Books by JD Barker are literary rollercoasters — thrilling, unpredictable, and likely to leave you slightly dizzy but craving more. This, in part, is why the bestselling author has been turning the publishing world on its head with finesse.
Whether JD Barker is collaborating with the crème de la crème of thriller writers or launching publishing models that make traditional houses sweat, he is one to watch. Here is a look at why his works should be on everyone’s reading list.
Stephen King Gave Him Permission to Use His Character, Leland Gaunt
JD Barker’s career received a monumental boost when Stephen King, the master of horror himself, permitted him to use the character Leland Gaunt from “Needful Things” in his debut novel, “Forsaken.”
This unprecedented move by King catapulted Barker into the spotlight, garnering immediate attention from readers and critics alike.
Including Leland Gaunt in “Forsaken” allowed him to create a unique connection between his work and the established King universe, a crossover that improved the story and showed King’s confidence in Barker’s storytelling abilities.
As a result of this collaboration, JD Barker’s “Forsaken” became a bestseller and earned a nomination for the Bram Stoker Award, an early success that set the stage for Barker’s future endeavors and established him as a formidable new voice in the thriller genre.
Bram Stoker’s Family Personally Selected Him to Co-Author Dracul
Bram Stoker’s family personally chose JD Barker to co-author “Dracul,” the official prequel to the classic novel “Dracula.” This selection speaks volumes about the bestselling author’s ability to capture the essence of gothic horror and his understanding of Stoker’s iconic creation.
Working alongside Dacre Stoker, Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew, JD Barker used previously unpublished material from Bram Stoker’s original notes and journals. This access allowed him to create a story that perfectly blends Stoker’s original work and modern storytelling techniques.
The resulting novel, “Dracul,” received critical acclaim. His ability to honor the legacy of “Dracula” while infusing it with his style demonstrated his versatility.
He Is Doing Wonders for the Publication Industry with His Hybrid Publishing Model
JD Barker has changed the publishing industry with his hybrid publishing model. The bestselling author established his imprint, Hampton Creek Press, which partners with Simon & Schuster for print, sales, and distribution while maintaining creative control over his work.
He enjoys independent and traditional publishing benefits through this never-before-seen strategy. Through it, he retains the freedom to make creative decisions while taking advantage of a major publishing house’s extensive distribution network and marketing resources.
The model has proven particularly advantageous for successful independent authors who wish to maintain control over their work.
He Is Big on Collaborations
Collaboration has been a massive element in JD Barker’s career, where he has partnered with renowned writers and professionals. His most notable collaboration has been with James Patterson, resulting in several New York Times bestsellers, including “The Coast-to-Coast Murders” and “The Noise.”
JD Barker has also recently launched a new line of co-authored books, partnering with experts from various fields to create narratives with specialized knowledge and compelling storytelling. These collaborations have allowed him to expand his reach and explore new territories within his writing while maintaining his distinct voice.
He Advocates for Autism Awareness
JD Barker has been open about being on the autism spectrum, using his platform as a bestselling author to promote autism awareness and acceptance. He views his neurodiversity as a “superpower” that does wonders for his writing process, allowing him to construct complicated plots and understand intricate cause-and-effect relationships within his narratives.
He also actively works to dispel myths and misconceptions about autism, particularly in the context of creative professions. His success inspires others on the spectrum and proves that neurodiversity can be a valuable asset in the world of literature.
If JD Barker’s success story were a novel, it would undoubtedly be a hit. From earning the respect of horror legend Stephen King to leading new publishing models, he has proven that there is more than one way to make a mark in the literary world. As readers eagerly await his next thriller, the publishing industry watches with bated breath to see what he will do next.
