Hi, Rob, this might come across as sour grapes to some but I completely get where you are coming from. I am a journalist by profession, so I write for a living. I have also had two novels published, albeit by a very small independent press now defunct but I just feel the system is loaded against us. By us, I mean the majority of jobbing writers…

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Great, thanks!

Hi. well done everyone for taking part and especially those that made the final. Mike, great insights. Does anyone happen to know if the long list will be announced? Or if there will be a recording? I missed last night’s event, unfortunately but was an entrant.

Richard, hi, is the hybrid publisher Conrad Press?

Hi, freelance designer Charlotte Mouncey did the cover for my latest novel, Bangkok Burning (see it at http://www.robinnewbold.com) after a short chat on the phone. It was brilliant and just the concept I wanted. She’s contactable via Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mouncey-bookstyle/?originalSubdomain=uk

Katrina, there is also plenty of free stuff on Google. If you just put in “author query letter etc” in the search engine you should find a lot of examples.

Think your opening paragraphs are quite long-winded. Can it be boiled down to the basics? See Harry Billingham’s recent advice about elevator pitches etc.

Caroline, just my point of view but I think it’s always good to start in the thick of the action so to speak. That kind of context about her being a loner as a child could be weaved in later somehow?

Hi, I found it well written and quite intriguing, though I am wondering whether you need the first section about her as a child. Wouldn’t it be better to start in the here and now at the pub?

Cynthia, thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

Andrew, hi, it looks very thoroughly researched etc. I actually read GB84 but found that incredibly hard work. One comment I do have – it is only 60,000 words. That does seem really short for a novel.

Interesting premise but wondering when you say Tacari is incensed, that’s telling not showing. Can’t you show in some way how he’s incensed?

Like the pace and found it quite atmospheric but maybe a bit too much description/use of adjectives/metaphors.

Left me wondering what was going on but in a good way. Quite intriguing!

The angelic face was illuminated by the tremulous glow of the lighter and Adam knew his shameful pursuit must end there, feeling fiercely protective rather than overtaken by the lust he equally craved and was repulsed by.

“Like what you see?” the boy asked, though averting his gaze, taking a drag on the just lit cigarette like an old hand.

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Good to have met everyone at the London get-together. Hope to see you at the Festival of Writing!

Hi,

Sounds great. I’m planning on attending the London event.