Phoebe Morgan's Blog, page 7
August 4, 2017
The submission process…
I wanted to write a post about the submission process, which can be one of the scariest times in a writer’s life. I remember when I first went on submission I spent ages reading blogs about it to see what other people’s experiences had been and compare them to my own, but the truth is, everyone has a different story.
I went on submission twice with The Doll House – once after doing some extensive edits for a particular publisher. The first time, I remember sitting in my kitchen fizzing with e...
July 24, 2017
Harrogate Crime Writing Festival
The Harrogate Crime Festival happens every year, but this was my first one as I’ve been away on hols for this weekend for the past couple of years. I went in my capacity as editor, as we had lots of lovely authors attending – one of whom. C.L. Taylor, won an award! However, it was also my first time going as an author too, and it was so nice (if a bit strange) to have people congratulating me. The writing community and especially the crime/thriller community is a very supportive one; everyone...
The Doll House on Goodreads!
It’s incredible how many different platforms there are! However I’m thrilled that The Doll House is now available to read and review on Goodreads so if you fancy a sneak peek, do head over and any rating would mean the world to me. Thank you!
July 23, 2017
The Doll House on NetGalley
Calling all book reviewers and bloggers!
Very happy to say that my book, The Doll House, is now available to request on NetGalley (and has been as of Friday!) I would have posted this earlier but I’ve just got back from the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival – more on that later.
If you’re interested in an early read of The Doll House, you can request it here and once my publisher approves your request you should be able to read. I am really looking forward to hearing what people think (but a...
July 20, 2017
Writer friends
One of the absolute best things to come out of joining an agency and getting published is meeting other writers. I feel very lucky to have met some wonderful authors who are now friends, and for anyone trying to get published I would say this is key. It’s so lovely to have others who are in exactly the same boat as you, and understand all the anxieties, excitement and disappointments that come as part of the publishing process.
Our particular writers group began when a couple of us reached o...
July 19, 2017
Getting an agent
It was so lovely seeing this announcement go live this July,but in actual fact I have been working with my agent at Darley Anderson since she first emailed me on October 3rd, 2015 (I didn’t even have to look that date up, it’s imprinted in my mind!)
I had known I wanted to get an agent probably since that summer – I felt that the book was ready to send out (in reality and looking back, it quite possibly wasn’t) and so I had started drawing up a list of literary agents to contact. I had a col...
ThankBookFor podcast
Last year, before my book deal was signed, I recorded a podcast with the brilliant Tom Bissell at ThankBookFor.
We discussed working as an editor, favourite books, writing processes, getting an agent and at one point, you can hear me squeal as a picture falls of the wall.
Have a listen here: http://www.thankbookfor.com/phoebe-morgan-podcast-notes
Make sure you check out the other authors and publishing types featured on the site too – it’s full of amazing people discussing all things books...
Editorial tips
This post originally appeared on Book Machine.
The editorial world of a publishing house can often seem like it’s hiding behind a heavily guarded door with no sign of a key. I know that’s how it felt to me when I was looking in from the outside. But what happens when you do get inside? Here are some tips on what I’ve learned so far…
1. Check, check and check again*
Chances are, if you work in publishing or want to do so, you have a good eye for detail. It’s on your CV and you absolutely know...
Helen Dunmore
On 5th June 2017, the world lost a brilliant writer. I know I am far from alone in feeling the loss of Helen Dunmore, whose books contain some of the most nuanced, delicate portrayals of relationships I’ve ever read.
My favourite of her works is an old one: 2007’s Talking to the Dead. I wanted to post a review of it here which I wrote a while ago; I read the novel in one sitting and it still sits in pride of place on my bookshelf.
Talking to the Dead is really chilling to read. Helen Dunmore...
July 18, 2017
Authors for Grenfell
On 14th June 2017, Grenfell Tower in West London suffered a devastating fire, which has to date claimed the lives of over 80 people. In the aftermath of this tragedy, a wonderful initiative was set up by literary agent Molly Ker Hawn and other volunteers, to raise money for the victims and survivors, many of whom were left with no clothing, food or shelter.
Authors for Grenfell raised over £150,000, all of which went to the Red Cross charity. As part of this, editors, authors, agents and othe...
