In a surprising turn of events, bestselling author J.D. Barker finds himself at the center of a BookTok controversy (we have covered a few here) following a peculiar email campaign directed at book influencers. The uproar began when TikToker Marissa Bologna exposed the email in a video, shedding light on a promotional strategy that has sparked concerns and discussions within the BookTok community.
The controversy revolves around an email dated January 23, where Barker, known for his thrilling novels, enlisted the help of BookTokers to create risqué videos featuring his upcoming book, "Behind A Closed Door." The book, described as a sexually charged dark thriller, explores the consequences of an app that leads a couple into a perilous game of life and death.
The email, sent as part of a promotional effort, offered BookTokers a free copy of the book and the possibility of payment in exchange for submitting a video approved by Barker. However, the nature of the email's video prompts raised eyebrows, prompting concerns about the appropriateness and safety of the campaign.
BookToker Amanda Zarb, who received the email, expressed her unease, categorizing it as a "safety concern" for the entire community. The controversy stems from the sexual nature of the suggested video prompts, including one that asks BookTokers to use the book to cover intimate parts of their body while panning the camera.
The campaign, offering payment ranging from $100 to $2,400 based on followers, triggered discussions about the ethical implications of paying influencers for explicit content. The lack of age verification in the email added an additional layer of concern, with BookTokers like Zarb emphasizing the potential risks for younger participants.
J.D. Barker responded to the backlash in an email sent two days after the initial message, apologizing for any inconvenience caused. He clarified that the email was not approved by him and blamed the inclusion of racy suggestions on a PR firm he hired. Barker acknowledged the lapse in allowing an external firm access to his email account and assured that corrective measures had been taken.
The BookTok community, known for its accountability, responded to the controversy by raising awareness and expressing concern for the safety of its members. As discussions continue, this incident serves as a lesson for both authors and influencers to carefully consider the impact of their promotional strategies and the potential risks involved in such campaigns.
As the BookTok community navigates this unexpected controversy, it prompts reflection on the boundaries between promotional creativity and ethical responsibility in the ever-evolving landscape of social media literature promotion.
Sources:
https://www.today.com/popculture/books/jd-barker-email-booktok-controversy-rcna135917
https://www.tiktok.com/@amanda_nicoletta
https://twitter.com/jdbarker/status/1750958811236491700
https://www.thecut.com/2024/01/jd-barker-booktok-racy-spon-con.html
