Author J.D. Barker has issued a public apology following a controversial email pitch sent by a PR firm on January 23. The email, aimed at BookTok influencers, particularly young women, sought to create racy sponsored content for Barker's upcoming novel, "Behind a Closed Door."

As described in the email, the novel revolves around an app craze that entangles the lives of couple Abby and Brendan Hollander in a perilous game of life and death. As the app assigns them a sequence of progressively taboo tasks, the Hollanders become ensnared in a dark and complex web of seduction and violence.

Barker's agent, Alec Shane of Writers House, dropped him after influencers came on TikTok to express their discomfort. Shane expressed his disappointment in Barker's actions, stating, 'I no longer represent J.D. Barker and am upset and saddened by what has transpired.'

Controversial Email: Provocative Novel Promotion Ideas

The controversy began with an email from the PR firm BestOfBookTok, signed 'Julia.' The email highlighted Barker's upcoming novel, described as a 'sexually charged dark thriller.' It proposed a payment system based on follower count for influencers creating promotional content, with fees ranging from $100 to $1,200.

The email encouraged influencers to be creative and emphasized the spicy nature of the book. Specific guidelines were provided for promotional posts, requiring the inclusion of the book's cover image and hashtags. The controversy escalated when the email suggested explicit video ideas, including shots that panned up or down the body using only the book to cover explicit areas. Another suggestion is to make a video discussing 'the most taboo place you've ever had sex.'

The email also mentioned that J.D. Barker would individually assess each video, either giving approval for payment or suggesting modifications to secure approval. 

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Influencers Express Discomfort

BookTok influencers, accustomed to receiving various pitches, found Barker's proposal unsettling, describing it as 'creepy' and 'predatory.' TikTokers Marissa Bologna and Sian Harper expressed disbelief in their own videos, showing screenshots and details of the email they received.

Tishni Weerasinghe, an erotic fiction enthusiast, strongly supports sexuality and femininity and fosters a positive perspective on sex work. However, Weerasinghes stated that the email was unsettling for her. 

Referring to the video text suggestions, Tiktoker Amanda Zarb was surprised and uncomfortable when she got these unusual questions in an email from the publisher.

The email did not demand BookTokers to create videos only based on those particular suggestions for payment. It mentioned that the prompts are just suggestions. However, Zarb believed that if she did not submit something provocative, her video might not get approved, or she would not receive payment. 

Many influencers noted the discomfort caused by the explicit nature of the suggested content, especially considering the young age of many BookTok creators.

Author's Response and Apology

In response to the backlash, Barker claimed in a follow-up email that he did not approve the initial pitch and that the email was sent by one of the PR firms he had hired. He clarified that the campaign was never authorized and apologized for any hurt caused. Barker emphasized his respect for the writing community and expressed deep regret for letting down those who received the email.

Barker's publisher, Hampton Creek Press, has not provided a statement on the matter. The incident raises questions about ethical marketing practices and the responsibility authors have in overseeing promotional campaigns associated with their work.

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