BookTok has revolutionized the publishing world, giving indie authors direct access to readers like never before. At the Toronto Indie Author Conference, Elayna R. Gallea will share her expertise on leveraging this powerful platform. In this Q&A, she discusses her journey, misconceptions about BookTok, and practical tips for indie authors.
Elayna R. Gallea – BookTok
Could you tell us about yourself?
Sure thing! I was born and raised Canadian, I grew up in Ontario but I moved to New Brunswick with my husband and two kids mid-pandemic. I’ve always been an avid reader, but it wasn’t until the eve of my thirty-first birthday that I decided to write a book. It had always been something I’d wanted to do, but I hadn’t thought I could.
Well, one thing spiralled into another, and I never stopped writing.
At our conference, you will be talking about BookTok. For those who are unfamiliar, can you share what BookTok is?
Booktok, in its “truest” form, is the book community on Tiktok. However, it’s expanded and is now used as a term to speak about the book community across several social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube).
Why is BookTok important for indie authors?
Booktok connects readers and authors in a way that nothing has ever before. It gives authors a chance to tell readers about their stories directly, to market without a budget or a big publisher behind them.
What is the biggest misconception indie authors have about BookTok?
That you have to show your face on BookTok to go viral. While there are authors who do this successfully, it is possible to use Booktok without putting your face on the internet. For me, this is huge, because I’m very introverted.
Can you share one actionable tip or strategy for authors looking to improve on BookTok?
Post consistently, whether it’s once a day or three times a day.
What excites you the most about sharing your insights at the Toronto Indie Author Conference?
I’m really passionate about social media marketing because Booktok changed my life and kicked off my full-time author career. I love helping other authors understand social media marketing, and how to write hooks/market their books in a way that grabs the reader’s attention instantly.
What do you think is the most exciting trend in indie publishing right now?
I’m in my special edition era, and I love seeing all these stunning indie special editions coming out right now.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when starting in indie publishing?
There is no one right way to write or market a book. Each book, each series is different and that’s okay!
What kind of writer are you? Discovery/Plotter? Do you write linearly or as scenes strike you?
I am a total pantser. I have to write linearly, but I have to go back to the beginning around 60-70% of the way through the book, edit back up to that point, and then write the end from there.
Do you have a tip on the craft of writing?
Read. Read, read, read. Reading, both within your genre and out of it, is the best way to learn how to write.
What is your favourite way to connect with other authors and/or your readers?
I love to connect on socials! I’m most active on TikTok and Instagram, and always delighted to see my readers there.
Want to hear more insights from incredible industry experts like Elayna R. Gallea? Don’t miss your chance to network, learn, and grow as an indie author.
