events · Publicity · publishing

Upcoming book events for 2019

Hello everybody! Sorry for the slight hiatus, I just started a new job working at Orion and the last six weeks have been somewhat full-on! Anyway, I'm very excited to be taking part in some events in May and the summer, and would love to see you there if you're interested. Details below... May 10th,… Continue reading Upcoming book events for 2019

jobs · Publicity and Marketing · publishing · strategy · writing

Some of the best people to follow on Twitter in the book world

This is a long subject line but there are hundreds of brilliant bookish people to follow on Twitter so I wanted to be clear that these are only 'some' of them! I know not everyone is on Twitter and that it can be seen as a negative place BUT in my experience if you just… Continue reading Some of the best people to follow on Twitter in the book world

Publicity and Marketing · publishing · writing

Book two nerves… and The Girl Next Door for free!

Having a second book out in the world (or almost out in the world) is without doubt a nerve-wracking process, and I've been trying to keep a lid on the nerves as February approaches. Proofs of my book were sent out to some lovely authors a month or so ago and I've been so overwhelmed… Continue reading Book two nerves… and The Girl Next Door for free!

editorial · publishing · writing

Pitch your book to an editor!

Happy Sunday everyone! Just a quick note to say that myself and my brilliant editor Charlotte MursellĀ (who works at HQ Stories, HarperCollins) are going to be taking part in a pitching session at Retreats For You writing retreat down in Sheepwash, Devon, on the weekend of 9th/10th March 2019. We will be giving advice on… Continue reading Pitch your book to an editor!

agents · editorial · publishing · strategy · writing

To agent or not to agent

One of the things people sometimes email me about is getting a literary agent, and whether or not they should. Nowadays, with so many new publishers doing exciting things and the self-publishing industry booming too, I can completely understand why you might feel as though you don't need an agent. However - and this is… Continue reading To agent or not to agent

publishing · writing

Win a free copy of my book!

Hi everyone, I have finally managed to get my act together enough to make a newsletter, and you can be the first to sign up here! By joining my newsletter, you agree to receive occasional emails from me with all my up-to-date book news, giveaways, book recommendations, publishing industry insights, and writing tips. You can… Continue reading Win a free copy of my book!

events · psychological thriller · writing

Writing a Psychological Thriller

I did a workshop a couple of weeks ago at the lovely Chiswick Book Festival (which if you've never been I'd really recommend, it happens every September I think and there's a huge range of brilliant talks - everything from cookery demonstrations to author panels and discussions) - anyway, my workshop was on how to… Continue reading Writing a Psychological Thriller

editorial · events · Publicity · publishing · writing

Upcoming book events!

I am speaking at a couple of literary festivals this summer which I'm very excited about! I am also running a workshop on writing a psychological thriller on September 15th at the Chiswick Book Festival, so if you think you have a novel in you, please do come along! Tickets here (booking advisable). For those… Continue reading Upcoming book events!

a day in the life of · editorial · jobs · publishing

A day in the life of an Editorial Assistant

This week, I am pleased to bring you a second 'day in the life of' post, this time featuring the lovely Molly Walker-Sharp, editorial assistant at Avon HarperCollins. Being an editorial assistant really is such a vital job - she holds our team together - and it's the first step on the ladder for lots… Continue reading A day in the life of an Editorial Assistant

a day in the life of · Publicity · Publicity and Marketing · publishing

A day in the life of: Sabah Khan

Today I am speaking to Sabah Khan, Publicity Manager at HarperCollins. Below she shares some insight into what being a book publicist is really like, and some tips on how to secure a job in publicity. 1. Please describe your job ā€“ what does it involve? The role of a publicist is really varied! Essentially… Continue reading A day in the life of: Sabah Khan

publishing

Getting a job in publishing

This week has been super busy with publishing events, speaking on a panel for The Printing Charity on Tuesday and giving a keynote speech at the lovely Roehampton University Creative Writing Soiree on Wednesday. Both events got me thinking about careers as there were lots of students wanting to know more about publishing and specifically… Continue reading Getting a job in publishing

Publicity and Marketing · publishing · reading

Why reviews are so important for authors

My favourite review Iā€™ve ever received from anyone was from a lady named Margaret, who gave The Doll House one star because ā€˜she hadnā€™t read it yet.ā€™ While it did make me laugh, reviews like this are surprisingly common and of course theyā€™re frustrating for authors because they can pull down your star rating. In… Continue reading Why reviews are so important for authors