These sisters sold 2.8 million books on TikTok

TL;DR

Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valente transformed their journey from rejection in traditional publishing to becoming best-selling authors through self-publishing and leveraging TikTok. Their success story highlights the importance of persistence, investment in quality, and the evolving landscape of publishing. They chose to maintain creative control while achieving remarkable sales, inspiring aspiring authors everywhere.

The Inspiring Journey of Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valente

Imagine turning a humble garden shed into the birthplace of a best-selling book. This is exactly what sisters Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valente accomplished, becoming self-made best-selling authors through the power of TikTok. Their journey began in their parents’ garden shed, facing countless rejections from traditional publishing companies. However, their resilience led them to self-publishing, which has opened doors to incredible success.

The Reality of Traditional Publishing

Many aspiring authors face the harsh reality of rejection from traditional publishers. It’s essential to understand that this rejection often has little to do with the quality of the book. Factors influencing a publisher’s decision can be random – perhaps the agent was having a bad day or had personal issues weighing on them. This randomness highlights a significant flaw in the traditional publishing system, where amazing books are often passed over due to circumstances beyond the author’s control.

Embracing Self-Publishing

After facing numerous rejections, Caroline and Suzanne decided to take a different path – self-publishing. This decision is increasingly common among authors who want to bypass the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing world. By self-publishing, they could retain creative control and directly connect with their audience without relying on the whims of an agent or publisher.

The Power of TikTok

Utilizing TikTok, particularly the vibrant #BookTok community, Caroline and Suzanne effectively promoted their work. Their Zodiac Academy series became a sensation, amassing over 251 million views on TikTok and selling over 2.8 million copies. The success they achieved through social media demonstrates the potential power of digital platforms in promoting literature and connecting with readers.

Capturing the Attention of Major Publishers

As their popularity skyrocketed, traditional publishing companies took notice. It’s common for self-published authors to attract attention from major publishers once they’ve demonstrated significant sales and a dedicated following. Caroline and Suzanne received a lucrative two million dollar deal from a traditional publisher. However, they made a strategic choice to maintain their creative freedom and opted for a distribution deal with Simon and Schuster instead.

The Landscape of Modern Publishing

This choice reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry. Traditional publishers, which once took risks on new authors and provided comprehensive marketing support, have shifted their focus. Now, they often rely on the marketing efforts of authors who have already built a platform. Caroline and Suzanne, having already done the hard work of establishing their brand, were in a much stronger negotiating position.

Lessons for Aspiring Authors

The journey of Caroline and Suzanne is a testament to what’s possible in today’s publishing landscape. Here are several key takeaways for aspiring authors:

• Don’t fear rejection: Most authors experience rejection. Understand that it’s part of the process and often not a reflection of your writing quality.
• Self-publish: Consider self-publishing as a viable option to maintain control over your work and reach your audience directly.
• Embrace digital platforms: Use social media to promote your work. Find the platform that resonates with you, whether it’s TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube, and engage with your audience.
• Invest in your book: Quality matters. Invest in professional editing, cover design, and marketing to ensure your book stands out. Readers can often tell when an author has put in the effort.
• Be persistent: Success won’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your writing and marketing efforts.

A Testament to Possibility

The story of Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valente serves as an inspiring reminder that success as an author is possible. Their achievements prove that with dedication, creativity, and the right strategy, anyone can transform their dreams into reality. It’s essential to believe in your work and not be deterred by setbacks along the way.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own journey as an author, remember the incredible story of Caroline and Suzanne. They have shown that with hard work, innovative marketing, and a willingness to pursue self-publishing, you too can achieve your goals. So, take that leap of faith, invest in your passion, and share your voice with the world. The landscape of publishing is changing, and there has never been a better time to be an author.