Liv Matthews: no one wanted my first book. I was devastated but determined to carry on
Author L.V Matthews shows how it pays off when you keep writing and shares what the last few years have been like as a published author.
Sara Ochs: remember that the books you read have gone through dozens of edits
Debut author Sara Ochs talks about keeping the faith when writing your first book and shares advice that will help you keep going.
How to write your query letter
Looking for help with your query letter? Here’s the full template I used that secured me an agent.
Why I design websites for writers alongside writing
Although my dream is to write full-time, I’ve also discovered I love creating beautiful websites for writers. Here’s why I’ve decided not to put all my writing eggs in one basket.
Kate Baker: write the book you want to read
Debut author Kate talks about her indie publishing journey, the idea that grew in to her novel and how important nurturing the first draft is.
Katie Bishop: Treat the first manuscript you write as a practice run
Debut author Katie shares some great advice about mindset around your first book and her journey to publication.
Mira Shah: Write everyday and make writing part of your routine
Author Mira wrote her debut alongside a full-time job. She talks about how she juggles writing alongside her legal career and shares her top tips on how to be productive with limited writing time.
Eva Verde: My fear has always been that the drive for more inclusivity will fade away
Eva Verde talks about finding the right agent, the highs and lows of publication, and her experience within an industry that concedes it has historically excluded writers of colour.
Rejection hurts but don’t let that stop you
My first book, the one that got me my agent, didn’t sell. And I was devastated. But I’m not giving up on writing and neither should you.
Sarah Pearse: there are so many things that you can’t control, so all you can do is write the best book you can
Sarah tells us what it was like having her debut chosen as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and shares helpful advice for new writers.
Getting published is a waiting game. 7 tips on how to wait it out
Everything in publishing takes a long time. It’s easy to feel disheartened or let self-doubt get the better of you. Here are my tips for turning the waiting game into something positive and productive.
Allie Reynolds: the pressure of having a deadline killed my creativity
Author Allie Reynolds shares her publication journey via the slush pile and how she coped with ‘book two syndrome.’
Paula Johnston: with self-publishing, I had to wear so many different hats: writer, cover designer…
Self-published author Paula Johnston talks about the decision and process of publishing herself, and why she’s now taking the traditional path with an agent.
Holly Craig: it was a no brainer to teach what I’ve learned along the way
Holly Craig’s debut comes out next year, but in the meantime, she’s launched a series of workshops to help aspiring authors. She shares her tips on how to get started.
What happens after you get an agent…
I signed with my agent in January and people often ask, “so when is your book out?” The simple answer is, “who knows.” The publishing industry is notoriously slow so here’s a breakdown of what happens after getting an agent.
Laure Van Rensburg: Writing is a passion, but once you want to get published, it becomes a business
Debut author Laure talks about how writers should keep reading in their genre and be commercially aware that author life is a business.
Ali Lowe: Write to the end. Start your story and get it down until you reach the final chapter
Debut author Ali talks about her book The Trivia Night, how she enjoys the editing process and how she found her agent.
Sally Page: I had to deal with dozens of rejections
Sally shares her publication journey and gives an insight to writing her debut The Keeper of Stories.
Helpful resources for writers
A list of books, blogs and writers on Instagram who have helped inspire and motivate me while writing and submitting my manuscript to agents.
Caroline Khoury: if book one doesn’t get you an agent, move on and write another book
Caroline shares the bumps in the road to publication and what it feels like to see her debut book in the hands of readers.