BookTok has transformed the literary world, evolving from a niche TikTok hashtag into a cultural powerhouse. Since 2020, its billions of views have fueled a 29% surge in adult fiction sales in 2021 alone, per industry reports. This dynamic community thrives on passionate reader reviews, spotlighting indie authors and reviving forgotten classics. Word-of-mouth travels at warp speed, catapulting books like The Song of Achilles and It Ends With Us to bestseller lists years after their release. Trends like “enemies-to-lovers” and “slow-burn romance” dominate, tapping into a collective craving for stories that heal, thrill, and connect. Many dashingly charming individuals are making a huge break in this vibrant landscape. One such success in this trend is James Pulido—a storyteller whose journey from home movies to Hollywood aligns perfectly with BookTok’s rise, amplifying its impact through his unique talents.
“Storytelling became my heartbeat from a young age”
James Pulido’s love for storytelling took root early, shaped by themes of resilience, moral complexity, and human connection that would define his creative path. Growing up, some of his fondest memories were of movie nights with his family, trips to the drive-in theater, and crafting home movies with his siblings and classmates. Armed with a camcorder and boundless imagination, he produced short films to share with his class and their parents—not for praise, but for the thrill of weaving narratives that felt alive. He was captivated by authentic characters: the reluctant hero wrestling with duty, the morally gray figure navigating tough choices, the misunderstood villain yearning for redemption. For James, storytelling wasn’t just play—it was a way to explore the messy, beautiful depths of human emotion and spark something in others.
That passion ignited a daring leap. Saving every dollar he could, James bought a one-way ticket to New York, leaving behind his familiar world with just a backpack and suitcase. He arrived knowing no one, but plunged into acting studies and soon landed background and extra roles. It was a start, yet he quickly saw that thriving in the industry demanded more than enthusiasm—it required rigorous training.
Determined, James embraced the grind. He navigated trains, taxis, and subways—sometimes trudging through snow—to attend acting classes in Manhattan. The struggle was real, and he’ll admit there were days it tested his limits. Raised in a lower-middle-class family with a background in athletics and bodybuilding, James was no stranger to hard work or setbacks. After three years sharpening his skills in New York, he set his sights on Los Angeles, drawn by the sunshine and the promise of bigger opportunities among the industry’s elite.
“BookTok found me before I found it”
In a twist of fate, BookTok discovered James before he fully discovered it. Since 2018, he’d been posting modeling and acting content on Instagram and TikTok, steadily growing his audience. Then the BookTok community took notice. For James, social media was more than a showcase; it was a launchpad. He’s long lived by the mantra that a wise man creates more opportunities than he finds, and he refused to sit passively waiting for auditions.
Romance authors began featuring him on their book covers, and by 2021, James was diving deeper into TikTok. The romance book community welcomed him with open arms, envisioning him as the perfect embodiment of their beloved fictional leads. He embraced the role, channeling his acting and modeling talents to breathe life into characters—reciting iconic quotes from books and films. Those videos skyrocketed, amassing hundreds of millions of views. For James, it was a sign he’d carved out his place in a movement that was redefining storytelling—one that echoed his own passion for stories that resonate.
“BookTok has revolutionized how people connect with books”
James amplifies BookTok’s revolution. By reciting lines or acting out pivotal scenes, he brings characters into vivid reality, deepening fans’ immersion. Titles like Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)—boosted by the platform’s fervor—are now greenlit for screen adaptations, signaling the genre’s undeniable clout. One of James’s earliest fan-cast roles was Rhysand from ACOTAR, a character whose depth and charm he came to adore. As casting for these projects heats up, he’s ready to step into the frame.
James has no intention of slowing down. He sees himself expanding his current path—acting, modeling, and narrating—onto a grander stage. From gracing romance novel covers to bringing characters to life online, he’s forged a deep bond with the stories he tells. Portraying them on the big screen would mark a triumphant full-circle moment.
His ambitions don’t stop there. Recently, James produced an action thriller short film, Cerebellum, alongside friends. The project struck gold, earning Best Action Film at the Austin Film Festival, IndieX, and several other accolades. The process rekindled his love for storytelling behind the camera, and he’s already at work on his next film. For James, producing is another way to shape narratives that captivate and inspire.
The future looks bright for James Pulido. He’s booked for a show set to begin production this summer, though he’s keeping details close to the chest for now. Fans can expect updates soon. In the meantime, he invites everyone to watch his award-winning short film, Cerebellum.
From shaky home movies to Hollywood horizons, James Pulido’s journey reflects a relentless drive and a deep-rooted love for storytelling. Whether he’s embodying a fan-favorite character, gracing a book cover, or crafting his own projects, he’s committed to keeping audiences enthralled—one resonant story at a time.
James is using the Instagram handle @jamesjoseph__
For other information, contact James’s agent Brand Labs
