The Luke Bateman book deal highlights how much influence TikTok has on modern publishing. Simon & Schuster claims they saw enough potential in his story structure and world-building to justify the deal. But let’s be real—it also shows how marketability, appearance, and platform can outweigh experience. Many talented, lesser-known writers never get this kind of shot, even with full manuscripts. It’s not just about writing anymore it’s about branding too.
