In a dazzling display of literary talent and social media influence, the 2024 TikTok Book Awards celebrated a host of literary stars, with British author Lisa Jewell and American novelist Rebecca Yarros among the standout winners. This year’s awards, held at a glamorous ceremony in London, underscored the growing impact of the #BookTok community on the literary world.
Lisa Jewell’s psychological thriller, “None of This Is True, captivated readers and critics alike, earning the coveted Book of the Year award. The novel, which delves into the dark consequences of a seemingly innocuous meeting between two young women at a local pub, has been lauded for its gripping narrative and psychological depth. Jewell, overwhelmed by the recognition, shared her excitement: “I genuinely can’t believe it. There was so much buzz on TikTok, and to win against such an incredible shortlist—my mind is blown!”
Jewell’s success reflects a broader trend within the BookTok community, where unconventional and boundary-pushing books often find an enthusiastic audience. “What I’ve realized is that the three books that I was most nervous about—because I thought they were too weird, too ‘out there’, too sinister—are the ones that have resonated most with readers,” she added.
Across the Atlantic, Rebecca Yarros’s “Fourth Wing” claimed the title of International Book of the Year. This adult fantasy novel, which skyrocketed to No. 1 on The New York Times bestseller list, was a sensation on TikTok, thanks to its enchanting world-building and compelling storyline. Although Yarros was unable to attend the ceremony, she expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt video message: “It has been a wild ride, and none of it would have happened without TikTok! Huge love to the #BookTok community.”
The TikTok Book Awards, a relatively new addition to the literary calendar, have rapidly become a significant event. Launched just last year, the awards aim to highlight exceptional books, independent bookshops, and creators thriving within the TikTok ecosystem. This year’s winners were determined by an impressive 82,000 votes from the #BookTok community, reflecting the platform’s growing influence in shaping reading trends.
The judging panel for this year’s awards included prominent figures from the literary and media worlds, such as author Samantha Shannon, broadcaster Sara Cox, and Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association. Jack Edwards, a well-known YouTuber and TikTok creator, also lent his expertise to the panel. Edwards, who has built a substantial following with his insightful book reviews and literary content, expressed his enthusiasm for the role: “It was a privilege to be a judge. The best thing we can do is champion more creators, bookstores, and books!”
In addition to the main awards, other accolades were presented, including the BookTok Breakthrough Author award to Talia Hibbert, and BookTok Creator of the Year to Maisie Matilda. The Indie Bookshop of the Year went to The Bookshop by the Sea, and TikTok Shop Book of the Year was awarded to Laurie Gilmore’s “The Pumpkin Spice Café”.
With over 35 million videos tagged with #BookTok, the community continues to shape the literary landscape in exciting ways. As this year’s awards demonstrate, TikTok’s influence is undeniable, turning passionate readers and creators into major players in the world of books.
As the ceremony wrapped up, the energy in the room was a testament to the vibrant, dynamic interaction between literature and social media. Jewell and Yarros’s victories are a powerful reminder of the ever-evolving ways in which books are discovered, celebrated, and shared in the digital age.
