ByteDance will begin publishing print books in February, initially focusing on genres that are popular on BookTok — the area of its platform where TikTok users share book recommendations — such as romance, contemporary fiction, young adult, and “romantasy” (a blend of romance and fantasy).
The company already publishes e-books through its imprint 8th Note Press, but now it will begin selling physical copies as well. 8th Note Press will work in partnership with Zando to publish print editions and sell copies in physical bookstores starting early 2025.
Jacob Bronstein, head of editorial and marketing at ByteDance, told the New York Times:
“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.”
Expanding into print was always part of 8th Note’s plan, according to Bronstein. He noted:
“Physical books are still overwhelmingly the most popular format, and certainly in specific genres, some of which we’re playing in, they’re still super important. So we knew that we needed to be in physical books.”
ByteDance's initial roster of print books will include six titles:
- On Screen & Off Again by Caitlin Cross, publishing 4th February 2025
- The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M Masood, publishing 18th March 2025
- To Have and Have More by Sanibel, publishing 15th April 2025
- Love to Hate You by Marina Adair, publishing 22nd April 2025
- The Lost Saint by Rachael Craw, publishing 29th April 2025
- Learning to Fall by Peach Morris, publishing 15th May 2025
In July 2023, ByteDance started approaching authors after filing a trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office that indicated that the company will provide a range of book publishing services, including print, e-books and audiobooks. According to the trademark description, it will create an ecosystem in which “virtual communities” can “participate in discussions, consumer reviews and social networking.”
ByteDance should publish my coffee table book Capital Cities and my mom's paperback I Saw Bubbi in the Mirror! Shameless plugs…