ByteDance’s new publishing arm begins approaching authors

8th Note Press, the new publishing arm of TikTok parent company ByteDance, has begun approaching authors with publication offers, reports the Bookseller.

As previously reported by Books+Publishing, ByteDance filed a US trademark application for a book-publishing entity in March, with a list of products and services including an app to read, download and discuss fiction ebooks in an online community; retail bookstore services; ordering books in audio, printed and digital formats; publishing ebooks, audiobooks and physical books, as well as providing online, non-downloadable fiction and nonfiction books.

According to the New York Times, former Penguin Random House editor Katherine Pelz, who specialises in romance, has been hired as acquisitions editor. An author told the Bookseller they had been approached by 8th Note with an offer for publication, being told the publisher was looking for backlists and new romance and fantasy releases, and offering an advance of US$3500 (A$5170). The author was told the press was digital first, with limited print on demand until TikTok’s direct online shopping function is ready.

ByteDance has issued no official statement to the press, however the company reiterated to the Bookseller that 8th Note Press is unaffiliated with TikTok and is ‘solely a ByteDance initiative’.

Category: International news