EmmaD

@philippaeast this is brilliant. You are fab, and you deserve all this success. And like Daeds says, it is so valuable to see the non-glossy version of people’s experiences, although I know it takes bravery to tell it. There are too many stories from authors who knew someone who knew an agent and tada! they were taken on, so it is heartening to…[Read more]

I think you’re right to be absolutely honest and not gloss over the difficulties and how emotionally taxing success can be. As writers we need to hear it and be under no illusions (and I think it would be nice if readers were a bit more aware of that too – a fellow writer and illustrator tells me his daughter’s friends refuse to accept that’s what…[Read more]

Fascinating but daunting. So glad for you that it turned out so well, but anyone reading this who believes they’ll have it made once they’ve got an agent is really going to have their eyes opened. But we need to know what we’re up against, so thanks for posting this. And, again, congratulations.

Wow, what a ride! Really illuminating blog. This stuff is difficult, isn’t it? Sounds as though you made absolutely the right choice. Heart/gut has to inform head in these circumstances. Loved reading about it, looking forward to the next stage

Phew indeed, Philippa – but so very pleased you survived it all – very well done.

Well done to the three of you! I’ll give these tales due consideration during the day and post the result by this evening.

Ahead

I cannot look ahead.

There is no ahead. There is only now, and I can’t handle it. He is tearing up the carpet. Chomping the furniture. Treating my arm as a chew toy.

And he’s there. Always. Always having to be watched. Placated. Fed. I am tiptoeing around the edge of my own life. If I slip I will fall off.

Virtually the only place tha…[Read more]

Well done, Philippa – just brilliant news.

Congratulations, Phillipa. I’ve loved your short stories so I’ll look forward to your book release 😊

Well done! Having read a fair few of your short stories, I must say I’m really looking forward to reading this.
I also echo what Richard said about your perceptive and constructive comments. Always so generous with your help and expertise, Philippa.
Congratulations!

Well done Philippa!

Well done, Philippa. I don’t remember reading much, if any, of your writing, but I do remember how perceptive and constructive your comments have been on mine, so I’m hardly surprised.

Superb news Philippa, and no more than a writer of your calibre deserves. It’s really heartening to see Denizens getting good deals. Delighted for you, and can’t wait to see the final result

Well, to be honest I was already pretty leery of small indies after various horror stories I’ve heard. Also the amount of work involved puts me off. If I’m going to try at all it’ll be by the agent route.

Nonfic could work for me, as I am coming to the sad conclusion that I am better at telling an existing story than at making one up. As for your…[Read more]

I’d hate to think that, @richardb – the truth is that it’s not that hard to avoid what happened to me. If you pursue the agent route, most of it is irrelevant anyway, although you obviously have to do your research into any agents who offer to represent you. In 99% of cases, just being aware of the possible problems means you can avoid…[Read more]

I think you’ve put me off trying to get published for life…

Thanks both. I think I probably did just about everything wrong that I could have done, but that doesn’t excuse the behaviour, or the performance, of the publisher. Caveat Scriptor…