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YouTubers become authors

December 29, 2016

Publishing houses are trying to cash in on the fame of YouTube stars. But can an old-fashioned book enjoy the same success as a viral video?

https://p.dw.com/p/2QtNx
DW Shift YouTube-Stars als Buchautoren
Image: DW

YouTubers become authors

The trend began in the English-speaking world: The British fashion vlogger Zoella broke records with her first novel "Girl Online" which sold 80,000 copies in a week. Some US YouTubers, such as Michelle Phan and Abby Smith, have even landed on the New York Times bestseller list. They both became online stars with their make-up and hair tips. When Carlsen Verlag published a book by the comedy trio Y-Titty, it landed on Spiegel's list of bestsellers. Now the German "Let's Play" collective PietSmiet is presenting its first book at the Frankfurt Book Fair.