people view my work. Not only in terms of content but also in terms of execution, such as the cover of the book. I enjoy learning from this feedback. It is really a misconception that the younger generation only reads thrillers or feelgood. I feel honored and proud that my books are so embraced.

What advice would you give to other authors who also thinking about starting on TikTok?

Just do it. I really liked working with with bookinfluencers.com because it immediately allowed me to reach a large audience of readers and influencers. So I’d definitely suggest that to other authors.

What do you enjoy most about working with influencers who have read your books?

Their vision on content and design. I prefer substantiated reviews. Not only: read this book, but also: why. That can also help me a lot with my upcoming books. It’s also very heart-warming to see the videos where the influencers opening up the package with my two books. It is so funny to see them open it, because I packed everything myself and then see my personal text in the book with their name above it. Writing is a lonely profession. With the influencers and readers it feels more like a joint project.

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Why do you think it is important to profile yourself online as an author and be in touch with your readers?

Besides the fact that I really enjoy building relationships with my readers, it is simply a necessity to present yourself online as an author. We live in a digital world. There are so many writers that not everyone is able to sell their books in a traditional bookstore. New authors hardly get a chance, the same books are everywhere while there are so many more books out there. Online platforms like Amazon and the Dutch bol.com determine the market a lot, together they sell many more books than all bookstores combined, so you have to be digitally visible.

If you want to read more author interviews, check out these from Nicholas Williams, Simone Warren and Katie Keridan