TikTok Creator Spotlight @Jack Edwards

It's an exciting week for the #BookTokcommunity and we get ready to announce the winners of the TikTok Book Awards for UK & Ireland 2024. In honour of the #BookTokcommunity, who better to interview thanTikTok's resident librarian, and TikTok Book Awards judge @jackedwards!

If you're not familiar with Jack, having originally started out on TikTok sharing study tips and comedy skits of university life, he has quickly gone on to become one of our biggest #BookTok creators on the platform. Whether he's sharing his thoughts on five-star booksor offering witty reviews of popular self-help titles, his content has something for everyone.

Jack's growing platform has led him to interview literary giants like Stephen Fry, Richard Osman, and most recently, David Nicholls, the author of One Day, as he hosted its Netflix premiere. Beyond book reviews and interviews, Jack also explores fashion, such as his breakdown of this year's Met Gala Themeand the literary significance behind Lewis Hamilton's Met Gala outfit.

With a constantly growing audience of 656k followers, it is clear our community loves Jack just as much as we do! This week we sat down with him to discuss all things #BookTok, the upcoming TikTok Awards, and his goals as a TikTok creator.

We are all very excited about the TikTok Book Awards for 2024, have you enjoyed being a judge this year?

It was such a privilege to get to be a judge this year, wow! I think the list of longlisted books really reflects the diversity of genres TikTok creators are making content about, and I was really grateful to discover such interesting books as a result. We had everything from thrillers to romance to sci-fi/fantasy to literary fiction; some books retold Arthurian legends or criticised the publishing industry while others discussed modern masculinity or what it is to love and lose in the 21st century. I'm sure I'm not the only BookTok creator tired of the reductive and boring suggestion that BookTok "only talks about the same five books" because the range of novels featured here proves that isn't the case at all. I'm eternally grateful to BookTok for introducing me to so many amazing books I wouldn't have known about otherwise, and I hope the community's detractors realise that the only person missing out is them!

What do you like most about the BookTok community?

BookTok really feels like a meritocracy where creativity is rewarded. It's not about which books have the biggest marketing budget, it's about which books actually capture people's attention to the point where they want to shout YOU NEED TO READ THIS. Publishing has historically been incredibly gatekept -- even the bestseller charts are behind a paywall -- and book commentary/criticism often requires a masters degree or a role at an established publication. I like that BookTok means I can see ordinary people just reacting authentically to a book, whether they're speechlessly throwing it onto their bed in shock at an insane twist, sobbing at the ending, or highlighting a mesmerising quote. It's much more endearing, and makes me more inclined to read the books they're recommending.

What other BookTok creators do you follow on TikTok?

I will read anything @bookbinchrecommends, I love @bewareofpity's commentary on the literary landscape, @dante.jxhnis a great new creator who is going to be huge, and @cultofbooksalways has me giggling.

What is your goal on TikTok?

I suppose my goal on TikTok is, simply, to help people find their next favourite book. Sometimes that means meeting people halfway and saying "hey, if you're interested in XYZ, you might actually love this book!" I try to make content that appeals to people who consider themselves readers, but also those who don't... yet. Finding a book you love in your teens, your twenties, or beyond can turn you into a book-lover for life. Reading has brought me so much joy and educated me on a myriad of topics, ideas, cultures, and worldviews. I just hope my content can help others experience that sensation too.

What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?

Getting to interview Stephen Fry at Hay Festival and nerd out about his favourite classic novels was such a pinch-me moment, I still can't believe that happened. I also partnered withDua Lipa's book club Service95to share some behind-the-scenes moments from the event which was really special to me, especially because my content started in the pandemic by looking into which books celebrities (like Dua!) were reading.

What else is on your For You feed?!

People building teeny tiny book nooksfor their bookshelves. I literally can't get enough. And the For You feed KNOWS IT.

Finally, if there was one Summer read you would recommend what would it be?

This summer, Evenings & Weekends by Oisin McKenna about a sweltering summer weekend in London with a vibrant cast of characters. It's like a mini soap opera -- the literary equivalent of reality TV. I loved that there were no "villains" in the novel, even though some characters make horrendous, morally complex decisions. Oisin writes each character with such empathy that, despite their flaws, we still embrace them. I think we should approach everyone we meet with the same generosity.

New to TikTok and want to explore #BookTok? Getting involved couldn't be easier, simply download the app for free viathe Apple App Store,Google PlayorAmazon.

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