Summary:
In this week’s episode of the UpLevel Podcast, we had an illuminating conversation about the world of mysticism, tarot, and publishing with our special guest - Kelley Knight. As a renowned author and founder of Modern Mystic Shop, Kelly shares her unique journey from spiritual awakening to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
She discusses her book “Spells for the Modern Mystic: A Ritual Guidebook and Spell Casting Kit”, co-authored with Brandon Knight. We also explored her perspectives on traditional vs. self-publishing routes, dealing with backlash post-publication, co-authorship, and more! Kelly's story is not just about success; it's about transformation through personal development channels leading to psychic awakening, which changed her life forever.
In this episode:
Identify your passion and utilize personal experiences: Identify what truly excites and drives you, and use your own life experiences as the basis for your work.
Find a mentor or guide: Seek out someone who can help you harness your gifts effectively.
Understanding publishing vs. self-publishing: Consider both traditional publishing routes and self-publishing options before deciding which is right for you - each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Get an agent specific to your genre: Find an agent who represents authors in your specific field or genre.
Craft a compelling proposal: Demonstrate why you're not a risky choice when pitching to publishers.
Choose the right publisher: Find a publisher that aligns with your vision and can support you throughout the process.
Weigh the financial implications of different publication methods: Traditional publishing often provides upfront payment but may limit future earnings, whereas self-publication could potentially yield higher profits over time despite requiring more initial investment.
Identify gaps in existing market offerings: When planning new projects, look at what already exists within the industry and identify areas where unique value can be added without replicating others' works.
Be open to learning: Embrace new challenges and learnings that come with the publishing journey.
Order of Topics:
The Journey to Mysticism
Embracing Dual Identities
Making Mysticism Accessible
Publishing Insights from an Experienced Author
Collaboration in Creativity
The Value of Validation
Tackling Challenges Head-On
Navigating Backlash with Grace
Authenticity in Creation
Learning from Mistakes
The Power of Conscious Content
About Kelley:
Kelley Knight founded Modern Mystic Shop in 2016 in an effort to curate and create quality, accessible products for tarot clients’ spiritual practice. What started humbly grew quickly into a well-known brand for spiritual seekers. Since 2014, she has been offering her unique style of reading, which has given her national recognition in publications such as NYLON Magazine. There are now two retail locations; the original store is located in the bustling Ponce City Market in Atlanta, GA, where Kelley resided for most of her life. She opened a second location in the NoLita neighborhood of NYC in 2021 when she returned to the city her ancestors immigrated to in the early 1900s, which has now become her new home. She aims to make mysticism mainstream by imparting ancient spiritual wisdom applied to the modern day.
Business Website: https://modernmystictarot.com/
Her Website: https://kelleyknight.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmystic_shop/
About UpLevel Productions: Founded by Christie Mann, MA, CPCC, PCC, and Rachel Baldi, CPCC, PCC, UpLevel creates, produces, and delivers Transformative Experiences, Workshops, Training, Events + Media that develop leaders who make our world a healthier, more alive, and connected place to be. As Associate CTI Faculty Partners, UpLevel is licensed to sell, produce and deliver Co-Active coach training and leadership development programs around the world to support the transformational growth of individuals and culture inside the workplace and organization. www.uplevelproductions.com Instagram @uplevelproductions Facebook & LinkedIn @uplevelproductionscompany