Originally published on 3/21/25

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gillig is no stranger to literary success. Her debut adult fantasy novel, One Dark Window and her sophomore release, Two Twisted Crowns, not only reached the top of every bestseller list, they also received more than 400,000 ratings on Goodreads and went viral on Booktok, a fact that makes her feel “nothing but excitement.” It’s evident Gillig’s atmospheric writing and otherworldly settings fueled her success, but the author also credits legions of social media fans for the exposure. In fact, she goes on to say these online “book recommenders” are the cornerstone of the publishing industry.

First for Women recently sat down with Gillig at Spotify’s New York headquarters to discuss her bestsellers, how social media drives book sales, her love of audiobooks, her writing process and her next novel, The Knight and the Moth, which will release on May 20, 2025, and more! Keep reading for all the details. 

Rachel Gillig talks about BookTok and becoming a bestselling author 

Gillig released her first novel, One Dark Window in 2022. She then followed it up by publishing Two Twisted Crowns in 2023. Both books are part of The Shepherd King series, which she calls “a slow-burn” success. 

“The algorithm is a cruel mistress,” the author explains. “And it’s also a matter of timing. It was just happenstance that one of my books came out in the surge of BookTok’s growth, which had nothing to do with me. So, it was shocking but also so cool to see people organically discussing it online and I think that is how it slowly became a hit. I did not expect it. I never expect anything and I don’t rest on my laurels because I don’t know what the algorithm will be like next year. But, I feel really lucky about its success.” 

Along with that success, Gillig noted she also learned a lot about readers through social media and even went as far as to call them “the backbone of the industry” because “recommendation videos are so essential.” 

“One Dark Window came out in the fall of 2022, and by the spring, people were talking about it,” she recalls. “So by the time Two Twisted Crowns came out, readers knew about it, and there was just enough chatter for it to have this big moment in the sun.” 

Rachel Gillig teases her next book and writing process 

Writing a book is no easy task, and Gillig starts the process by “drawing myself a little map to orient myself with names.” 

“I have to know the place. I have to know the names of the places where they live and the places they go. I have to know the character names and, roughly, their roles, their personalities… Those things I give myself room to change, but [I like to map out] what they’re doing in the story,” she continues. “I try to pick a place where certain plants and landscapes are congruent and how they might be in the real world. I also research plant life and weather.” 

Once the planning stage is complete, Gillig can finally sit down and start typing. 

“My schedule depends on my kid, but oftentimes, the best writing time is in the morning,” she explains. “For example, if I can write in the morning and have a quietude from 8 to noon, those are the golden moments.” 

Currently, Gillig writing the sequel to The Knight and the Moth, a series she promises is a huge shift from her previous one. 

“If you’ve read my previous books, you may have a sense of atmosphere. You may be familiarized with the world in a completely different way. This world is totally different,” the author says. “It’s brand new from the Gothic atmosphere and I’m really excited for readers and listeners to meet the characters. There’s a specific character who’s my favorite. He’s a gargoyle. And I’m really excited for readers to meet him.” 

Rachel Gillig shares her book recommendations 

Along with writing, Gillig is also an avid reader and Spotify audiobook listener. 

“I listened to The Guest List by Lucy Foley not that long ago, which is a complete thriller outside of my genre. I listened to The Alchemist last year. Little Women’s a great one. I recently read an advanced reader copy of Alix Harrow’s new book The Everlasting and it was so incredibly good.  I just like to expose myself broadly,” Gillig says. 

Pre-order Rachel Gillig’s forthcoming book, The Knight and the Moth, now before it releases in May 2025. 

Link to original: https://www.firstforwomen.com/entertainment/books/rachel-gillig-on-booktok-success-and-her-next-fantasy-novel