FAQ
What inspired Emily Knight?
I didn't feel there were a variety of strong, ethnic lead characters in children's books. I also grew up watching anime and loads of Dragon Ball Z and X-Men. To be honest I just wanted to read a book that was based on what I liked to watch but I didn't want it to be a comic book. When I couldn't find that book, I wrote one
Is it hard getting published?
Yes! I thought it would be a breeze but there are so many ways to get published, especially now via e-books.As long as you believe in your vision just do what's best for you. Be consistent and persistent
You have such a diverse cast - was that intentional?
Not really. I live in London which is a really diverse city and I have friends from all different races and backgrounds. Some of my best friends are Jamaican, Greek, Turkish, Indian, Filipino - you get the idea! So I write about what I know. I wish more writers would have more diversity in their books
Are you published or self-published?
I self-published Emily when I was 23 and I got offered a traditional publishing deal for three Emily Knight books in March 2016.I think there are pros and cons to both publishing routes. In the end, I co-founded my own publishing house called Hashtag Press and the Emily books are printed under that imprint
Do you have an agent?
Yes I am with The Literally Agency
Was it easy to get an agent?
I wish! I was trying to get an agent since I was 18 and secured one when I was 24 and then left them! Getting a second one was way easier though
Is it true that you have the same illustrator as JK Rowling?
Yes! We both used the amazing Giles Greenfield for our book covers. I used Giles for the first edition of Emily Knight
What is the best advice you were given?
Don't give up, write everyday and read everything. There's not any shortcuts so if you want something, be persistent and work on your craft even when you don't feel like it!
Do you think being a young black writer is harder?
I've found it pretty cool. I think people are shocked by how young and determined I am but now I'm in my thirties (so not so young) and I think I've got a good reputation for myself in the publishing world
Is Emily you?
No lol I'm cooler than her!
I want you to come to my school! How can this happen?
I'd love to come to your school! Just email me at
When is the next Emily Knight book out?
I am now writing the third book. I'm trying to stick to a trilogy but I have so much to say it may be 4 books.
Does Emily like Wesley or Julian more?
Ooh you'll have to wait and see!
Is Emily Knight a Saga?
Yes there are more stories to Emily. The I AM saga will most likely be a trilogy but I will do another saga because I love writing about Emily's world
What's the best thing about being a writer?
I can write all the crazy things that go on in my head
Have you got any more books?
I have a new YA book called Beats, Love and high top trainers under submission
Are you going to do anymore pop up blogs after Rose?
I think I will, as long as I don't have a book out. Rose was so much fun to do and I wanted to see how it went. The views was so good that I wrote Lox and released that in 2015. Roberta came out in 2016 and as long as people like it and I can make the time, I will keep doing it. The Knights came out August 2018 and did really well in terms of views.
How can I learn about publishing a book?
I have co-founded The Author School, so come along to one of our classes! This was set up to help all budding writers
Who are your favourite authors?
Jodi Picoult, Sophie Kinsella, Jane Green, Lauren Oliver just to name a few. I am obsessed with all of Jackie Collins books!
What's your favourite book?
Ooh that's a tough one! I would go with Are you there God, it's me Margaret by Judy Blume. I've read it so many times my book is ripped!
How many words do you write a day?
I don't really focus on things like that. Sometimes I'll write just a paragraph and other times it will be pages. I'm not someone that works well with the mindset of a 1000 words a day! I just try and write as much as I can
What are your thoughts on the lack of diversity in publishing?
It sucks! And has a black person, it's pretty discouraging. I can go on about diversity for days but it all comes down to publishers need to do better
What's your name on Instagram?
@abiolabello @emilyknightiam