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Author Shawn Warner’s first book, Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor, became an overnight best-seller after a rather sweet TikTok began circulating of the writer looking discouraged by the lack of interest during a recent book signing.

Warner set up a table to promote his first-ever novel when the TikTokker came upon the man looking ‘defeated’ by the lack of interest. The TikTokker, Red AKA @internetfamouslol, approached the man and captured their exchange on video.

Noting he doesn’t “know this guy” and the video “isn’t a sponsorship” – he “just wanted to show a stranger some kindness” – the TikToker then bought a signed second copy from Warner, explaining he does “a bit of TikTok” and would love to “gift it” on the platform to help raise awareness of the novel and its author.

The video of the TikToker and Warner’s encounter has since gone viral on the platform, amassing over a whopping 15 million views.

@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 ♬ original sound – Red

Sometimes TikTok can be a platform for good, and 24 hours after the exchange, Warner became a best-selling author on Amazon and is still in the top spot.

Reflecting on the support he’s received since the TikTok video went viral, Warner thanked ‘everybody for the love and the kindness’.

Any writer knows that putting your work out there is a scary experience, especially when you are competing with the usual best-sellers. You’re story, which you put so much love into, can easily disappear into obscurity. Seeing this guy get some love is the sweetest thing.

Stephen King and James Patterson don’t need the attention, so find an unknown author, and buy their book.

There are more stories out there than on Oprah’s Bookclub.

[source:ausnews.com]