Joey Batey was raised in the North East of England. He read Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge where he was shortlisted (2012) and winner (2013) of the Cambridge Footlights Harry Porter Prize for New Writing. Since graduating, he has worked as an actor, director, musician and playwright, and is best known for his role in flagship Netflix show The Witcher. Joey writes and directs music videos, live sessions and short films for his alt-folk group The Amazing Devil, who released their third studio album in 2022, as well occasionally performing stand-up in his spare time. It's Not A Cult is his debut novel.