It’s never been harder for older and experienced writers—so how did a celebrity with no book land a deal?

When an unexpected figure steps into the literary world, it’s bound to raise a few eyebrows—especially when their journey bypasses the usual hurdles.

What started as a light-hearted announcement quickly sparked a heated debate online.

The reaction has revealed deep tensions in the world of publishing, privilege, and who gets to tell stories.


An unlikely name sparked a firestorm in the online book world after revealing an unexpected leap into the publishing industry.

Former NRL player and The Bachelor contestant Luke Bateman shared on social media that he had secured a book deal with major publisher Simon and Schuster—news that initially delighted his growing follower base.

But the announcement quickly shifted from celebration to controversy, as many questioned how someone with no published work had landed such an opportunity in a notoriously competitive industry.


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Former NRL player’s book deal sparks backlash. Image source: Instagram/lukebateman_


Bateman, who played for the Canberra Raiders between 2015 and 2019, recently re-emerged on social media platforms to excitedly connect with the BookTok—or rather, book-loving—community in social media. He described himself as a lifelong fan of fantasy and expressed a desire to finally have a space to discuss his passion.

‘I’ve loved books my entire life,’ he said in his first video, which amassed over 2 million views’.

‘Love fantasy... it’s my main go to... but I’ve never had anywhere to really talk about it because I’m a male in a blue collar work and from the country.’

He added that he’d noticed many women in the online book space enjoying ‘smut and spice’—a comment that didn’t go unnoticed.


The warm welcome Bateman initially received cooled swiftly when he revealed he’d signed a two-book deal. That revelation left many questioning what exactly had earned the 30-year-old Queensland pine cutter such a significant opportunity.

Aspiring authors—many with completed manuscripts, built platforms, and years of experience—began expressing their frustration.

One creator, known online as Jeff Kissubi, voiced his concern in a widely shared post: ‘Race and privilege shape who get the shortcuts. Black and marginalised authors, especially women and gender-diverse creatives, are out here with finished, powerful stories that still get overlooked.’


Source: TikTok/lukesreads​


Another creator, Audra Winter Books, didn’t hold back either.

‘Let’s put this into perspective, shall we?’ the account wrote.

‘I have around the same size audience, with a completely written book and series, over 10 years of experience in writing, and a platform built solely around my concept; I struggled for three years to even secure a literary agent.

‘This is why I turned against traditional publishing; it’s never been truly about the story WRITTEN. There are so many talented and skilled authors from marginalised communities across this app who HAVE put in the effort, who HAVE worked to refine their skills, who HAVE worked to build their platform, and yet this is what publishing prioritises. Yikes.

‘You, as an author with a voice, should be standing up and recognising the flaw in this, if you are truly part of the community on this app with many authors who have actually written and marketed the book getting shadowed by you.’


Others echoed similar sentiments. One user asked: ‘I’m confused, lol - how did you get a book deal with no book written???’

Another chimed in: ‘A white man getting a book deal without having written anything? My jaw stayed right where it was.’

And one comment read: ‘This opportunity is the intersection of white privilege, male privilege, and pretty privilege. Not a reflection of worth.’


Still, not everyone joined the backlash.

QBD Books Australias commented: ‘Congratulations Luke! We can’t wait to read your debut book!! 👏🤩

Another user defended Bateman’s right to pursue the opportunity: ‘Why the hate? Why is it about race? Why is it about gender? The double standard has got to stop.

‘We made him famous. Now we are tearing him down? He did nothing wrong. Right place at the right time. Say congrats and move on! And if the book is good or bad, remember reading is subjective. Congratulations!! I wish you all the best!! This is an insane opportunity!’

Whether Bateman’s fantasy debut will live up to the hype—or the criticism—remains to be seen. But for now, he’s at the centre of a much bigger conversation about fairness, representation, and who gets a seat at the literary table.


In a previous story, another high-profile figure faced backlash after diving into the book world—this time, a celebrity chef whose children’s book was pulled from shelves.

It’s a reminder that fame doesn’t always translate smoothly into publishing, and not every reader welcomes a familiar face in unfamiliar territory.

If you missed that controversy, it’s worth a look.

Key Takeaways
  • Luke Bateman’s book deal with Simon and Schuster sparked controversy due to his lack of a finished manuscript.
  • Critics accused the publishing industry of favouring white, male creators over marginalised authors with completed work.
  • Some online users defended Bateman, arguing his success was simply good timing and not malicious.
  • The situation has reignited broader conversations about privilege, equity, and access in traditional publishing.

Do you think today’s publishing world still values experience and hard work, or is it all about who you know? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
 
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I get why people might be upset about him getting a great deal when so many others deserve it but why has it become a white man privilege? I am so fed up with this term being thrown out at every opportunity, it has absolutely nothing to do with race. It probably does have something to do with being out there in the public eye and being a "star" which in itself is unfair but that's what big companies do.
 
All you need is a name and a face to get by in the world, along with some agent who sees an opportunity and who doesn't mind pocketing a share of any prospective profits.
Meanwhile, the starving millions in Africa will just have to do without this chance to brighten up their lives, at least unti Bluey lands on their shores.
 
Let him give it a go. I am not to sure what all the fuss is about. Because he is a man , white and so on..If he has the imagination to write and create joy for people to enjoy in reading a book what is all the fuss about.
I did a creative writing class many years ago loved it. One day l would like to write my life story for my children and grandchildren. My mother and husband are at me constantly. Start your writing again. I would not expect anything to come of it.
I do understand just because the family and friends think it's great doesn't mean any publisher would be the slightest bit interested.
Good luck to Luke. If he can make a difference to someone enjoying his stories, what is the issue.
Maybe l am wrong but does ego get in the way, oh l have been writing for years blah blah and this guy comes along and let's give him a go how dare they.
I might be way off the track. But l believe if you can bring joy in any form to people go for it.
It should not matter what sex you are what colour your skin is how much money you have your back ground your age.. What does it matter.
Also everyone has different taste to what they prefer to read.
I got the feeling some took a bit of huff and puff when Luke said. Women read hot steamy books. Who cares. I love true crime everyone to their own.
Everyone has stories in them. Everyone particularly when we get older have lots of stories. I think it would be fantastic if older people could put their life stories in a little exercise book to leave for their families it would be a beautiful gift.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day 💓
 
Let him give it a go. I am not to sure what all the fuss is about. Because he is a man , white and so on..If he has the imagination to write and create joy for people to enjoy in reading a book what is all the fuss about.
I did a creative writing class many years ago loved it. One day l would like to write my life story for my children and grandchildren. My mother and husband are at me constantly. Start your writing again. I would not expect anything to come of it.
I do understand just because the family and friends think it's great doesn't mean any publisher would be the slightest bit interested.
Good luck to Luke. If he can make a difference to someone enjoying his stories, what is the issue.
Maybe l am wrong but does ego get in the way, oh l have been writing for years blah blah and this guy comes along and let's give him a go how dare they.
I might be way off the track. But l believe if you can bring joy in any form to people go for it.
It should not matter what sex you are what colour your skin is how much money you have your back ground your age.. What does it matter.
Also everyone has different taste to what they prefer to read.
I got the feeling some took a bit of huff and puff when Luke said. Women read hot steamy books. Who cares. I love true crime everyone to their own.
Everyone has stories in them. Everyone particularly when we get older have lots of stories. I think it would be fantastic if older people could put their life stories in a little exercise book to leave for their families it would be a beautiful gift.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day 💓
I agree with you @BellaB18, that ego can often get in the way. I also love true crime.
Wishing you a wonderful day as well 💖
 
It seems now anyone who puts their face in a reality program get to be famous and make a shit ton of money for having NO TALENT at all. People do courses and have Degrees and can't get anywhere it hardly seems fair.
 
All you need is a name and a face to get by in the world, along with some agent who sees an opportunity and who doesn't mind pocketing a share of any prospective profits.
Meanwhile, the starving millions in Africa will just have to do without this chance to brighten up their lives, at least unti Bluey lands on their shores.
Who cares about the "starving millions in Africa" when we have hundreds of thousands of Australians homeless and living in poverty?

Get your priorities right!
 
It seems now anyone who puts their face in a reality program get to be famous and make a shit ton of money for having NO TALENT at all. People do courses and have Degrees and can't get anywhere it hardly seems fair.
I hope the NO TALENT is a generalisation on your part. I'll read the book first before deciding if he can hold my interest better than those who have been writing for 10 years. Jealousy is an uncomfortable bedfellow. Stop moaning, your years of writing don't trump the readers' interest.
 
All you need is a name and a face to get by in the world, along with some agent who sees an opportunity and who doesn't mind pocketing a share of any prospective profits.
Meanwhile, the starving millions in Africa will just have to do without this chance to brighten up their lives, at least unti Bluey lands on their shores.
I cannot for the life of me see what relevance of the story has anything to do with people starving in Africa.
 
Let him give it a go. I am not to sure what all the fuss is about. Because he is a man , white and so on..If he has the imagination to write and create joy for people to enjoy in reading a book what is all the fuss about.
I did a creative writing class many years ago loved it. One day l would like to write my life story for my children and grandchildren. My mother and husband are at me constantly. Start your writing again. I would not expect anything to come of it.
I do understand just because the family and friends think it's great doesn't mean any publisher would be the slightest bit interested.
Good luck to Luke. If he can make a difference to someone enjoying his stories, what is the issue.
Maybe l am wrong but does ego get in the way, oh l have been writing for years blah blah and this guy comes along and let's give him a go how dare they.
I might be way off the track. But l believe if you can bring joy in any form to people go for it.
It should not matter what sex you are what colour your skin is how much money you have your back ground your age.. What does it matter.
Also everyone has different taste to what they prefer to read.
I got the feeling some took a bit of huff and puff when Luke said. Women read hot steamy books. Who cares. I love true crime everyone to their own.
Everyone has stories in them. Everyone particularly when we get older have lots of stories. I think it would be fantastic if older people could put their life stories in a little exercise book to leave for their families it would be a beautiful gift.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day 💓
Over the years I have often mentioned little things that have occurred when growing up and my daughter has said write it down, so to give a hint she gave me a book THIS IS MY STORY and said no excuse that was approximately 2 yrs ago , this write up has given me the incentive to start ,astime is running out ,as we don’t know how long we have ,time is marching on. Getting the old brain into action and making notes of memories is a start, so wish me luck on my endeavours.
 
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Over the years I have often mentioned little things that have occurred when growing up and my daughter has said write it down, so to give a hint she gave me a book THIS IS MY STORY and said no excuse that was approximately 2 yrs ago , this write up has given me the incentive to start ,astime is running out ,as we don’t know how long we have ,time is marching on. Getting the old brain into action and making notes of memories is a start, so wish me luck on my endeavours.
You don't need good luck to write your story, but I'm wishing you good luck in making a start. Get to it.
 
Over the years I have often mentioned little things that have occurred when growing up and my daughter has said write it down, so to give a hint she gave me a book THIS IS MY STORY and said no excuse that was approximately 2 yrs ago , this write up has given me the incentive to start ,astime is running out ,as we don’t know how long we have ,time is marching on. Getting the old brain into action and making notes of memories is a start, so wish me luck on my endeavours.
Oh Lennie, please start writing. You will be surprised all the memories will flood back. Write about the games you played as a child your first day at school, friends what you took for lunch. About your grandparents, parents your siblings, hobbies loves, friendships when you got married became a mother. Houses you lived in. How the milk and bread was delivered back when you were child. There is so much to write about just let it come forth. Your daughter is keen to know your story go for it.

Best wishes and good luck
 
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