No one came to this author’s book signing—now he’s a bestseller thanks to a kind stranger’s TikTok

However, after a mother shared his plight on TikTok, Stanley’s book “Purposeful Performance” quickly rose to become a bestseller on Amazon.

The viral video, touching millions, turned the overlooked author into a sensation overnight. 

Jonathan Stanley was promoting his self-published book, “Purposeful Performance: The Secret Mix of Connecting, Leading, and Succeeding,” at a Barnes & Noble when Pennsylvania-based mom and content creator Taylor Dinelli spotted him.

She posted a video of Stanley on TikTok, captioning it with a heart-tugging plea for people to support authors like Stanley.

@taymaed♬ Happy Trip Adventure – TATANX

The response was overwhelming. The video went viral, garnering over 70 million views, and Stanley’s book shot up to No. 1 in Amazon’s Strategic Management section and No. 4 in business overall.

The inspiration behind Dinelli’s viral post was her four-year-old daughter, Ella, who dreams of becoming an author.

The mother-daughter duo bought Stanley’s book and sparked a conversation that led to the touching video post.

Dinelli shared with USA Today that Stanley told her daughter that “the biggest gift you could ever give somebody is being yourself,” a sentiment that deeply touched her and inspired the post.

Before the viral attention, Stanley was disheartened with the lackluster response at the bookstore where he’d sold only one book in four hours.

Regardless, he remained hopeful, sharing his experience on LinkedIn and expressing gratitude to Ella for her courage to approach him.

He had no idea at the time that the same child’s mom had posted a video about him that was rapidly gaining traction on TikTok.

Stanley’s newfound fame has seen him amass over 750,000 followers on TikTok in just a few days. He’s been flooded with encouraging messages from readers who claim his book has changed their perspective and helped them become better leaders.

Stanley wrote “Purposeful Performance” after he lost his job in 2023, aiming to inspire managers to lead with empathy and create purpose-driven companies. The book offers strategic advice for businesses to motivate their team members effectively.

Driven by the desire to continue helping others like Stanley, Dinelli plans to start a “Sunday Spotlight” series on her TikTok account, where she’ll promote an author, small creator, or small business to her nearly 40,000 followers.

Stanley’s sudden rise to bestseller status underscores the power of social media platforms like TikTok in transforming the fortunes of overlooked creatives.

In a digital age where self-publishing has become increasingly popular, it can be challenging for authors to stand out among the crowd.

However, this incident demonstrates how a single viral post can dramatically shift an author’s trajectory and reach a global audience overnight.

Furthermore, Dinelli’s choice to spotlight creators and small businesses on her TikTok account reflects a growing trend of using social media for positive change.

This aligns with a broader movement towards supporting indie authors, small businesses, and creators, as consumers become more conscious of where their money goes.

This story could serve as an inspiration for other aspiring authors and creators, highlighting the potential of social media platforms as tools for exposure and success.

It also emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy, not just in business management as Stanley’s book advocates for, but also in everyday interactions like Ella’s courageous approach to Stanley, and Dinelli’s decision to share his story with the world.

Stanley’s unexpected journey from a lonely book signing to becoming a best-selling author serves as a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics in the publishing world.

With social media platforms like TikTok, the power to shape an author’s career has shifted into the hands of everyday consumers. It also highlights the potential of viral content to act as a catalyst for change, not just for individuals but potentially for industries at large.

In a society increasingly conscious of supporting independent creators and small businesses, Dinelli’s initiative could set a new trend for how social media influencers can use their platform. Her “Sunday Spotlight” series could become a beacon for other creators seeking similar exposure and support.

The story of Stanley, Dinelli, and Ella is a testament to the power of empathy and courage – both in business and in everyday life.

It leaves us pondering: How can each of us use our own platforms, no matter how small or large, to uplift others and make an impact?

The post No one came to this author’s book signing—now he’s a bestseller thanks to a kind stranger’s TikTok appeared first on DMNews.