Father's thriller book becomes a bestseller thanks to viral TikTok

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COVER.METALNATION.ORG Lloyd Devereux Richards, an attorney and father of three, spent 14 years writing and 11 years waiting for his thriller to be published. He didn't get any sales until his daughter uploaded a 16-second TikTok video last week: "I'd love for him to get some sales."

COVER.METALNATION.ORG Thrillers climbed to No. 1 on Amazon. "I'm ready for a nap," her dad replied. Over 40 million viewers have watched the viral video about Mr Richards' long journey to finishing Stone Maidens.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG With the hashtag #BookTok, readers have discussed their favorite authors and book picks on TikTok, a short-form video hosting platform. According to the New York Times, BookTok helped authors sell 20 million printed books in 2021.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG After his daughter told him his TikTok post went viral, Richards cried while reading the comments section. She cried, too, thanking fans. You're number one because of them. TikTok is unknown to him, she added.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG According to Richards' daughter, her father is satisfied just to have finished the novel, published in 2012, and about a serial killer who strangles women and dumps their bodies in southern Indiana ravines.

COVER.METALNATION.ORG He may have been inspired by his previous work. According to his Amazon biography, he gained true crime expertise while serving as a senior law clerk for an Indiana judge researching and writing drafts for published opinions, including one on an appeal of a serial killer sentenced to death. TikTok users praised the book and its author.

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