Author J D Barker has issued an apology following a controversial marketing pitch for his upcoming novel, which sparked widespread criticism and led to his agent severing ties with him. The incident centres around an email sent to high-profile BookTok influencers, predominantly young women, inviting them to create “racy” sponsored content to promote Barker’s new book.

Controversial marketing pitch sparks backlash in BookTok community

The contentious email, dispatched on January 23rd by the PR firm BestOfBookTok and signed by “Julia,” promoted Barker’s “sexually charged dark thriller,” titled “Behind a Closed Door.” The email outlined a payment structure based on follower count and encouraged influencers to be creative, suggesting that the content should align with the “spicy” nature of the book. Some proposed ideas included provocative uses of the book in videos.

This approach, however, was met with immediate backlash from the BookTok community. Influencers expressed their discomfort and dismay, condemning the pitch as “predatory” and “creepy.” Such strong reactions were not just confined to social media platforms; the professional repercussions for Barker were swift and significant.

Alec Shane of Writers House, Barker’s now-former agent, expressed his dismay over the situation. “I no longer represent J D Barker and am upset and saddened by what has transpired,” Shane told Publishers Weekly. Furthermore, Barker’s website has since removed the contact information for Shane and the Authors Unbound speakers bureau, signalling a clear severance of their professional relationship.

Read: Author Cait Corrain loses book deal over secret review bombing

The controversy deepened with revelations about Barker’s connection to BestOfBookTok, a firm he co-founded, raising questions about his initial denial of involvement in the email’s creation. In a follow-up correspondence, Barker claimed the email was sent without his approval, a statement contradicted by his affiliation with the PR firm.

Author J D Barker apologises amid professional fallout and community outcry

In response to the growing backlash, Barker reached out to Publishers Weekly, offering an apology and accepting full responsibility, but stopped short of approving the email. He regretted the oversight that led to its distribution without a necessary rewrite, acknowledging the hurt caused to the recipients. “I have nothing but respect for the writing community and the people who champion it and I’ve let all of you down. I have nothing but the deepest respect for women,” Barker stated.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion within the BookTok community and the literary world at large about the ethics of marketing practices and the importance of respecting the boundaries and demographics of influencer communities. Barker’s full statement is available for public viewing, as the community continues to process the implications of this marketing misstep.