Former Raiders prop Luke Bateman embroiled in TikTok controversy after 'unusual' book deal
Former Canberra Raiders forward Luke Bateman has caused quite a stir on TikTok after he was given a two-book deal with publishing groups Atria and Simon and Schuster Australia.
BookTok, a popular hashtag on the social media platform, is used by millions of users regarding videos about books.
Bateman has posted videos relating to books he loves to read and currently has just under 179,000 followers.
READ MORE: Tips: Joey's 'nasty' Knights prediction floors Fittler
READ MORE: Hasler hit with final warning over 'wrong, again' Bunker claim
READ MORE: Origin star 'trying too hard' as top-four race heats up
A month after releasing videos relating to books, he revealed he'd been signed to a publishing deal.
"This is a childhood dream come true," he said on his video announcing the deal.
"I've wanted to be an author my whole life. It truly blows me away. After I got the call last week, I cried so much."
Luke Bateman playing for the Raiders. Getty
Bateman then started crying in the video again reflecting on his childhood. He said the book is going to be an epic fantasy book.
The announcement sparked a mixed response. Many users were furious that a deal was given based off a month of videos.
"I'm confused lol - how did you get a book deal with no book written," one read.
"Publishers are just handing out deals to anyone these days. No book, no manuscript, nothing written. I guess all you need to land a book deal is just dreams, a concept, and nothing more," another user wrote.
Bateman replied: "I do have a dream and a concept. My life has and always will be full of dreams. I'm so fortunate and grateful I get to live out one of the most truly meaningful ones to me. I can't wait to share my heart with you."
Other users called out comments for "jealousy" while QBD Books Australia and Spotify Australia & NZ congratulated him.
Criticism also came the way of publishers for seeking out the deal.
Anthea Bariamis, who acquired the international rights to Bateman's books for Atria Books, spoke on her Instagram about the deal.
Bariamis confirmed she came across Bateman online and thought "he's a big book nerd" before reaching out to his agent.
She added she had a "long meeting" with the former league player who pitched the fantasy series idea. A writing sample was also provided.
Julian Novitz, a senior lecturer in media and communications at Swinburne University, told the ABC the deal was "unusual".
"For someone who's never previously published anything before … it's quite unusual to get signed for a two-book deal … particularly if you're writing fiction."
Since the deal was announced, Bateman has posted another three videos, unrelated to the agreement.
Bateman retired from the NRL in 2019 after playing 71 games for the Raiders.
In 2023 he featured on season 11 of The Bachelor.
