In an exciting move that blends the digital realm with traditional publishing, ByteDance, the company behind the wildly popular social media app TikTok, is venturing into the world of print books. Through its newly launched imprint, 8th Note Press, ByteDance aims to capitalize on the immense influence of BookTok—the bookish corner of TikTok where users share their favorite reads and ignite viral trends.
Riding the Wave of BookTok’s Influence
BookTok has emerged as a powerful force in the publishing industry, propelling books to bestseller status and introducing a new generation to the joys of reading. ByteDance recognizes the untapped potential in this passionate community of book lovers and is seizing the opportunity to bring their favorite genres to print.
Focusing on Popular Genres
8th Note Press will primarily focus on genres that have gained immense popularity on BookTok. These include:
- Young Adult (YA) Fiction
- Contemporary Romance
- “Romantasy” – a blend of Romance and Fantasy
By tapping into the pulse of BookTok trends, ByteDance aims to curate a collection of books that resonate with the app’s avid readers and attract a wider audience to their print offerings.
Partnership with Zando
To bring their vision to life, ByteDance has partnered with Zando, an independent publishing company. This strategic collaboration combines ByteDance’s deep understanding of digital trends with Zando’s expertise in traditional publishing, ensuring a seamless transition from the virtual shelves of BookTok to the physical pages of 8th Note Press.
Upcoming Releases
8th Note Press is set to make its print debut in February 2025 with “On Screen & Off Again” by Caitlin Cross. This romantic novel follows the rekindled love story of two former child stars, promising a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary romance that BookTok fans adore.
Other upcoming titles include:
- “The Last Man in Paradise” by Syed M Masood (March 2025)
- “To Have and Have More” by Sanibel (April 2025)
- “Learning to Fall” by Peach Morris (May 2025)
With an exciting lineup of debut authors and fresh voices, 8th Note Press is poised to make a splash in the publishing world and capture the hearts of BookTok enthusiasts and beyond.
A Trend-Led Approach
According to Jacob Bronstein, head of editorial and marketing at ByteDance, 8th Note Press will take a trend-led approach to publishing. By closely monitoring the conversations and preferences of BookTok users, the imprint aims to identify and publish books that resonate with this engaged community.
“We’re thinking first: what do people like reading, who is reading these books, how are people talking about these books, how are these conversations happening online, and where? Genre comes second,” Bronstein explained in an interview with a leading publication.
This user-centric approach sets 8th Note Press apart from traditional publishing houses and positions them to become a driving force in the industry, guided by the authentic interests and passions of readers.
The Future of Publishing
As ByteDance embarks on this exciting new venture, it raises intriguing questions about the future of publishing. Will the power of social media and viral trends increasingly shape the books we read? Can the authentic enthusiasm of online communities like BookTok breathe new life into the publishing industry?
One thing is certain: ByteDance’s move into print publishing marks a significant shift in the landscape. By bridging the gap between the digital world of TikTok and the tangible realm of books, 8th Note Press is poised to redefine how we discover, consume, and celebrate literature in the modern age.
As readers eagerly await the first offerings from 8th Note Press, the publishing world watches with bated breath, curious to see how this innovative imprint will leverage the power of BookTok to create a new chapter in the story of books.
