How author Ken Follett sold nearly 200 million books | BBC News

The BBC’s Katty Kay travels to the UK to visit Ken Follett, author of bestselling novels including ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ and ‘Eye of the Needle’.
His books have sold nearly 200 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages.
Ken and Katty discuss his approach to writing, how he views his success, and what it was like growing up in a house where he wasn’t allowed to watch television or movies.
You’re watching Influential with Katty Kay.
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[@ShyFly1000]

This is how I’ve spent my life. I love this. A physical representation of his entire career. I love his fall of giants series. A huge shout out to his narrator, John Lee, who is so brilliant as well.

[@Fitness4London]

What an incredible interview, an absolute masterclass for budding authors. Ken Follett is such an intelligent and articulate guy.

[@Richard-hv5hh]

A remarkable man who has brought so much joy to so many. I knew Ken and his wife Barbara, and they were always kind to me.

[@joshm.4125]

His voice is so magnetic. I could listen to this man for hours. He's a role model for the industry.

[@mikhailbulgakov1472]

I read many books by Ken Follett and love all of them. I am in the process of reading all of his books. Ken Follett is my all time favorite author. I am so glad to have discovered him. So many hours of pleasure and learning about the past.

[@pattiwhite9575]

So wonderful to hear and see him. I read one of his espionage book many years ago. I picked it up in a used book paperback on the cheap. It was so good, I will never forget it. I've picked up a few more since. I had no idea I've been reading such a best selling authors.

[@raginald7mars408]

We Authors love it when you pick up used CHEAP Books and then give them away wonderful

[@isabelstokes4042]

I have read everything he's ever written. He's my favourite author by a million miles! I have every single one of his books on my bookshelf and I'm halfway through his latest, 'The Armour of Light.' The reason he's sold so many books is because he is so talented and tells wonderful stories. By the way - he spells properly in BRITISH ENGLISH! Well done, Ken.

[@bookthief5188]

Are you a voracious reader or You just go with any sort of book by chance. Thanks

[@isabelstokes4042]

@@bookthief5188 I love good stories but I love Ken Follett in particular. He's a fabulous writer!

[@TioDeive]

@isabelstokes4042 As a foreigner who wants to practice English, Mr Follet spelling in British English is something I miss in other books. Maybe I've been sourcing books in the wrong place but most are in American English, which is not what I want and its rather disappointing.

[@isabelstokes4042]

@TioDeive I absolutely agree. I hate American English, and it's fabulous to read something that's written properly. If American spelling had evolved naturally, then that's fine, but it didn't. Mr Noah Webster, an alleged linguist, woke up one morning and decided to butcher the functional spelling we had already. Yes, I know English is a bit crazy, but he didn't change the crazy ones, just altered the others for no good reason. Sadly, due to popular culture, American English is now dominant the world over.

[@TioDeive]

@@isabelstokes4042 Thank you for your kind answer. It irritates me the futile reason Mr Webster used to poach the beautiful British spelling, making the lives of people who wants to learn English even more difficult. I prefer British culture. Thank you.

[@henrymcvey6538]

Follett I love. Enjoyed every one of his books! Just finished reading Never after a long break from Follett. Absolutely brilliant as usual.

[@piccalillipit9211]

*MY FIRST BOOK* took me 5 hours a day, 6 days a week for 18 months - and then the editor threw 65% of it in the bin and reduced it from 300,000 words to 100k and make it WAY better. When I got my first Amazon review and it was 5* and glowing I cried my eyes out and it took me a year to stop crying at the reviews - me, the dyslexic kid who could not read or write at 13, the kid who took 5 attempts to pass his English "O" Level had written a book and people LIKED IT. The key is dedication and consistency - write 1000 words a day no excuses was my mantra.

[@hello_there3528]

What was the book? And what books have you written?

[@princepeterwolf]

I'd love to check out the book you wrote! 😊 What's the title?

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@princepeterwolf - I would love you to as well - sadly KZbin keeps suspending me for Spamming if I give you the title

[@princepeterwolf]

@@piccalillipit9211 that's absurd, what's wrong with KZbin these days my goodness ... :(

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@princepeterwolf You cant even post links to other KZbin videos - or at least I cant, maybe cos they have me flagged for "spamming". My hobby is making historical mens clothing and I have pictures on a popular picture platform. It deletes the messages if I mention the name... YET we all have to suffer the endless "I make $65k a week off a $1,000 investment" comments...

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been a fan of Follett since reading Eye of the Needle in the early 80s. Outstanding writer.

[@Indiskret1]

Thanks a lot for this interview. In my younger years I read a lot of books and no other author spoke to me more than Ken Follett when it got to well written suspenseful thrillers. He was and probably still is my most read single author. The man from St Petersburg is the one I remember liking the most. Can still replay several passages in my mind despite it being 40+ years, since I first read it. Very nicely designed cover by Adrian Purkis on the first Swedish edition from 1982 which I still cherish. Great translation even if I soon after that began getting the English editions instead. What an initial run it was with Eye of the needle, Triple, The key to Rebecca and then The man from St Petersburg. No wonder I got hooked as a teenager.

[@joannarigby1989]

I’ve got my first Ken Follett book out from the library at the moment (The Pillars of the Earth) and I’m super looking forward to reading it. This interview has made me even more excited.

[@piccalillipit9211]

The Pillars of the Earth was my first Follet book and it is truly astonishing, utterly astonishing. I'm an author myself now and actually, his books are extremely formulaic, he found a formula people like and has repeated it again and again, but what sets him apart is the vast amount of research he does into every scenario. A lesser author you would notice the formula after two books and quickly get bored.

[@henrymcvey6538]

What on Earth has made you wait. It’s the greatest novel of all time quite possibly in my humble opinion!

[@debbiehealy1783]

I'm jealous, such a wonderful book.l was utterly engrossed.

[@bogdandeaconu4872]

I love his work and the fact that he shows no arrogance. He is one of my favorite writers and I enjoyed all of his books so far.

[@murielshore4843]

T Ken Follett book was eye of the needle. It was so amazing I was hooked on his books from then on.

[@cto1gg]

Great interview! I really enjoyed that.

[@MaconMedia]

I read his thrillers when I was in middle school and high school. I'm currently working my way through his Kingsbridge series by reading "The Evening and the Morning," then rereading "The Pillars of the Earth," then on to the other three.

[@WilliamPightling]

I was recently lent a copy of 'The armour of light' and I was immediately hooked. I loved the book and I am now close to finishing 'The pillars of the earth'. I absolutely love it. I will certainly read more of Ken's brilliant work.

[@pattiwhite9575]

Oh the Readers Digest book of short stories. We had them too. Love the behind the scene conversation on how he writes, the process and three monitors. That is a hell of alot of work dedication for a long period of time. I must be his age and I can no longer keep my train of thought for very long. I would love a readers digest book of his with four short stories.

[@irynatitienok6519]

Wonderful interview ❤

[@chelsearoses22]

I love his books, The Century Trilogy novels are some of my favorites. The world building, different perspectives so well told...too much I could say, but brilliant works!

[@breebeal3344]

Excellent interview. Really loved this discussion. I've just started reading his books! 🙂

[@BooksForever]

Remarkably good interview. Thank you!

[@kathy2539]

Wonderful interview with Mr. Follet, it makes me feel very badly for not having read more of his work. I do have the medieval novels on my tbr list though, so there's hope for me.

[@shdas123]

all three popular writers Ken Follett, Jeffrey Archer and Forsyth sold millions in India in the 80s. They are still hugely popular. eye of the needle was a great adaption on screen and pillars of the earth had a great Ian McShane performance

[@susanharrison2941]

Wonderful interview

[@DingleDingleCasil196]

Thanks for sharing this video. Ken Follet is one from my favorite writer even though I didn’t read all his books. The dangerous Fortune was a great story, (repeatedly read 3x in every silent time), the Third twin was also good. Peace on Earth. Happy Christmas.

[@3hustle]

0:23: 📚 An author discusses her journey from writing novels in her spare time to becoming a bestseller. 3:31: 📚 Paul McCartney discusses his reaction to his old music and Ken Follett talks about the success of his historical novel. 6:57: 📚 The author discusses the magic of literature, the importance of plot in popular fiction, and the development of characters in novels. 10:28: 📚 The video discusses the themes of labor rights and oppression in society, as well as the portrayal of strong women in historical fiction. 14:48: 📚 Ken Follett discusses his childhood, upbringing, and the influence of his religious parents on his writing career. 17:40: 📚 Ken Follett discusses his methodical approach to writing and the process of creating his books. 20:27: 📝 The author discusses the process of writing, including doubts and the love for the work. Recap by Tammy AI

[@fferaffera6888]

This is incredible! Ive always wanted to be a writer ❤

[@piccalillipit9211]

This was my comment - it may inspire you to get on with it... "MY FIRST BOOK took me 5 hours a day, 6 days a week for 18 months - and then the editor threw 65% of it in the bin and reduced it from 300,000 words to 100k and made it WAY better. When I got my first Amazon review and it was 5* and glowing I cried my eyes out and it took me a year to stop crying at the reviews - me, the dyslexic kid who could not read or write at 13, the kid who took 5 attempts to pass his English "O" Level had written a book and people LIKED IT. The key is dedication and consistency - write 1000 words a day no excuses was my mantra." If I can do it - YOU can do it. Preparation, dedication.

[@siddharthabhattacharya1718]

You the grace, you have the right attitude. You are inspiring mate, simply inspiring.

[@mikesmyth8515]

What a great guy and what an informative interview. Thanks for posting. I was mad for gothic cathedrals in the 70s and 80s, so crazy that I moved to France so I could see them and sketch them and crawl all over them. And then this guy from Britain writes a novel about the buildings I loved! I couldn't believe it. It was so cool to see in a novel the details of medieval construction that I'd learned in John Fitchen's book. And to read a great story. Long may Follett flourish.

[@dinalwijemanne8604]

Some of my favourite books,

[@imamhosain496]

Wow thank you so much 💗 your speaking 🔊 or history❤❤ sir

[@RafaelToscano]

What an inspiring interview! When they talk about him writing at night, after work… that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I hope I manage to write a book 10% as good as Pillars of the Earth 😂. What an amazing book.

[@AV-cg3wb]

What a blessed man ❤

[@trixkk]

I've read lots of novels by Ken Follet and I was never disappointed. He is a real best seller writer, whatever he wrote - it was successful.😊 God bless You, Ken! Greetings from Hungary.❤😊

[@MeiraHorowitz]

Great to see he is still alive. My Mom used to read me his books when I was younger, my favorites were the one with boy who lives inside inside a giant plum and also the one with the giant in it.

[@johnsmith-vy7vo]

??? Do you mean ‘The BFG’ and ‘James And The Giant Peach’? Both Roald Dahl novels!

[@MeiraHorowitz]

@@johnsmith-vy7vo What is a Roald Dahl novels?

[@johnsmith-vy7vo]

Roald Dahl was a British author who wrote many popular children's books (novels) through the 1960's to 1990 when he died. He wrote 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory', 'The Witches', 'The BFG', 'James And The Giant Peach' plus lots of others. A wonderful writer but definitely not Ken Follett who is renown for a totally different genre of writing.@@MeiraHorowitz

[@MeiraHorowitz]

@@johnsmith-vy7vo I think maybe Ken Follett also wrote a book about a boy in a plum and a giant. Did you know that they have made a Charlie chocolate factory movie now starring Timothee Chalamet who was also in the dune movie?

[@johnsmith-vy7vo]

Ok. And yes, I knew about the new Charlie And The Chocolate Factory movie although I understand Timothee's movie is approaching the story from a completely new viewpoint (Willy Wonka before he opened the factory) - essentially creating a new story quite different from the book which is interesting. Johnny Depp also made a C&TCF movie and way back in the 70's Gene Wilder made a C&TCF, both of those movies are more closely based on Roald Dahl's original story from the book.@@MeiraHorowitz

[@Kokokokodak1122]

Mr Follett, I love your style of writing but I love even more your last words in this interview 🙌🏻

[@kengriffin5375]

What a wonderful visit of a novelist

[@cindymcnatt2823]

Eye of the Needle. The book that was wow! Turned me into a reader. It's the book that started my reading journey. I think I was 17 or 18 years old.

[@razor0578]

What a delightful human being.

[@LouisKirby-sc1gv]

Best Interview

[@starrycrown]

Thank you all for this!

[@travissweat9098]

After talking about pillars of the Earth, why didn't she mentioned his follow-up book world-without-end?

[@Bookloverdawn]

I know someone who died suddenly, was holding pillars of the earth at funeral home viewing and was buried with the book. Ultimate compliment. I agree it is great book, brings medieval history alive. Great interview KK!

[@user-wf8eo9xn6y]

200 million copies sold, including 29 million copies of The Pillars of the Earth alone; what a deserved success 👏🏿✍🏿📚👏🏿

[@weilunkang]

I'm writing a historical romantasy novel right now, modeling my style after a mixture of his, GRRM's, RA Salvatore's, and Stephen King's

[@BobSmith-fx9sz]

His plots were great and his characters were okay. Feel like he's one of the best at thriller style novels set in a mostly historically accurate setting. He definitely chose plot convenience over historical accuracy when the two clashed though which presumably helped sell copies whilst annoying historical pedants! Still, an easy read while learning about medieval churches was neat and definitely unique. Thanks Follet!

[@conchiiglesias5762]

I love his books, but Pillars of the Earth is the best book for me. Thank you for continuing to write Mr. Follet

[@glennwoods2462]

He's a really, very good writer....

[@normadesmond6017]

Loved the key to Rebecca.

[@mariacolaco6218]

Eye of the Needle got me hooked to Ken Follet

[@gaylaaustin7468]

Really like him!

[@public.public]

What is?

[@Md.SaifulIslam-nt7dj]

❤❤❤

[@solitarianihilista1454]

Just looking at those shelves stacked with his published works made me think about how I haven't even READ that many books far less written them. And he's not that much older than me. I guess you've either got it (whatever IT is) or you don't.

[@lfeb]

Never heard of him and I'm an avid reader...guess it slipped me by. I'll get one of his books soon

[@mtngrl5859]

The Eye of the Needle was made into an excellent film with Jeremy Irons, so its worth a view as well.

[@SaundaryaYogaMarga]

Lovely man! Great talent! Not sure why but he reminds me of Charles Schulz the creator of Peanuts! Perhaps it's his sweetness

[@mtngrl5859]

There is a similarity.

[@SaundaryaYogaMarga]

@@mtngrl5859 I am glad you also noticed it!

[@CologneChrissie]

what a fine man!

[@campusevangelism1859]

Mr Ken follet can a research project be published?

[@Kaspalko]

Did he just tell me William hanleigh dies before i finished the book ?! Iv only got 200 pages left

[@piccalillipit9211]

*KEN FOLLET IS TOTALLY FORMULAIC* he found a formula people like and has repeated it again and again, BUT what sets him apart is the vast amount of research he does into every scenario. A lesser author you would notice the formula after two books and quickly get bored. I am in no way criticising, quite the opposite, to having a super basic formula that gripping, yet no one notices and to repeat it for 40 books is astonishing. I'm writing my first fictional novel and I hope to be able to emulate the level of research he puts in. Follet taught me world building is everything...

[@winstonfraser7784]

Hi everyone it's Amazing library

[@user-wq6sz7vt3w]

I bet the pages are very absorbent!

[@fuwaking001]

Meet Maria she will help you recover ITP withdrawal pending

[@fuwaking001]

​@paddy9091☝️

[@agilouzochukwu9193]

She's on telegrams..

[@agilouzochukwu9193]

Makis55 The username..

[@gordonaliasme1104]

​@@agilouzochukwu9193Scammer

[@Frank.112]

I'm one of them who bought his books. 😊

[@MariaLopez-hc2nm]

Me too..and giving them as presents.

[@kentjensen4504]

Its depressing how such a talented and appealing man doesn't seem capable of challenging the mainstream norms in the age he happens to have been born into.

[@wobblybobengland]

This is the Wartime Broadcasting Service. This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted, and the number of casualties and the extent of the damage are not yet known. We shall bring you further information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this wavelength, stay calm and stay in your own house. Remember there is nothing to be gained by trying to get away. By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourself to greater danger. If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water, without accommodation and without protection. Radioactive fall-out, which follows a nuclear explosion, is many times more dangerous if you are directly exposed to it in the open. Roofs and walls offer substantial protection. The safest place is indoors. Make sure gas and other fuel supplies are turned off and that all fires are extinguished. If mains water is available, this can be used for fire-fighting. You should also refill all your containers for drinking water after the fires have been put out, because the mains water supply may not be available for very long. Water must not be used for flushing lavatories: until you are told that lavatories may be used again, other toilet arrangements must be made. Use your water only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. Water means life. Don't waste it. Make your food stocks last: ration your supply, because it may have to last for 14 days or more. If you have fresh food in the house, use this first to avoid wasting it: food in tins will keep. If you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given, stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out. When the immediate danger has passed the sirens will sound a steady note. The "all clear" message will also be given on this wavelength. If you leave the fall-out room to go to the lavatory or replenish food or water supplies, do not remain outside the room for a minute longer than is necessary. Do not, in any circumstances, go outside the house. Radioactive fall-out can kill. You cannot see it or feel it, but it is there. If you go outside, you will bring danger to your family and you may die. Stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out or you hear the "all clear" on the sirens. Here are the main points again: Stay in your own homes, and if you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given stay in your fall-out room, until you are told it is safe to come out. The message that the immediate danger has passed will be given by the sirens and repeated on this wavelength. Make sure that the gas and all fuel supplies are turned off and that all fires are extinguished. Water must be rationed, and used only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. It must not be used for flushing lavatories. Ration your food supply-it may have to last for 14 days or more. We shall be on the air every hour, on the hour. Stay tuned to this wavelength, but switch your radios off now to save your batteries. That is the end of this broadcast.

[@jorhjim]

Ken Follet is a very interesting writer.

[@StratsRUs]

Paul McCartney was only 21 when he wrote She Loves You. At 27, Paul wrote Get Back. So it is more accurate to say Paul was 28 when The Beatles split up. Follett was 27 with his first success.

[@agilouzochukwu9193]

Meet Maria she will help you recover ITP withdrawal pending

[@fuwaking001]

She's on telegrams.

[@fuwaking001]

Makis55 Her username.

[@mtngrl5859]

At Ken's age, he wouldn't see a difference between 21 or 27, he sees both of these ages as being youths. Having a successful book at 27 is still a very young writer.

[@user-po7wp2yz7z]

Not enough rich people in broken Britain

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

"S" IT WING IS GOING

[@wonderwoman5528]

Never knew he was born in Cardiff, why aren’t Wales celebrating him?

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

EVM

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

BIGGEST LARGEST KINGS RULE🌏

[@nabab66]

We want Justice we want democracy Bangladesh we want voting rights we want human rights in Bangladesh

[@aeliusromanus9338]

His voice and accent very similar to Michael Caine.

[@1A_B_C1]

Yet I don't know him

[@user-cu9oc9xh4j]

LIKE!

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

PEGASUS

[@comacuma2869]

4 now u assume ure over watchin

[@robertjames7160]

Officially applying for war correspondent!

[@auro1986]

how? he wrote bbc is best. then bbc, i will write all good things so make me best author of century

[@bobbabai]

Loved Pillars of the Earth. Didn't like World Without End largely because of its libertarian bent and minor thievery of Ayn Rand style and ideas - it became tiresome. It's been a long time since I've read either. Maybe time for another read to see if my take is accurate.

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

PIN POINT SILENCE DONE📺💻☎📝

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

BIG 👫👫👫 BIG PROBLEM LESS 👫👫👫 LESS PROBLEM

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

For Entire 🌏 Help it's Not One Part it's Have Quarter Part of 👫👫👫 the 🌏 Going to Became big Crisis it's Not Like Others

[@public.public]

Effluential... How to groom the middle class.

[@public.public]

BBC has lost the news again.

[@jieli3313]

In the second half of 2023, China's economic growth getting slow down! China is about to enter the Japanese moment!

[@jaiadser310]

"black as coal" is the worst way to describe a vile character in your imaginations. Okay

[@TB-us7el]

there are worse ways.

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m so glad I don’t have the talent or desire to become a writer. It is such a lottery. Most authors don’t get published. The majority of published books don’t make money. Unless you can become a Follett or Patterson it is really hard to make any money writing. I play a major role in publishing. I purchase and read books. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@mtngrl5859]

As with any creative endeavor, its not about the money, its about the process. Fortunately, with self-publishing and kindle, one has more control of their creative output.

[@rainbowmanfromoriginalid8724]

ISRAEL

[@bebe8842]

he's not that humble

[@raginald7mars408]

the Golden Era of selling Books is long over I advice any writer to do it ONLY as a Hobby...

[@markgoddard2560]

Poor BBC. Always stuck for news. I expect he managed to sell 200 million books because 200 million people bought them. That appears to be the most likely reason.

[@azounx]

It’s actually more likely that it was considerably fewer than 200 million people buying the 200 million books.

[@JustStopOilUK]

the total carbon footprint of the publishing industry at 12.4 million metric tons CO2 equivalents for the 4.15 billion books produced in the U.S. in 2006, or, around 3 kg CO2 equivalent per book. You should listen to books on your phone instead.

[@halfamo2422]

There are SO many more damaging things in this world - including your phone. Reading a physical book is one of life's great joys. Not something you can say about your phone.

[@TB-us7el]

how many metric tonnes of CO2 does in take to ferry the quinoa and tofu you consume to the UK?

[@le5.24]

200 million woke books or proper books?

[@public.public]

He's not anti-woke/Stalinist if that is what you mean.

[@agilouzochukwu9193]

Meet Maria she will help you recover ITP withdrawal pending..

[@fuwaking001]

She's on telegrams..

[@fuwaking001]

Makis55 Her username..

[@shizuokaBLUES]

He writes spy and war novels basically. They are thrillers for the most part and have little or no political agenda

[@user-zj7ze3yt8f]

Your news channel is a danger to the world

[@jinglestore9860]

The man from St.Petersburg is the worst book I have ever read. I read it just because I had nothing to do at the airport and aboard the plane. Graphomania it is called. Sorry.

[@user-zj7ze3yt8f]

free Palestine

[@charl1878]

I love Eye of the Needle 🪡

[@public.public]

Effluential... How to groom the middle class.

[@public.public]

BBC has lost the news again.