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Self-Published Author Becomes Overnight Bestseller After Empty Book-Signing Goes Viral On TikTok

Self-Published Author Becomes Overnight Bestseller After Empty Book-Signing Goes Viral On TikTok
@internetfamouslol/TikTok

Author Shawn Warner's book 'Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor' jumped to the top of the charts after a TikToker noticed nobody was buying his book at a local store.

A self-published author found unexpected success as a best seller after a TikTok of him looking defeated at an empty signing went viral on the platform.

Shawn Warner—who self-published his debut young adult murder mystery novel Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor late last year—held a book signing to promote the book.


A TikTokker passed by the small signing, noting the defeat on Werner's face, then went back to purchase a couple copies and talk with Werner about the book.

It’s my debut novel. It’s about a teenage girl who teams up with ghosts with multiple personalities to solve the mystery of her parent’s murders.”
@internetfamouslol

I was just shopping when i noticed this man trying to promote his new book. I honestly dont even read books nowadays. But something just told me to get a couple. #booksoftiktok #booktok #newauthor #showlovenothate #fyp #newbook #murdermystery #murdermysterybook #bookgiveaway

The post went viral, racking up over 17 million views.

In response, people bought up Werner's book to the point of making it a number one best-seller on Amazon and top-ranked in the world.

Werner made his own TikTok, thanking the community and everyone who purchased a copy.

“I want to thank everybody for the love and the kindness on the video that Red posted.”
@shawnwwrites

I have no words aside from Thank You supporting Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor! @internetfamouslol, @giwarnertamuedu. #booktok #booksoftiktok #newauthor #newtotok #yabooks

Folks noted how happy Werner looked when he was asked about the book.

@thestiles4/TikTok


@your_moms_chest_hair0/TikTok

Many people decided to get the book solely based on the first TikTok.

@lacedgems/TikTok


@blueeyedbeast31/TikTok

Some even came out of decade-long reading droughts just to order it.

@lyricalbloom/TikTok

A teacher commented she would be offering the book to her class.

@momteacherbaker/TikTok

Many people were interested in the book as soon as they heard the premise.

@imissnixie/TikTok


@kookierodriguez/TikTok


@nightshadehaze/TikTok

On the video where Werner thanked his supporters, people commented on the book's quality.

@whimsicalweasel/TikTok


@psukate/TikTok


@and_here_we_are/TikTok

Someone summed up the whole arc of the moment.

@annikalena99/TikTok

Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor is available on Amazon and through other booksellers.

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