Don't Hide Behind Your Book - with Isabelle Knight

·43 min·4 clips

A former publicist for J.K. Rowling reveals why authors can't hide behind their books and must tell their unique story.

The episode begins with hosts James Blatch and Mark Dawson discussing preparations for the Self-Publishing Show Live conference, including dinner plans with industry figures like Joanna Penn. They then transition to a conversation about AI, sharing personal experiments with tools like ChatGPT for ad campaigns and Photoshop Beta for image expansion. The main interview features Isabel Knight, a former publicist with 20 years of experience in film, TV, and books, who worked with J.K. Rowling on the Strike series adaptation. Knight emphasizes the importance of authors developing a brand story that explains why they write and what makes them unique. She argues that readers are interested in authors' personal motivations and backgrounds, using examples like J.K. Rowling's early days as a single mother writing in a cafe. Knight explains how to curate this story without oversharing, focusing on passions and motivations that resonate with ideal readers. She discusses practical applications, such as using the story in author bios, press releases, and social media to pitch to journalists or agents. Knight offers a brand story package for £645, including two sessions and strategy guidance. The hosts reflect on the interview, noting how author branding can build reader connections and boost sales. They direct listeners to a free PDF with top tips for building an author brand available on their website.

As heard by us

A practical episode on shaping an author's motivation into a clearer public story.

The Self-Publishing Show looks at how an author can turn private motivation into a public-facing story without handing over every personal detail. The central prompt is simple: why is this the book only that writer could write?

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Why you'd press play

You have a book, a backstory, and no idea how the two belong in the same sentence.

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