Ms Holly Greenland

Research project: (Working title) Do successful authors share personality, demographic or other characteristics, and what implications might this have for the author community and publishing industry?

Abstract

The primary aim of the study is to:

  • produce an original profile of the successful author based on personality traits and demographics; correlated to both financial and personal fulfilment success definitions. Profiles will be defined for authors publishing in different ways, including self-publishing. Results could be used by authors, and those working with them, to determine what support may improve an author's chances of a success in their terms.

Secondary research outputs will include:

  • providing the publishing sector and authors with an evidenced narrative of the impact of self-publishing on the changing expectations and role of authors publishing through all models. 
  • exploration of whether the rise of self-publishing has disrupted or impacted the established tradition of who can publish, how to publish, and what stories authors can tell, identifying the publishing sector's response and future opportunities.

Core data: author survey, author interviews, industry expert interviews.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: (Working title) Do successful authors share personality, demographic or other characteristics, and what implications might this have for the author community and publishing industry?
  • Research supervisor: Professor Alison Baverstock
  • Other research supervisors:

Biography

I am a self-published author, with over fifteen years' experience in communications strategy, insight and content publishing. I have worked across the public sector, including at the BBC and UK Parliament, and as a senior consultant with charities and public bodies.

My experience writing and publishing outside of traditional publishing models led me to my PhD topic. I am interested in how personality types and demographics can influence how people produce their work, and their chances of success. 

I have a particular interest in diversity of author voice and was recently commissioned by UK Parliament to work with creatives with lived experiences to produce illustrated short-stories on change makers across different communities. I have also co-authored a guide to democratic engagement as a commission for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).  

Areas of research interest

  • Self Publishing
  • Traditional Publishing
  • Author voice
  • Personality types
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Diversity in the arts

Qualifications

  • MA in Creative and Critical Writing, Sussex University
  • BA Joint Hons, English and Theatre Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London