So, goodbye to June and hello July - how did that happen? The last few weeks have raced by and I’ve been sidetracked by lots of summer shenanigans, so it’s been a little while since my last blog. Here’s a catchup on our most recent salon, Tips From a Publisher, with book industry expert, the delightfully entertaining and well-informed, Scott Pack.

Scott’s worked in the book industry for more than twenty years. He was head buyer for Waterstones before becoming a publisher and spending several years at HarperCollins. He’s now a freelance editor and uni lecturer and offers freelance editorial support to authors. Quirky fact: he’s also a specialist subject question writer for the BBC quiz show, Mastermind. Our conversation covered a variety of topics raised in Scott’s excellent book, Tips From A Publisher. Working with emerging writers over the years he noticed the same sorts of questions arising which prompted him to write the book. Scott had lots of clear-sighted advice on each step of the process from writing to editing, to submitting and publishing. He touched on the business end of the industry and broke down the pros and cons of different publishing models. And for anyone in the audience who’d ever dreamed of a bidding war for their debut, there was a sobering chat on finances.

We discussed strategies for keeping going and common writerly mistakes, “…don’t try so hard, you're not Will Self!”, as well as how to perfect your manuscript for submission and beyond. If the prospect of writing a cover letter, pitch and synopsis chills your blood I recommend Scott’s book for a helping hand. We also enjoyed his thoughts on literary fiction; how it attracts prizes, prestige and the most press coverage despite selling less well than other genres. I loved his idea that literary fiction, with its focus on writing, language and style, offers a writer the most opportunities for individuality and experimentation. It was a fun event and a big thank you to Scott for braving the rail replacement bus to speak to us! Likewise thank you to the audience for their hearty participation.

Next up on Tuesday 19th July, Leone Ross is making a much anticipated return to Words Away to discuss Writing Fiction Through a Magical Lens. We’ll be talking about Leone’s creative process, magic realism and her latest novel This One Sky Day, fifteen years in the making and shortlisted for the 2022 Goldsmiths Prize and longlisted for the Women’s Prize. Just to flag up it’s the last salon planned before the summer break and if you can make it to the Teahouse I’d love to see you there!

Finally, as you may know I had to postpone our June salon with Lily Dunn and Zoe Gilbert due to the rail strike. I’m hoping to reschedule Lily and Zoe for the autumn. In a post lockdown world it’s been a stop and go process getting Words Away physical events up and running again. I’m going to take a pause over the summer to think about making some changes, perhaps a combination of monthly salons online with the occasional social event. I’d love to hear your thoughts - if you have a mo please do drop me a line via email or DM on twitter or insta (I’m not so good with Facebook!).

All the best and thanks for reading!

Kellie

PS, A friend persuaded me to join her for a few days of writing & quiet at The Gladstone Library last month. Heartily recommend if you need some time and space - it’s a complete haven and reasonably priced.

Some Links and Refs:

Scott Pack, Tips From a Publisher, Writers and Artists Yearbook, Unbound crowdfunding publisher, Booktok via the Guardian, David Mitchell, The Wish Child and Remote Sympathy by Catherine Chidgey