J D Barker dropped by his agent following email controversy

US author J D Barker has been dropped by his agent, Alec Shane at Writers House, following an email pitch sent to BookTok creators to make "racy" sponsored content about Barker’s upcoming book, Behind a Closed Door. 

Shane told Publisher’s Weekly: "I no longer represent J D Barker and am upset and saddened by what has transpired." 

The email sent from the PR firm BestOfBookTok on 23rd January, of which Barker is a founder, described Behind a Closed Door as a "sexually charged thriller" and suggested several video themes "currently in the works by other influencers". These included a video where the "camera pan[s] up or down the body using only the book to cover up your naughty bits" a video that "cut[s] to something racy", and a video with the caption "where is the most taboo place you’ve ever had sex". There is concern some of the BookTok creators who received the email were under 18 years old. 

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Barker claimed the email "went out on my behalf to known BookTok influencers without consideration of age or gender". He added how the "campaign was never approved" and the email was due a "substantial rewrite" and released due to a "chain of errors".

The statement continued: "I’m horrified such a message was released. And I deeply regret the hurt I’ve caused to those who received it. I have nothing but respect for the writing community and the people who champion it and I’ve let all of you down." 

Behind a Closed Door is due to be published by US publisher Hampton Creek Press on 23rd May 2024.