TikTok’s first book awards: Check out the shortlist

TikTok’s book-loving community, officially known as #BookTok(opens in a new tab), is a force. With over 157 billion views, the hashtag is credited with revitalising book sales and has even seen a virtual book club launch on the platform.

More recently, the app launched the official TikTok Book Awards, based out of the UK and Ireland. Today, the shortlist for the awards(opens in a new tab) has been announced, featuring the likes of Bolu Babalola, Dolly Alderton, and Sally Rooney — and you can cast your votes.

Curated by a panel of judges that include some of the most recognised names and publishers in the UK’s literary community, the shortlist “reflects the imagination, creativity and variety of the #BookTok community itself”, according to TikTok.

The shortlist includes seven categories, with a variety of titles and authors — some predictable (ahem, Normal People), some classic (see: George Orwell, Jane Austen), and others niche (see below for more). There are also more creative categories, like “Best Book I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time” and some that are very UK-centric, like Best Bookshop of the Year. On the app, #tiktokbookawards(opens in a new tab) has 1.8 million views and counting, with creators, authors, and readers unpacking the nominations and celebrating the UK’s burgeoning book community.

From here, it’s up to the #BookTok community to decide on the winners, via an in-app voting hub(opens in a new tab). Voting is open until July 28, and winners will be declared in August.

Without further ado, here’s the official 2023 shortlist.

📖 BookTok Book Of The Year 📚

Honey & Spice, Bolu Babalola

Lies We Sing to the Sea, Sarah Underwood

Young Mungo

Douglas Stuart Maame, Jessica George

📚 BookTok Author Of The Year🖌️

Dr Suzie Edge(opens in a new tab)

Lex Croucher(opens in a new tab)

Holly Jackson(opens in a new tab)

Bolu Babalola(opens in a new tab)

📚 BookTok Creator Of The Year 🏆