I’ve been trying to soft-sell on TikTok, and while I can see my followers growing and my videos getting near 500 views, it is not translating well to book readers. So, I thought that I wanted to get better at my videos and started playing around on TikTok. I hit buttons, one of which asked me if I wanted to know more about TikTok’s creator program. I’m thinking, sure. It will help me learn more about making videos, right? 

   Wrong, it is the program that they use to sell merchandise. One thing that I am not is a salesperson. My friend, who joined the program on purpose, said, “Why not try. The worst that can happen is that you get free samples and make money.” I was already putting out embarrassing content; why not add to it? Economically, her reasoning was sound. So, now in addition to my book, I am trying to sell other items.

   So, my reader friends, if you are looking to advertise your book on TikTok and desire more experience, the creator program is not going to help you learn how to create better videos. Learn from my mistakes—I’ve made too many to count—and decide if you want to be a salesperson for more than just your novel before you ask TikTok for more information on the creator pilot program.