This was so interesting, thanks so much. I especially liked Leigh's comments about people having opinions on things they've never seen and know nothing about.
Ahh, the thing about a reason why the heroine can't leave the house is so good! I hadn't thought about that, but COVID isolation throws us right back into the settings for so many of those Gothic novels.
Such a fascinating interview! I must admit, as a litfic reader who doesn’t like or use traditional social media, I never bothered to try out BookTok because I bought into all those articles about how it’s just the same few books. I also fully believed the platform was run by and for people half my age lol. I’m delighted to know that’s not entirely right, and one of these days I might have to check it out :)
I'm absolutely guilty of thinking only the same writers 'succeed' on the app! But that's perhaps also because those are the authors that are featured in the BookTok sections of bookshops and the like. So nice to hear this perspective - although I really don't think I have the mental energy to venture onto a new app. I'll stick to Substack and reading recommendations from my pals for now. However, I do love that it's encouraging more people to read and hopefully dive in deeper than just the surface level 'BookTok books'! Hooray for reading that brings enjoyment in any form!
I know what you mean about bookstore displays! (Especially B&N) I also hear you on not needing another platform in your life... I’m just happy people are discovering (or re-discovering) reading thanks to TikTok
Absolutely, so happy for people to get into reading this way. I guess I've always been such a reader that I've not really needed to look far for new recommendations because reading is like breathing for me.
Is there a place on BookTok for writers of a GenX age? Or should they also hire a young person to guide them through it? A friend is publishing her first novel next year and is terrified/intimidated by most social media; that said, I think the psychological thriller storyline would have broad appeal.
Great question! My best advice to fiction writers—of any age—is to get on BookTok and start engaging with content. Like and comment on posts by BookTok creators who enjoy books like yours. Once you start to make friends on BookTok, you can reach out to them and ask if you can send them a free copy of your novel. This is much more effective marketing than getting on TikTok and making videos *about your own book*.
Thanks for having me Elizabeth! If anyone has questions about BookTok/TikTok, I can (try to) answer in the comments!
Here's a follow carousel I made of creators on the lit fic side of BookTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@leighstein/video/7200485700544826667
Follow carousel #2:
https://www.tiktok.com/@leighstein/video/7202721564176125230
This was so interesting, thanks so much. I especially liked Leigh's comments about people having opinions on things they've never seen and know nothing about.
So relevant to so many aspects of my life.
Two of my favorites in one post! Love it, Leigh and Elizabeth. Great information 🙌
Hi friend!
Hi, Elizabeth!
Hi Jolene!
Hi, Leigh! Great insights!
Ahh, the thing about a reason why the heroine can't leave the house is so good! I hadn't thought about that, but COVID isolation throws us right back into the settings for so many of those Gothic novels.
We all were also a little crazy.
Such a fascinating interview! I must admit, as a litfic reader who doesn’t like or use traditional social media, I never bothered to try out BookTok because I bought into all those articles about how it’s just the same few books. I also fully believed the platform was run by and for people half my age lol. I’m delighted to know that’s not entirely right, and one of these days I might have to check it out :)
If you're curious about literary fiction on BookTok, here's a follow carousel I made of creators who post all about litfic:
https://www.tiktok.com/@leighstein/video/7200485700544826667
Follow carousel #2:
https://www.tiktok.com/@leighstein/video/7202721564176125230
Thanks! I’ll check these out :)
I didn't know BookTok existed until around a week ago. I haven't looked at it yet, but will be.
Leigh teaches a TikTok class I highly recommend. Also I loved the Stephen Marche book and made a TT video about it! https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferkathleengibbons/video/7214918056122879274?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7161873915187742254
thanks Jennifer! fun to see you here
Hi Leigh! Is it worth it for poets to enter the BookTok realm, or do you think it's really a prose-writer's arena?
Poetry has its own corner of TikTok! Look at Sophie Diener, search “poetry” or check out: https://www.tiktok.com/@honey.words?_t=8bTZzqvfuW3&_r=1
I'm absolutely guilty of thinking only the same writers 'succeed' on the app! But that's perhaps also because those are the authors that are featured in the BookTok sections of bookshops and the like. So nice to hear this perspective - although I really don't think I have the mental energy to venture onto a new app. I'll stick to Substack and reading recommendations from my pals for now. However, I do love that it's encouraging more people to read and hopefully dive in deeper than just the surface level 'BookTok books'! Hooray for reading that brings enjoyment in any form!
I know what you mean about bookstore displays! (Especially B&N) I also hear you on not needing another platform in your life... I’m just happy people are discovering (or re-discovering) reading thanks to TikTok
Absolutely, so happy for people to get into reading this way. I guess I've always been such a reader that I've not really needed to look far for new recommendations because reading is like breathing for me.
"Hooray for reading that brings enjoyment in any form!" YES!
Is there a place on BookTok for writers of a GenX age? Or should they also hire a young person to guide them through it? A friend is publishing her first novel next year and is terrified/intimidated by most social media; that said, I think the psychological thriller storyline would have broad appeal.
Great question! My best advice to fiction writers—of any age—is to get on BookTok and start engaging with content. Like and comment on posts by BookTok creators who enjoy books like yours. Once you start to make friends on BookTok, you can reach out to them and ask if you can send them a free copy of your novel. This is much more effective marketing than getting on TikTok and making videos *about your own book*.