@janette
Active 10 hours, 17 minutes ago-
Janette posted a new activity comment 15 hours, 5 minutes ago
It was a pleasure, Libby – and I truly loved your story too.
I have just messaged Ath. -
Janette replied to the topic Monthly ompetition March 2026 in the forum Monthly Competition 20 hours, 1 minute ago
Simple, I thought – judge a few stories for the March competition while Ath is out of action (Ath, if you’re reading this, sending BIG healing vibes and willing a speedy recovery). But – what a dilemma to be handed. These are all excellent and worthy to be winners in their own right.
But judge I must, as promised, so here are my thoughts:
Jill -…[Read more]
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Janette posted a new activity comment 4 days, 21 hours ago
Thanks, Bella. Gwynn GB warned it was a lot of work done properly, but to treat it as a business. It seems though, that you don’t escape any of the marketing work if taken on via trad publishing. Yes, let’s hope the work pays off – fingers crossed.
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Janette started the topic A Step Into Indie Publishing in the forum Blogs 2 weeks ago
Several weeks ago, I posted that I had stopped seeking representation for my book, Grace (full title to be revealed with the book cover), and go down the Indi path. As a complete publishing novice, my first reaction was ‘where the hell do I begin?’ And, for those others wondering the same thing, promised I would report back on anything I had don…[Read more]
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Thank you. This is really useful information. It’s a lot of work – hope things move along smoothly for you.
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Thanks, Bella. Gwynn GB warned it was a lot of work done properly, but to treat it as a business. It seems though, that you don’t escape any of the marketing work if taken on via trad publishing. Yes, let’s hope the work pays off – fingers crossed.
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Janette posted a new activity comment 1 month ago
So sorry, Libby, that I simply haven’t found the time to fit in the comp yet. There is a crazy amount of things going on for me atm, some of which will become apparent soon.
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Hi @Janette Thanks for your note. No need to apologise. I’m intrigued about what news may be coming up!
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Janette posted a new activity comment 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Hi Hel! So glad to hear from you again! How are you? Are you still writing?
I am starting the self-publishing route for my Grace book after reading up on the Trad V Indie comparisons. Currently awaiting cover design proposals, when I’ll send them my WIP for typesetting. It’s all feeling terrifyingly close, but exciting. -
Janette posted a new activity comment 2 months ago
So sorry, Terrie, I simply haven’t found the time on this occasion.
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Janette posted a new activity comment 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Good to hear you’re feeling stronger, John. Still battling with my September Song entry – good to hear you’re onto it too.
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Janette posted an update 3 months ago
Gosh, I almost forgot about the monthly comp, and a worthy winner you chose, Ath. Well done, Terrie, and thank you, Ath, for the prompt. I can’t promise anything in the coming weeks but will try my best in among the prep work for publishing.
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Janette posted a new activity comment 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Thank you, Sandra and Libby. All taken on board, but the novel has had three beta readers so far, plus an agent’s when she almost took it on. Better luck this time, eh?
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You are well prepared, Janette! Good luck with the self pub.
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Janette posted an update 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Would you know? A cancellation gave me space to knock out a story for December. That’s it though until next year.
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Janette replied to the topic Monthly Competition – December 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Running the Christmas Gauntlet
Brace yourself, girl. Everywhere is going to be madness today. Most of the throng will be feeling much the same way … which means shouting and kids screaming; means shoving and pushing … but take a deep breath. Concentrate on the list. You’ve successfully run the Christmas shopping gauntlet before.
The veget…[Read more]
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Janette posted a new activity comment 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi Bella. So far I’m deep into reading the Writers and Artists Guide to Self Publishing, which is very ‘involved’ though gives lots of advice. I have also signed up to David Gaughran’s free self-publishing course (on his website). I also found this: https://justpublishingadvice.com/publishing-companies-to-avoid-and-nasty-new-author-scams/
I’ll let…[Read more]-
Janette (and Bella), one tip I didn’t mention earlier is that it makes very good sense to set your page size for composing to Blurb’s trade book size. Makes it, in my opinion, a lot easier to read on screen too. Blurb’s page size is 13.02cm x 20.95cm. Select mirror margins , set top margin 2 cm, bottom 2.25 cm, inside 1.75cm, outside, 1.75 cm…[Read more]
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Janette posted an update 3 months, 3 weeks ago
So sorry for my absences. I have made the decision to self-publish my books after careful consideration, reading how some trad friends have fared, and revisiting notes from my last (self-publishing) workshop in York. I’m very wet behind the ears regarding publishing, especially self-publishing, so I am deep into swatting about it before I make any…[Read more]
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Good luck. Please let us know how you get on. I’d like to piggy-back on your request for tips. I am part of a group currently ready to publish a non-fiction book. We’re trying a few pitches via the traditional route just in case it lands but it’s quite likely we may end up self-publishing because we don’t want the book to languish, unpublished, for ages.
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Hi Bella. So far I’m deep into reading the Writers and Artists Guide to Self Publishing, which is very ‘involved’ though gives lots of advice. I have also signed up to David Gaughran’s free self-publishing course (on his website). I also found this: https://justpublishingadvice.com/publishing-companies-to-avoid-and-nasty-new-author-scams/
I’ll let…[Read more]-
Janette (and Bella), one tip I didn’t mention earlier is that it makes very good sense to set your page size for composing to Blurb’s trade book size. Makes it, in my opinion, a lot easier to read on screen too. Blurb’s page size is 13.02cm x 20.95cm. Select mirror margins , set top margin 2 cm, bottom 2.25 cm, inside 1.75cm, outside, 1.75 cm…[Read more]
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Hi Janette, I’ve never self-published but am in contact with editors and proofreaders who work with self-pub authors. This tip usually doesn’t apply to experienced writers so I just add it as a general comment. When self-pub authors approach editors for a proofread or copy edit, often what’s needed is a more substantial developmental or…[Read more]
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Thank you, Sandra and Libby. All taken on board, but the novel has had three beta readers so far, plus an agent’s when she almost took it on. Better luck this time, eh?
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You are well prepared, Janette! Good luck with the self pub.
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Janette posted a new activity comment 3 months, 3 weeks ago
That’s wonderful news, Jill. Here’s to upwards and onwards!
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Thank you, Janette – much appreciated. Jill x
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Janette's profile was updated 4 months, 3 weeks ago
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Janette posted an update 5 months ago
Well done, Terrie – a great choice! I have a busy November coming up but will try and fit in some time to take part in the monthly comp.
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Janette replied to the topic Choices in the forum
September Song 5 months, 2 weeks agoI might live to regret this, but I am changing my choices (it was a flip of a coin in the first place).
My choices now are:
Sunshine.
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey
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Janette posted a new activity comment 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome back, CAS. Great another Cloudie has found their way here.
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Thank you Janette! Yes, if only all the Cloudies would come! Great this is still going though.
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Janette replied to the topic Monthly competition October 2025 in the forum Monthly Competition 5 months, 2 weeks ago
As the Veil Grows Thin
Hey, Vee, I’m still at your side my dear. My old bones are aching in this hospital chair but, aye, I’m still watching over you.
They say you might hear me but – I don’t know. See, I can’t get used to how still you are. Never would’ve been afore, hey? Specially when we first met, when we danced like demons and made lo…[Read more]
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