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How Unknown Authors Are Hacking TikTok to Sell Thousands of Books
- tsummers46
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
No one tells you this part.
You write the book. You publish it. And then… nothing. Crickets. Maybe a few sales trickle in, maybe your mom leaves a five-star review. But the real readers the strangers who could fall in love with your story? They never find it.
Unless you find them first.
Enter BookTok the wild, wonderful world where authors with limited budget, no team, and no clue how TikTok works are turning their books into bestsellers. Not with ads. Not with luck. But with authenticity, storytelling, and a phone.
This guide will show you how.
And yes, BookTok really works. Some of today’s biggest publishing success stories began with just a few readers sharing a book they loved. Here are three books that went from quiet releases to worldwide hits, all thanks to BookTok:
Title | Author | Adaptation Type | Platform | Notes |
It Ends With Us | Colleen Hoover | Movie | Sony Pictures | Hoover was self-published and relatively unknown until BookTok exploded her popularity. |
Lightlark | Alex Aster | Movie (optioned) | Universal Pictures | Gained millions of views on BookTok before publication; Aster was a debut in YA fantasy. |
The Atlas Six | Olivie Blake | Series (in development) | Amazon | Originally self-published and viral on BookTok, then picked up by Tor Books. |
Because if BookTok has room for Colleen Hoover, Alex Aster, and Olivie Blake…
It has room for you too.
Let’s get started.
Understand What BookTok Is
BookTok is a growing community on TikTok where readers, writers, and book lovers share their love for stories and help books go viral.
Here’s what you need to know:
BookTok = Book lovers on TikTok
It’s a hashtag and a space where people connect over books they love.
People post fun videos about books
Think: reading reactions, favorite quotes, book reviews, emotional scenes, character crushes, and more.
Books can go viral even from unknown authors
Many self-published and indie books have become bestsellers just from getting shared on BookTok.
Set Up Your TikTok Profile
Before posting your first video, make sure your TikTok profile is set up to clearly show that you're an author and where people can find your book.
Here’s what to include:
Use your real name or pen name
Choose the name you want your readers to recognize and remember.
Add a clear profile photo
This could be a friendly photo of yourself or your book cover. Faces often build trust, but use what you're comfortable with.
Write a simple, clear bio
Let people know you’re an author and what you write.
Example:
"Fantasy Author | Dragons, magic & adventure | New book out now!”
Add a link to your book
Use a site like Amazon, your author website, or a free tool like Linktree if you have multiple links. Make it easy for people to find and buy your book with one click.
Tip: First impressions matter. A clear and friendly profile encourages viewers to follow you and check out your work.
Start Making Simple Book Videos
You don’t need fancy equipment, a studio, or professional editing skills to start. All you need is your phone, your story, and the courage to hit "record."
Here are easy video ideas to get you started:
Introduce yourself
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I write [your genre]!”
Show your book cover
Hold it up or display it on-screen, and give a quick explanation of what it’s about.
Share a powerful line or quote
Choose a sentence that gives viewers a taste of your voice or themes.
Read a short scene aloud
Keep it short, just enough to hook your audience.
Show your writing space
Let people see where your creativity comes to life, even if it’s your kitchen table.
Talk about what inspired your story
Was it a dream, a real-life event, or a “what if” question? Readers love to know the “why” behind your book.
Keep videos under 30 seconds to start, short videos are easier to make and often get more views.
Need inspiration? Check out these author videos on TikTok:
@thewhitneypaige – Whitney shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her writing journey and connects with her audience authentically.
@tjgossamer – Watch how TJ creatively introduces his book with personality.
@rbiwrites – RB offers an authentic behind-the-scenes look at her writing journey, creating a genuine connection with her audience.
Use trending sounds TikTok shows you what audio is popular. Pairing your video with a trending sound can boost visibility.
Remember: You don’t need to be perfect just be you. The goal is connection, not perfection. Quantity brings Quality; the more video you make, the better it gets.
Use Hashtags the Right Way
Hashtags are how TikTok knows who to show your video to and the right ones can help your content reach book lovers, readers, and potential fans.
Here’s how to do it:
Use 3–5 hashtags per video
Too many can confuse the algorithm, too few can limit your reach.
Always include #BookTok
It’s the main hub for all book-related content on TikTok.
Add genre and audience-specific hashtags, such as:
#FantasyBooks (or your genre: #RomanceBooks, #ThrillerBooks, etc.)
These tags help TikTok show your video to people who already love what you create readers looking for their next favorite book.
Pro Tip: Browse other authors in your genre and take note of which hashtags they use on their popular posts then try them out in your own videos!
Connect with Other BookTok Creators
BookTok isn’t just a place to post it’s a community. The more you interact with others, the more your own profile will grow.
Here’s how to build real connections:
Comment on other book videos
Leave thoughtful or fun comments not just “great post,” but something real. People notice and often check out your profile in return.
Follow fellow authors and readers
Support others in your genre or niche. The more you give, the more you’ll get back.
Reply to videos with your own
Use TikTok’s “duet” or “stitch” features to react, respond, or add your thoughts to someone else’s video. It’s a great way to join conversations and get seen.
Be kind, be real and focus on connection, not selling
People come to BookTok to discover books through emotion and enthusiasm, not sales pitches. Show your passion, and readers will follow naturally.
Remember: Every comment, like, or duet is a chance to grow your visibility and build meaningful relationships with future readers, reviewers, and author friends.
Be Consistent and Keep Learning
The secret to growing on BookTok isn’t going viral overnight it’s showing up regularly and learning as you go.
Here’s how to stay on track:
Post 2–3 times per week
You don’t have to post daily. Just be consistent so your audience knows you’re active and engaged.
Don’t worry about being perfect
Your videos don’t need to be polished or scripted. Authenticity beats perfection every time.
Watch what other authors are doing
See what kinds of videos get attention. Don’t copy but feel free to use their format, trends, or ideas as inspiration.
Be patient and keep going
Most viral BookTok creators didn’t blow up right away. They kept posting, learning, and improving and then the momentum hit.
Success on BookTok is a slow build not a lucky break. Stay consistent, stay curious, and keep telling your story. The right readers will find you.
What to Do When People Start Watching
When people start liking, commenting, or following that’s your moment to connect and build a loyal audience.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Say “thank you” in the comments
A simple reply like “Thanks so much for watching!” shows you care and encourages people to come back.
Ask questions to start conversations
Try things like:
“What’s your favorite book in this genre?”
“Would you want to read a story like this?”
Questions invite engagement and boost your visibility.
Invite people to check out your book
Gently mention it in replies or captions. No hard sell just, “If you liked this, my book is linked in my bio!”
Link to a free sample or bonus content if you can
A free first chapter, short story, or downloadable scene can be a great way to hook new readers.
Bottom line: Every view is a potential fan not just a number. Treat them like real people, build trust, and they’ll be more likely to support your work.
Free Tools You Can Use
You don’t need expensive software to create great content. These free, beginner-friendly tools can help you look professional without spending a cent.
Canva
Great for making eye-catching graphics, book promos, quotes, or custom thumbnails for your videos. Easy drag-and-drop design, even if you’re not a designer.
CapCut
A free video editing app that works perfectly on your phone. You can trim clips, add subtitles, effects, music, and more TikTok-friendly and beginner-friendly.
Linktree
Lets you put multiple links in your TikTok bio (like your book, newsletter, freebie, website, etc.). Clean and easy to update anytime.
Google Docs
Perfect for writing your video scripts, planning content, or keeping track of hashtags and ideas. Free and accessible from any device.
These tools make it easier to look polished, stay organized, and promote your work all without a budget.
Bonus Tip: Offer Freebies to Build Fans
One of the best ways to turn curious viewers into loyal readers is to give them a taste of your world. Freebies help you build trust, grow your audience, and collect emails for long-term success.
Here’s how to do it:
Share a free short story, bonus chapter, or character art
Give people something fun or exclusive like a prequel scene, character backstory, or downloadable artwork. It doesn’t have to be long just something that makes them want more.
Ask people to join your email list
Even a simple Google Form works! Let readers sign up to get freebies, updates, or sneak peeks of future books. Email lists are gold they let you stay connected outside of social media.
Free content builds relationships. And readers who get something valuable from you are much more likely to buy your book, recommend it, and come back for more.
You’ve Got This And You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Succeed
If you’re a self-published author doing everything on your own, remember this: you don’t need a marketing team, a big budget, or years of experience to start growing your audience. What you do need is already with you, your phone, your passion, and your story.
BookTok isn’t about being perfect it’s about being real. Readers on TikTok love discovering honest voices, unique stories, and authors who show up as themselves. That means you have exactly what it takes to succeed.
Start small. Post simple videos. Use your voice. Speak from the heart. Stay consistent. Keep learning as you go.
💡 If you can tell a story, you can tell the world about your book.
You’re not just a writer you’re your own publisher, promoter, and creative director. And you’re doing just fine.
But you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
👉 If you want extra guidance or have questions about growing your presence, you can talk to our marketing consultant for free tips and tailored support. We're here to help you turn your story into a success.
You’ve got this. Let’s get your book into the hands of readers who need it.
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