Author JD Barker is facing backlash after several TikTok creators said they were encouraged to create sexually suggestive promotional videos for his upcoming erotic thriller.
Sian Harper and Marissa Bologna, who are both part of the literary community on the app BookTok, posted videos online to express concerns about the author's email from a literary PR company.
The email included suggestions that the creators should show “something racy” and “just use the book to cover up your naughty bits.”
Alongside the suggestions was a detailed salary scale that included up to $2,400 for videos posted by accounts with over 700,000 followers.
The email was sent by a company owned by Barker, a New York Times and international bestseller, to promote his latest novel, “Behind a Closed Door.”
JD Barker, seen here, is facing backlash over a promotional email which included suggestions the makers were showing “something racy”.
Sian Harper (left) and Marissa Bologna (right) shared videos on the platform via the email of a literary PR company owned by the author
Sharing her video on the platform, Harper said: “I just received such a predatory email from an author who wanted me to promote her book.”
“You were even generous enough to give me ideas about what you might like to do for them.”
“He will review each video sent to him individually to ensure it is approved.” “This is bloody creepy behavior and honestly I'm so disgusted.”
In her post, Bologna said, “I can't believe this is a real email I received this week from an author about creating a promotional video for one of her books.”
“This is about you “cutting to something racy” or “waving a camera up and down your body to cover up your naughty bits.”
“It just makes me feel so uncomfortable and it just feels so creepy and predatory to me.”
The book is described in the email as a “sexually charged dark thriller” about a couple “entangled in a twisted web of seduction and violence.”
Another request included in the email also asked, “What is the most taboo place you have ever had sex?”
In a lengthy statement shared on his social media accounts, Barker said: “I am appalled that such a message was published.” And I deeply regret the pain I have caused to those who received it.
“I have nothing but respect for the writing community and the people who support it, and I have let you all down.”
“I have nothing but the deepest respect for women.” I am a husband. I am a father. There is no excuse for the callousness of my actions.
“The weight created by these actions is inexcusable.” I can and will do better. The written word is something I value. Words have power.
“And sometimes they can do more harm than the most dangerous weapon.”
“Knowing that I wielded that weapon and injured myself will weigh on me for the rest of my days. “If this affected you, I am truly sorry.”
As a result of the email, an advertising firm that had represented Barker also said it had severed ties with the author.
The email was sent by a company owned by Barker, a New York Times and international bestseller, to promote his latest novel, “Behind a Closed Door.”
In a lengthy statement Barker posted on his social media accounts, he said the campaign was never approved
Dana Kaye, founder of Kaye Publicity, which handled some of the publicity, told NBC: “We had no knowledge that this email had been sent and when we found out about it, we cut ties with JD Barker.”
Simon & Schuster, which distributes books from Barker's publisher Hampton Creek Press, issued a statement saying: “We were appalled to learn of this campaign and, of course, completely disapprove of this outrageous and irresponsible advertising attempt by our distribution client.”
Meanwhile, X users have also posted scathing reactions to the author's statement, calling him a “complete idiot.”
One person said: “The email listed several video ideas that were “consistent with events occurring in the book, a work of fiction.” That's a damn good way of saying, “I tried to request nude videos from multiple women.”
While another wrote: “Liar.” Not only are you a creep, you're also a liar. That fits.'
Barker, full name Jonathan Dylan Barker, published his debut novel “Forsaken” in 2014 and has been on the New York Times bestseller list twice.