Book publicist Emma Knight has launched Studio 49, a new communications agency with the aim of providing a “creative and complete approach” to book publicity for authors, publishers and agents “looking for a premium service”.
Knight chose to leave her role as deputy communications director at Hodder & Stoughton in May after over two decades at the company to set up Studio 49. She has been shortlisted four times and twice won the overall Publicity Campaign of the Year award at The British Book Awards, and has worked on all of David Nicholl’s books to date, as well as with authors such as Graham Norton, Sara Cox and Jasper Fforde.
Knight said: “I couldn’t be more excited to launch Studio 49. We want to take on a small number of projects that get our full attention. Some authors need – and deserve – more time and energy spent on their campaigns. And that’s what I want to provide.”
Studio 49 is being set up alongside a sister company, Milk Publicity, a specialist in film and television PR. Together they will “cross-pollinate ideas” from TV, film and publishing to “offer a broad suite of services and highly creative campaigns”. Milk handles corporate PR for a number of global entertainment brands and companies including International Literary Properties.
Knight added: “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Vic and her inspiring team at Milk Publicity. They are dynamic and talented publicists. Together, I know we will bring new ideas and depth to campaigns. Our arrangement reflects the reality of our clients’ careers: their work is not confined to one medium.”
Jonny Geller, chief executive of The Curtis Brown Group, said: “As a literary agent you look for three main skills in a publicist – vision, execution and problem solving. Emma has all these qualities and more. Her charm, expertise, connections and understanding of what not to do as much as what to do make her one of the great publicity professionals in our industry.”
Lucy Hale, managing director of Pan, said: “Emma is one of the very best publicists I have ever worked with. She sees opportunities where others see barriers, and delivers outstanding campaigns. I have seen her consistently transform authors’ careers and create big bestsellers.”
David Nicholls said: “I honestly can’t imagine a better publicist than Emma. She has been absolutely instrumental in the success of all my books. Wonderful judgement and imagination, an endlessly positive attitude, any writer would be thrilled to have Emma working on their behalf.”
Knight can be contacted at emma@studio49agency.com.
