ByteDance Expands into Print Publishing with 8th Note Press
ByteDance, the innovative Chinese technology powerhouse behind the global sensation TikTok, took its first steps into the realm of digital publishing last year. Now, the company’s publishing arm, 8th Note Press, is poised to broaden its horizons by venturing into print editions and making its way into physical bookstores.
In an exciting announcement made on Wednesday, 8th Note Press revealed a partnership with Zando, an independent publishing company. This collaboration will establish a new joint imprint aimed at releasing between 10 to 15 books annually, with the inaugural titles set to hit shelves in early 2025. The imprint will concentrate on genres that resonate well with millennial and Gen Z audiences, primarily focusing on romance, romantasy, and young adult fiction.
According to Jacob Bronstein, the head of editorial and marketing at 8th Note Press, the decision to expand into print was always a fundamental part of their strategy. āPhysical books remain the most popular format among readers, especially in specific genres where they hold significant importance,ā he stated. āRecognizing this, we understood the necessity of entering the print market.ā
Moreover, 8th Note Press is diligently monitoring current trends online, particularly on platforms like BookTok. Bronstein elaborated on their approach, saying, āWe are essentially ‘building backwards’ by acquiring titles that align with these prevailing trends and ongoing conversations.ā
āOur thought process begins with understanding what readers are drawn to, identifying who engages with these books, and analyzing how discussions about them take place online and where these dialogues are happening,ā he continued. āOnly after this do we prioritize the genre.ā
As 8th Note Press embarks on this new journey, it aims to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms of reading, catering to the evolving tastes of its audience while staying attuned to the vibrant conversations within the literary community.