Introduction to Olivie Blake and ‘The Atlas Six’

Olivie Blake, the pen name of Alexene Farol Follmuth, has captured readers’ imaginations with her dark academia novel, ‘The Atlas Six.’ Initially self-published in 2020, this novel has become a chart-topping bestseller, showcasing the evolving landscape of publishing fueled by social media platforms like BookTok.

Olivie Blake at the Brooklyn Book Festival

On September 29, Blake participated in a panel at the Brooklyn Book Festival, alongside fellow authors M.L. Rio and Margaret Killjoy. During this panel, she revealed that ‘The Atlas Six’ might never have seen the traditional publishing route. Blake admitted that she never queried her novel due to doubts about its appeal to agents and publishers, stating, “it didn’t feel conventional.” This sentiment resonates with many self-published authors who view the querying process as a daunting experience.

The Role of BookTok in the Novel’s Success

The advent of BookTok has dramatically shifted how new titles gain visibility. Blake credited the platform as instrumental in her novel’s rise, emphasizing that “BookTok, generally, is just word of mouth.” This organic method of promotion allows diverse narratives to flourish beyond traditional publishing’s constraints. Blake’s experience underlines how platforms like BookTok have democratized literary success, empowering authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with readers.