TikTok parent ByteDance is shutting down its short-lived book publisher

In Brief

TikTok parent ByteDance’s book publisher 8th Note Press is closing up shop, according to a report from The Bookseller.

Through its #BookTok community, TikTok has become an irreplaceable engine for publishers to drive book sales; even self-published authors have found unprecedented success by capturing a viral moment on TikTok. TikTok’s parent company took the next logical step in 2023, figuring that if the app was revolutionizing book sales, then it may as well cash in on selling its own books.

But ByteDance’s foray into publishing is being cut short. While authors were drawn to 8th Note Press because it seemed like its affiliation with TikTok could drive sales, the press is now telling writers that it will shut down and give them their publication rights back.

It’s not clear why ByteDance has shut down the press after such a short lifespan. The company has not responded to TechCrunch’s request for comment, nor has it responded to requests from any other outlets thus far.