How authors can use CTAs on BookTok

If you’re a thriller author, like me, on BookTok, calls to action (CTAs) can feel… awkward.

You don’t want to sound salesy.You don’t want to break the tension. And you definitely don’t want to scare readers away with “BUY MY BOOK.”

The good news?You don’t need hard sells to grow an audience or sell books.

You need layered CTAs—ones that match the mood of your content, train the algorithm, and slowly turn viewers into readers.

Here’s how to do it.

Micro CTAs for thriller authors (Reach + Trust)

Micro CTAs are low-pressure engagement prompts. Their job isn’t to sell—it’s to signal interest to the algorithm and gently warm up potential readers.

These work best on:

• character teasers

• eerie quotes

• writing process videos

• “this scene still haunts me” posts

• reader-emotion or reaction content

Examples:

• “Save this if you love dark, twisty stories.”

• “Comment 🖤 if you’d read this.”

• “Tell me which character you don’t trust.”

• “Follow for thriller recs & behind-the-scenes.”

• “Double tap if you felt that.”

• “Tell me if you want part 2.”

These CTAs do two important things:

1. They boost engagement (which boosts reach).

2. They teach viewers that interacting with your content feels natural and safe.

Soft bridge CTAs (Trust → Interest)

Once people are watching, saving, and commenting, you can start hinting at your book—without selling it.

Soft bridge CTAs are about curiosity, not clicks.

Use them when:

• people are already engaging

• the video references your story indirectly

• you’re storytelling, sharing inspiration, or discussing themes

Examples:

• “This is from a story I’m working on.”

• “Readers said this chapter broke them.”

• “This scene didn’t make the final cut.”

• “If you like slow-burn suspense, you’ll like this.”

Notice what’s missing: instructions.

There’s no “buy,” no “link,” no pressure—just intrigue.The goal is to make viewers want to know more.

Conversion CTAs for books (Sales without the Ick)

Only use these once trust is built.

If someone has:

• watched multiple videos

• commented before

• saved your content

…then they’re ready.

Easy, frictionless CTAs:

• “Comment BOOK and I’ll send the link.”

• “DM me ‘READ’ and I’ll send you the first chapter.”

• “Link in bio if you want to start tonight.”

• “It’s free on Kindle Unlimited.”

Reader-first framing:

• “If you want the full story, it’s waiting in my bio.”

• “The ending changes everything.”

• “This is only the setup — the twist is worse.”

These CTAs work because they focus on the experience, not the transaction.

Lead magnet CTAs (Perfect for thriller authors)

If you have—or are building—a free novella, prequel, or bonus story, this is gold.

Lead magnet CTAs turn casual viewers into long-term readers.

Examples:

• “Comment FREE and I’ll send the novella.”

• “Want the prequel? It’s free — link in bio.”

• “This story lives in my email list.”

Instead of chasing one-off sales, you’re building a reader ecosystem that you own.

A simple formula you can reuse

Hook → Tension → Value → ONE CTA

Example:

“This is the chapter readers texted me about at 2am…Save this if you like stories that mess with your head.”

One action. One emotion. One clear next step.

If you use CTAs this way, you’re not interrupting the story—you’re extending it.

And that’s how thriller authors sell books on BookTok without ever sounding like they’re selling at all. 🖤📚