005 - Can TikTok Still Sell Books?

Indie Writers Club

James & Cara discuss TikTok and it's impact on the book market and whether it's still a place where authors can find new readers.

Useful links:

Our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indie.writers.clu

The Discord Server: indiewritersclub.com/discord

PublishDrive: publishdrive.com

Summary

In this episode of the Indie Writers Club, hosts Cara Clare and James Blatch discuss the significant impact of TikTok on the book world, sharing personal experiences and insights on how the platform has transformed book marketing for indie authors. They explore the dynamics of their Word Count Club, the challenges and strategies of using TikTok for book promotion, and the evolution of social media in the writing community. The conversation also touches on the importance of SEO, the commercialization of TikTok, and the various ways authors can engage with their audience without necessarily appearing on camera.

Takeaways

• TikTok has revolutionized book marketing for indie authors.
• Setting achievable writing goals can boost motivation.
• Engaging with readers on platforms like TikTok can lead to significant book sales.
• SEO is crucial for visibility on TikTok.
• The platform has become more commercialized, affecting organic reach.
• Authors can succeed on TikTok without showing their faces.
• Community support is vital for maintaining motivation in writing.
• Analyzing successful content can help tailor your own strategy.
• TikTok serves as a powerful recommendation engine for books.
• Virality on TikTok can attract both positive and negative attention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:15 The Impact of TikTok on the Book World

07:01 Word Count Club Updates

18:37 Exploring Reem Stories and Author Platforms

22:16 The Evolution of TikTok and Its Commercialization

40:11 Strategies for Success on TikTok

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