I Wanted My New Book “Fat Swim” to Make an Offline Splash — So I Rented a Billboard (Exclusive)

**Local Author Celebrates Launch of New Book with Billboard in Philadelphia**

Emma Copley Eisenberg, the author of the newly released collection of short stories entitled ‘Fat Swim’, has taken an innovative approach to promote her work: she rented a billboard in Philadelphia. This bold move reflects her desire to connect with potential readers outside traditional literary circles and to explore the everyday experiences of human existence, particularly in relation to body positivity.

In a city where billboards often advertise personal injury lawyers, Eisenberg has turned to this modern canvas to make a statement. As one of the many voices in literature examining the complexities of bodily experiences, Eisenberg’s decision represents a counterpoint to the pervasive online advertising algorithms that dominate people’s lives. With advertisements for weight loss products inundating her own media consumption, she felt compelled to create a more organic, offline approach to engage her audience.

The inspiration behind the billboard came from Eisenberg’s observations of the literary landscape, where a staggering 40 per cent of Americans did not read a single book in 2025. With ‘Fat Swim’ delving into the intricate relationship between human existence and the physical body, she sought to reach individuals who may not typically gravitate towards literary fiction or topics of body liberation. Eisenberg wanted her message to be both fixed and accessible—an advertisement that persisted in the public sphere, distinctly untailored to individual consumers.

Historically, the utilisation of billboards has evolved significantly, dating back to the first advertisements for the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1835. The medium expanded rapidly alongside the proliferation of highways, which turned roadside advertising into a major commercial endeavour. Eisenberg is keenly aware of this history; she sought to navigate the common perception of billboards as a vehicle solely for commercial gain, instead leveraging it to spark conversation about body image and societal expectations.

Securing a budget of $3,000 from a settlement related to a landmark lawsuit in which authors sued an AI company, Eisenberg was determined to make the investment count. However, crafting the right message for the billboard posed a considerable challenge. She wrestled with her own insecurities, particularly regarding body image, and how these personal struggles might resonate with others. The juxtaposition of her longstanding discomfort with her physical appearance against a desire to embody self-acceptance became a vital element in her billboard concept.

The final design features a striking photograph by Philadelphia-based artist Devon Dadoly, displaying a nude figure submerged under water, conveying a sense of freedom and warmth. Accompanying the visuals are the words, “YOUR GUT IS / A TERRIBLE THING / TO LOSE,” a clever homage to the iconic slogan from the United Negro College Fund. This striking statement aims to challenge societal notions of discomfort associated with body shape and size while celebrating the abundant potential for self-love.

Eisenberg’s billboard is situated in a prime viewing spot just off Interstate 95, ensuring that it reaches a wide audience of drivers and pedestrians alike. As people navigate the bustling environment, they are presented with an opportunity to ponder their own relationships with their bodies and the pervasive cultural standards surrounding them.

This initiative reflects a broader trend where artists and activists repurpose commercial spaces for social and political discourse. Notable examples include the work of Jenny Holzer, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Mike Mills, who have previously used billboards as a forum for challenging conventional narratives. Eisenberg joins this illustrious company, aiming to expand conversations about body image and health in the modern world.

In her journey to create ‘Fat Swim’, which took over a decade to complete, Eisenberg found herself evolving alongside her narrative and artistic vision. Despite her past struggles with body image, she has emerged ready to embrace her current self, which is reflected in the empowerment embodied in her work. As more eyes catch a glimpse of her message on the billboard, she hopes that it resonates with others who may also grapple with their perceptions of self and encourage a larger discourse around acceptance.

‘Fat Swim’ is now available at booksellers nationwide, inviting readers to explore the complexities of identity, body image, and the human condition through Eisenberg’s thought-provoking stories.