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Official Press Kit • Bio & Media Assets

Press & Media Kit

High-resolution author headshots, official biographies across multiple lengths, fast literary facts, interview topics, and representation contacts.

Official Author Photography & Headshots

High-resolution images cleared for editorial use in print, web, and promotional festival materials. Please include photo credit as noted.

Studio Portrait (Formal)

Studio Portrait (Formal)

Primary Editorial Headshot • 3000 x 3750 px

Web (JPG) Print (300 DPI)
Desk Candid (Landscape)

Desk Candid (Landscape)

Primary Editorial Headshot • 3000 x 3750 px

Web (JPG) Print (300 DPI)
Outdoor / Atmospheric

Outdoor / Atmospheric

Primary Editorial Headshot • 3000 x 3750 px

Web (JPG) Print (300 DPI)

Official Author Biographies

Select the appropriate biography length for festival programs, event introductions, or comprehensive editorial profiles.

Short Bio

Podcast • 50 Words
Johan Smith is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of speculative fiction and psychological thrillers, including The Midnight Library and Beyond the Horizon. His novels have been translated into over 28 languages worldwide. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Medium Bio

Event Programs • 100 Words
Johan Smith is the internationally bestselling author of six novels, including the Goodreads Choice Winner The Midnight Library, Glass Key Protocol, and Resonance Theory. Celebrated for blending high-concept speculative premises with deeply emotional character studies, his work has garnered acclaim from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Kirkus Reviews. Prior to writing full-time, Johan worked as a cognitive science researcher and literary journalist. He resides in Edinburgh with his family and a vast collection of vintage chess sets.

Extended Bio

Full Press Feature • 250 Words
Johan Smith is a #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author whose novels explore the intersections of human regret, parallel realities, and existential wonder. His breakout novel, The Midnight Library, spent over 65 weeks on national bestseller lists, won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction, and is currently in development for a major motion picture.

Born and raised in northern England, Johan studied Philosophy and Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford University before completing his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, Literary Hub, and The Paris Review Daily. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

A passionate advocate for literacy and public libraries, Johan frequently keynotes international book festivals and mentors emerging novelists through the Authors Guild. When not writing at his desk in Edinburgh, Scotland, he can be found trail running in the Highlands or listening to classical piano records.

Fast Facts & Suggested Interview Topics

Quick reference points and curated discussion angles for podcast hosts, journalists, and event moderators.

Literary Snapshot

  • Primary Genres Speculative Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Literary Mystery
  • Major Awards Goodreads Choice Winner, British Fantasy Award Nominee (2024)
  • Translations 28 Languages across 42 Countries
  • Education B.A. Philosophy (Oxford), M.F.A. Creative Writing (UEA)
  • Current Residence Edinburgh, Scotland (GMT / BST Timezone)

Curated Talking Points & Questions

  1. 1 How did your background in cognitive neuroscience shape the psychological mechanics of The Midnight Library?
  2. 2 What is your philosophy on tackling existential regret in modern speculative fiction?
  3. 3 Can you walk us through your daily novel-writing routine and your method for plotting parallel storylines?
  4. 4 Why do libraries and physical books continue to hold such potent allegorical power in the digital era?
  5. 5 What advice would you give to debut writers navigating their first major international book auction?

Press Representation & Inquiries

For media interviews, keynote requests, film/TV inquiries, or event booking, please contact the appropriate representation desk.

Literary Representation

Victoria Sterling

Sterling & Cross Literary Agency • New York & London

vsterling@sterlingcrosslit.com
Literary Representation

Victoria Sterling

Sterling & Cross Literary Agency • New York & London

vsterling@sterlingcrosslit.com
Literary Representation

Victoria Sterling

Sterling & Cross Literary Agency • New York & London

vsterling@sterlingcrosslit.com