Does TikTok Sell Books? What about Instagram Reels? YouTube Shorts? | Content Strategy for Writers

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Oh my goodness I can’t believe I forgot about Katie Wismer’s TikTok videos when I was recording this-she did a couple super helpful videos you might enjoy! Here’s the link to the first one if you want to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4XNYYt9abdnqMU

[@emanuelgonzalez7500]

Timestamps in your videos would be appreciated

[@JesusMusic1988]

There's no doubt that tiktok is a good platform to advertise and promote a book, but I can't stand the thought of recording myself 😅

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I see what you're saying! BUT if you watch this video, I think you'd see there's literally dozens of ways to do TikTok without recording yourself... Bookshelves, individual books, book stacks, etc with trending sounds don't have to have your face or voice in it at all...

[@JesusMusic1988]

@@BethanyAtazadeh okay! I started watching it, BUT since I'm at work, I couldn't pay a whole lot of attention. I'll take notes when I go back and review it. Thank you! 😌

[@SpookyChaat]

seriously the reason I cant.

[@phantomx3.0]

people don't realize how much work actually goes into creating tiktok videos, but it's a great platform to grow very easily. it's actually my fav social media platform besides youtube

[@Sara-gp6cf]

Since I am not trying to be an influencer, I only post three days a week. Monday is about books I like or am currently reading. Wednesday is about my books. Friday I make about me or other things I enjoy ... like bookish puns. 😅 I usually have the CTA to go to my website or newsletter somewhere.

[@morleywritesbooks]

Nah, wholesome Bethany is why we're here! It's so hard to find author/book tuber who doesn't spill tea on a regular basis. The positive vibes here is lyfe

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Aww thank you so much Rachel!

[@bodine219]

I've honestly been so put off and confused by short form content and this video is sooo helpful. My instagram growth was basically killed by reels and it would be nice to get back on track.

[@amandasdumky]

Looooved this video! Also as someone who has a hearing disability closed captions are GOLD

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay Thanks Amanda! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@noble-thoughts]

It is very wise that you don't want to share negative content! There are laws of mental action, and it is a good idea to focus only on positive things. I've been following you for a few years, and thank you for all the helpful information you share. You could probably have another tiktok channel that duplicates your youtube shorts (this is what we do:) I also discovered that tiktok usually doesn't show your video more than 200-250 times unless someone shares your video, and it seems that the more content is shared, the more views it gets.

[@nataliejo336]

You’re a godsend. The only marketing videos I find are for ADS. Granted, at the moment I’m only selling puzzle books, but I’m hoping to publish my first novella by January. Thank you!

[@draverx1]

❤ OMG I’m so happy I found you and this video. I’m getting ready to publish a sports romance for the first time in a year and I want to start doing a short form content. I have played with TikTok in the past and done exactly what you did posted then quit. I haven’t done any in forever. So thank you for this video and I will be following and stalking. Thank you for giving us your strategy. It’s very generous of you, so thanks.

[@smeastwest]

This is so timely! It was just last night that I asked Courtney Project if it makes sense to start marketing a debut novel before it's finished, and she said a resounding YES. I've done nothing so far in terms of marketing. This is a perfect starter pack of info to get me in gear!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Love that! And I would completely agree, definitely start talking about your book (aka marketing) from the moment you start it! :)

[@theheartpyre]

I'd definitely be curious to know about the comparison of which platform "sells" the most books, and if you think the effort is worth it. Especially as a writer who can't write and market full-time yet, I never know if spending multiple hours a week on tiktok/reels/etc is really worth it if my main goal is selling books, or if putting that energy into a different avenue would be a better idea.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I’m posting on all of them, so I’m having a hard time telling where the sales come from… A problem I realized after I recorded this lol 😆🤦🏻‍♀️ but I’m still going to attempt it because I’m wondering the same thing!

[@iyannasmith9322]

Thanks one again Bethany, it's that time for me to start advertising 😬you always help so much.

[@KevinAReynolds_Author]

Thanks Bethany. I'm getting ready to do 'something' on TikTok, (lol), so this was very helpful with some great insights.

[@marketingbyshelby]

Such a good video! TikTok definitely changed my life and book sales. So glad to see you using it and encouraging other authors to, too! :)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Love that! I’m still super new to it and struggle to be consistent lol, but I can see so much value in it for sure!

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

Great advice, thank you. I’m doing a social media for authors series on my channel but I haven’t been brave enough to tackle TikTok yet!

[@cassie_hart]

This video was so great!!! Just the kick in the pants I need to get myself together and finally start doing more of this. Like you I did tiktok then fell off the wagon promptly - consistency can be so hard, and trying to come up with constant ideas! But you have lots of great content here. Thank you so much

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! You’ve got this! So glad the video was helpful!

[@ve4043]

I use Canva for my videos. It’s easier and I can come back and copy and edit it.

[@ProfessorBurlingame]

I agree that being positive is generally the way to go when it comes to social media. At the same time, though, if you have something to say, then social media is the place to say it regardless of its temperature. You'll just have to find a way to face up to any consequences your words bring. Thanks for this video about social media content and your thoughts as you plan it out. My preferred social media site is YT, but I do use some of the others too. TikTok, however, has not (yet?) become my jam.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Very good point that finding an appropriate way to speak up sometimes is valuable! It could be a good topic to do if I can find a valuable way to present it. Glad this video was helpful!

[@ProfessorBurlingame]

​@@BethanyAtazadeh Please do! I'd be quite interested to see that. Very helpful as always. 🙂

[@bethcox3226]

Thanks so much for this overview/breakdown about short form videos. I have not started my author Instagram account yet, but you have given me lots of great ideas to brainstorm about to get ready for that time.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad it was helpful! And good luck starting your author platforms!

[@AuthorJenniferKrigbaum]

Great video and super informative! Thank you for taking the time to make this! 😊 I totally understand dropping off multiple times and not posting anything for a long time! My growth definitely stagnated 🤣 😅 it’s so hard with young kids though! Also, i feel so conflicted about the fate of TikTok because I understand both sides…And for me as an author that could really benefit from TikTok marketing to potentially sell future books, i’m bummed that it might not be around by the time I do publish my first book! Lol 🤣 yep most of my camera roll is filled with pics and videos of my kids!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thanks Jennifer! So glad you enjoyed it! (Haha yes it's so hard to commit that much time to it, but I just tell myself that something is better than nothing! :) And I wish I'd have thought to say this in my video but even if TikTok doesn't stick around, I'm still glad I'm trying it/learning there because it's teaching me things about marketing that I can apply on other social media like reels too! (And maybe it won't get banned, we never know haha!)

[@christinevonderhaar153]

Your reco to create an album on my phone was perfect as just this morning I was trying to add my cover to a TikTok and was like: where on earth is my cover!!!! 😂

[@andreadelucia3462]

Should you read your book on Tik tok?

[@bexthebest1350]

I started my tiktok, but the growth is hard and slow 😢 even with consistency, there is an element of luck and it is super saturated these days

[@mlbullbooks]

I had no idea TikTok had gotten banned in some incidents. I’m planning to use TikTok (if it’s still available by then..lol) and Instagram for marketing purposes when I start my Christian online store for my books as well as other things.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I didn’t know it’d been banned in some places already either! That’s an awesome plan!

[@TheLadyAli]

I'm trying to get to that point where I remove the stigma about posting about my books more on Instagram. Thank you so much for sharing this video! I wanted to get into TikTok but I never know what to post.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

You can do it! Hope this video gave you lots of fun ideas!

[@dienercontent6872]

Definitely a lot applicable advice here. The time commitment vs how much content I actually have is what keeps me from doing TikTok. I have 1 published novel, so I feel like I don't have a ton to make videos on yet. Maybe I'm overthinking that?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad you enjoyed it! And one novel is absolutely worth talking about! Like I mentioned in the video, there are a ton of different ways to approach that, including behind the scenes of writing it, characters, aesthetics, and also talking about OTHER books you enjoy reading interspersed with your own. Definitely don't overthink it, because your work is worth promoting!

[@mariaestherdejesus8]

Thank you so much for this video!! LOVE all the info

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad it was helpful! :D

[@JoshBearheart]

I've gotten in the habit of writing flash fiction daily that goes on KZbin, and I try to post it on TikTok and IG as well. So far, IG reels has been the worst platform for me, with most of the interaction I get being bots. TikTok has been mediocre at best and KZbin shorts have been the best. I have actually sold a couple of books through KZbin specifically, where people found my channel and liked my writing and decided to buy my book because of that. I'm not sure if this is something that works better for short horror/mysteries (where I write) or if it would work across the board. Might be worth a longer-term experiment. At the end of the day it all boils down to how comfortable you are with the different platforms and trying different marketing techniques. Great video and awesome tips!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

That’s an awesome thing to try! And so cool that you can see which platform is working best, for me, I double down on the things that are working like that and focus on just one platform more for that type of content!

[@mhappleton765]

I can relate. I find it extremely difficult.

[@tonyanthony249]

What if the characters crash each other in an argument in your book?

[@SDHuston]

Love this breakdown of content! I haven't started TikTok yet (have my author name), but I plan to upload content for readers (versus writers like I do on KZbin), if the platform still exists when I'm ready to do this (planning it for my the launch of my new series). Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, inisght, and research!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thank you! I think short form video content is going to be really valuable for us authors no matter what platform it’s on, so no pressure to do TikTok if another platform fits you better!

[@ShadowDawn]

Lol, your comment about remembering to include where to find your book reminded of something that just happened to me. I saw someone's social media post advertising their new book that looked real interesting that was just coming out, but was just an image, no link. No big, I thought. I went to her page and saw post after post about this book, but none of them linked where to get it. Neither did her info page. All this advertising and not a single link. Oof.

[@skincarecookbook]

A new interesting way in which the people who have seen it already won't mind. 🎉 😊❤ Yes! Thanks. I have such a hard time with videos and I think ... aren't people getting tired of me posting about my book???

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad you enjoyed it! I think that mindset is totally normal but as long as you're mixing it up, finding new and interesting ways to share, it shouldn't get boring! (Also TikTok often shows totally different people anyway!)

[@Loud_Thinker]

Great video. The entire channel is wonderful. Now with this video you got me thinking. Can you or anyone share any pointers on how to implement this for a children's picture book? Best luck! Our third just turned 2, so more power to multitasking mothers. And since today is the day, HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!

[@marjorievernelle9261]

Very helpful video. I took lots of notes.

[@patridepros357]

This is soo helpful, thank you!! 🙏🏼

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@pamdwriter]

This video was awesome! Thank you!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay so glad you enjoyed it!

[@authorjoannawhite]

I did the same thing you did with tiktok and short form content. I just don't have time to make it or edit it. I'm barely still keeping up with my KZbin channel 😂 but I do have an idea where I've been writing fake skits between me and my characters based on funny situations that happen as I'm writing or planning. I've used it on Facebook and Instagram so I have plans to turn them into short skits I can use on tiktok and KZbin shorts. Whenever I have time. Also what would you suggest I do as more reader themed content since I don't read very much? I watch more movies and TV shows to be honest 😅

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

It’s so tough to keep up with it, I agree! That’s why sometimes it’s better to just focus on one platform and that can be the most valuable thing for us as authors. Sounds like you’re doing a lot, so just keep in mind you’re doing a lot more than you think! And as far as contact, I would suggest all the things I talked about in this video! :)

[@KJ-zr2ko]

Can you use music in the background and if so can it be someone elses music? Will you get in trouble for using someone's copyrighted music?

[@gamexpress111]

I hate Tik Tok so I will never get it. Instagram reels are fun and that's the only thing I would ever do and personally, I would be embarrassed if I got called 'Tik Tok' famous lmao *if that ever happens*. It sounds so dumb and especially since Tik Tok is so toxic (not saying other social medias are toxic but you get the idea). It's also a fun idea to make book trailers, putting on outfits or make up as to what you think your characters would wear etc but this has been super helpful. I suck at marketing since I NEVER had do it so definitely would be considering these ideas but how would you write a great blurb to attract people?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Haha that’s fair, to each their own and that’s why it’s so awesome to have multiple social media options! But the content ideas in this video definitely would apply to other platforms so hope they’re helpful!

[@paulreid-christgospelmin2214]

Good stuff

[@lesleybarklay798]

Love these tips. I'm not on TikTok (not sure how it would go for selling children's books), but I should probably give it a go. I'm sure many of the people active on TikTok are of the age to have kids.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Thanks Lesley! Yeah I’m not sure how well children’s books would do on TikTok honestly… It could be a fun experiment to try! I’ve definitely noticed the spicy books do best on that app lol… but that said, anything you learn about creating short form videos on TikTok could absolutely be applied to Instagram and other short form video, and be valuable knowledge even if you didn’t end up going with that app long-term!

[@lesleybarklay798]

@@BethanyAtazadeh I'll have to bite the bullet... I haven't been super active on social media the past four months, just because life's been busy, so maybe if I set myself small goals...

[@SpiritHeartsSong]

so helpful, thank you!

[@SpiritHeartsSong]

i took your advice and made my favorite tiktok yet! it took less than five minutes to make!! all i did was screen record me browsing the pinterest page of the novella i'm promoting, add info about where to buy the book at the end, and put it all together with a trending sound!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Woohoo! So exciting, nice work!

[@armanisar-feinial1789]

I've been thinking about tiktok recently; however I am still concerned with the privacy issue. I could go for some Spicey Beth if I'm honest.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

I think whether it’s on TikTok or somewhere else, short form video is becoming a huge part of being online for authors! And lol thank you!

[@loriritchie1242]

GREAT info. Ty!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@andreadelucia3462]

Yes I have felt like that editing is so overwhelming it's not natural for me I'm not really growing it's so disappointing and discouraging I have 4 kids and I'm like no way! But I need to sell on Tik tok

[@Drachenobst]

I really dont want to have those apps. I hope i can avoide those for marketing

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

You can definitely skip social media marketing if need be and focus on other types of book marketing, it's super helpful but not necessary.

[@jeanshelbybooks]

I’m not sad that TikTok is going away since it’s not my thing. 😂😅 But I do like your idea of posting insta content over there!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Haha totally fair! But even if it does go away, I feel like I've learned so much that can apply to reels and other social media posts!

[@StoryOfUsFinalDraft]

As a writer, is your net worth standing at $7 million at this point on your books minus the social media outlets? I'm just curious. From your net worth how much is the $7 net from your books. Thank you.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

FYI this is considered an inappropriate question ;)

[@StoryOfUsFinalDraft]

@@BethanyAtazadeh My mind and heart did not write to ask this inappropriate. I just wanted to understand. The masses will not see my question, however, I can understand the eyes of the many words (you) may somehow felt that. On that I can't expect an answer so I'll disengage from a life of yours and fluttered to research about book writing on another algorithm.

[@nextinstitute7824]

Haha, what a great video.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@honeyrogerswrites]

By sheer luck, I went from 10 to almost 9k in about a month, one of my videos went viral and it went from there.

[@honeyrogerswrites]

also, you should def follow the 20/80 rule, 20% your book/promotion and 80% other book content (interactive, responding to comments, trends, ect)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

That's incredible! So cool to hear that's possible! And thanks for the tip, I love that ratio!

[@talesofmichele]

As I work on my debut novel I finally started TikTok. No follows yet. I guess I'm not likeable.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Literally everyone starts out at zero! And TikTok often doesn’t show videos to anyone in the beginning! The only way to fail is by giving up, otherwise you’ll find your stride and the types of video that both you and readers enjoy if you keep trying!

[@letmestopyouthere]

Great ❤

[@megdalena01]

It drives me INSANE when someone shares something interesting about a book and doesn't at least mention the title in the subject of the video or a tag on the video or even in a pinned comment. I have actually seen this a lot and I do not understand it even a tiny bit. If you're so excited that you're going to create and post a video then tell me the book!!!! I also really hate when people show the cover of the book and it's backwards because they used the platform to film the video and it doesn't invert the video for them. Like, that's great that you showed the book on screen for 5 seconds.... I have no idea what the title is, though, because I can't read that fantasy font in reverse no matter how many times I replay the video. This is my biggest pet peeve and I have unfollowed people because every video is inverted and I can't read any of their book recs because of it.

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Haha totally fair, and it’s hard because in the moment as an author it doesn’t even occur to us sometimes but yeah it could definitely be a missed sale! And I just learned recently that most of the platforms have an “invert” filter to help with flipping books around! So I think a lot of people must’ve been frustrated with that!

[@aqmorisny]

are you Iranian?

[@NnaemekaAmamasi]

You had a baby...?!

[@ajstrong738]

You can do all this tricks on tic tok and use on instagram cause there are 24 books I got in my cart right at Amazon now and don’t have a tic tok account😞

[@storiesbydesirae]

Very helpful! Thank you for sharing the sticker tip on Instagram! I've been trying to figure out how people do that. Also, I understand what you mean about not wanting to come across as being negative or putting someone down. When you were mentioning how you've "fired" someone, I'm wondering could that just be a helpful tip for authorpreneurs to be mindful of, rather than it be negative towards that person. Of course, everyone takes in information differently, so some people may feel different than others about what you say. But, I think it could be a good video if you do choose to share some of your journey with the harder experiences or storytime-like content. But, of course, it's what you feel comfortable with. Great tips and reminders. I tried Tik Tok, but it was too overwhelming and also didn't make me feel comfortable, so I've been trying to engage better on Instagram, instead. Thank you for your videos (and also the photos album tip, to be able to find things easier).

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

So glad the sticker tip was helpful! These apps have so many little features like that and it’s so fun to discover them! And very good point about how to approach the topic of “firing people” as more “watch out for these people” lol, because it would be very beneficial to share the things I’ve learned and how to watch out for scammy business people, love that idea thank you!

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Ps that’s so smart to realize that TikTok is just not the right fit and to focus on Instagram where you know you’re happier, that’s very wise and will benefit you in the long run!

[@storiesbydesirae]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Thank you. And yay! You're welcome :)

[@storiesbydesirae]

@@BethanyAtazadeh I appreciate you taking the time to add this :) Thank you so much. Yeah, that's what I'm trying to work on. Doing things that make me happy, but also will benefit me in the long run.

[@christinawhisler]

What's your tiktok link?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

It’s the same handle as here on KZbin- @authorbethanyatazadeh ! :)