A "super defeated" author became an Amazon Best Seller after a heart-breaking TikTok video of his empty book signing captured the attention of 18 million people last week. Debut murder-mystery writer Shawn Warner, 58, was filmed trying to sell copies of his book 'Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor', as piles of his novel were seen untouched on a table.
TikToker, 'Red' - who goes by the username Internetfamouslol online - happened to be in the same store as Shawn in Texas when he decided to spark up a conversation with the "super defeated looking" author. Asked what his book is about, the writer said: "It's about a teenage girl who teams up with a ghost with multiple personalities to solve the mystery of her parents’ murder."
In the video, Red asks Shawn to sign one of the books as he reveals he plans on gifting it to one of his viewers in a bid to help the writer get more "love out there". Stating that he doesn't 'know this guy', the TikToker goes on to clarify: "So I bought a book to give away! Completely Free! I only ask that you post a mini book review and tag me in it. Follow and comment below if you're interested."
In the caption of the minute and a half-long clip, Red told his 31.5k followers: "I was just shopping when I noticed this man trying to promote his new book. I honestly don't even read books nowadays. But something just told me to get a couple."
The wholesome encounter swiftly captured the hearts of many, with the clip going viral and now being watched 18.3 million times since being uploaded. Thousands of people flooded the comment section with their reaction after watching the interaction.
Lacey replied: "Awe I’m gonna have to get this book. That’s so awesome that you took the time to promote him!!!" Carrie put: "Just purchased a copy." Ashton added: "I’m an audiobook narrator and producer and I’m reaching out to him right now. I would love to help create an audiobook for him!"
Buzzsaw said: "Why are people skipping his table? That sounds cool! I was hooked in his one sentence and I don't even like to read." Kaety wrote: "As a new author myself, I can only hope for this kind of support! thank you for doing that. I'm going to go get his book." Jen typed: "Wholesome af hyping him up. I love everything about this."
In wake of the viral video, Shawn's novel currently sits at number one on Amazon's Best Seller list in the Horror for Young Adults category. A synopsis of the book reads: "Leigh's life has been ripped apart. Orphaned, she goes to live with incredibly wealthy relatives she never knew she had.
"Struggling to fit into her new world, she can't let go of her grief. When the police tell her the investigation into her parents' murder has hit a brick wall, she knows the only way she will ever know peace is to solve the mystery herself. With new family and friends, which includes a ghost with multiple personality issues, Leigh risks everything to find her answers."
In response to becoming an overnight sensation, Shawn created his own TikTok account and posted a 'thank you' video. "I wanna thank everybody for the love and the kindness on the video Red posted - totally unexpected." He said. "I'm in shock, I don't even know what to say about it."
In another video, he added: "When Red came up and talked to me, I was just so eager to talk to anybody at that point because there was a lull in my sales." In the caption, he also put: "What’s happened has been beyond my imagination. I’m so grateful."
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
Shawn's novel was first printed in paperback in November 2022, by independent publisher Black Rose Writing. In an update to his newly acquired masses of fans, Shawn revealed he has both audiobook and hardback editions 'in the works', with future book signings lined-up.
