In this inspiring episode of Amazing Authorities, host Mitch Carson sits down with Shanti Hershenson — a 17-year-old literary prodigy who has already sold over 50,000 books, all while balancing high school and a thriving creative career.
Best known for her viral success on BookTok, Shanti transformed TikTok trends into a powerful marketing machine, proving that Gen Z authors can not only compete — they can dominate. By engaging directly with her readers, offering early eBook discounts, and building loyal fan communities, she’s created a sustainable model for long-term author success.
But Shanti’s story goes beyond numbers. Her strategy blends creativity with analytics, community with craft — showing that the future of publishing is both digital and deeply personal. From mastering TikTok to preparing for audiobook expansion and college applications, her journey is a masterclass in passion, discipline, and innovation.
In this episode, Mitch and Shanti unpack:
📱 How TikTok fueled 50,000 book sales and built a loyal Gen Z readership
💸 Why discounting eBooks early can accelerate long-term growth
🎧 The hidden 20% revenue boost waiting in audiobook production
📚 How ARC readers and authentic reviews drive real sales momentum
🎨 Why professional editing and design matter for indie success
🎙️ The future of fiction marketing — from Patreon to AI narration
Shanti’s approach proves that young voices can lead the next wave of publishing — one viral post, one authentic connection, and one great story at a time.
🌍 Learn More About Shanti Hershenson:
📘 Books: Available on Amazon
📱 TikTok: @shantihershenson
💌 Patreon: patreon.com/shantihershenson
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The Silent Salesmen: https://a.co/d/b4eqa2D
If you're serious about publishing and selling more books on Amazon, you need the right data.
That’s why I use Publisher Rocket—it’s like having a book marketing expert in your pocket:
https://mitchauthor--rocket.thrivecart.com/publisher-rocket-mitch-author/5e8f51fc1dd46/