Friends, thank you so much for signing up to my new author newsletter. I’m going to be doing my level best to use this newsletter to keep you updated on my book career — whether that’s book news, events, or even just insights into the publishing process.
First and foremost, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported This Way Out this year. Launching my debut novel in July was such a dream come true, and I am going to hold on to the memories of this year forever. From a beautiful launch party, to headlining the University of Reading’s Wolfenden Lecture, and being named one of Hello! magazine’s best summer reads — I can’t quite believe how much me and my brilliant team (shoutout to my agent, Cara, editor, Victoria, and the brilliant PR team at FMcM) have achieved.
Of course, it’s an incredibly challenging time out there economically for everyone at the moment. A recent report into author earnings is a sobering look into just how much the work of writers, particularly writers of colours, is undervalued. So, as we head into Christmas, I’d like to plead with you to keep supporting This Way Out and other books like it. If you haven’t already read it, buy a copy. If you have read it, buy it for a friend or family member! The more sales, the more potential income, and the more chance there is for writers to continue to sustain their careers.
Most writers don’t have the luxury of six-figure advances, huge marketing campaigns and a spot on the shelves of Sainsbury’s; every sale really does count. And, for a book like mine, which have historically not been published, the sales matter even more, because it proves to publishers there is an audience for stories that aren’t just about white, straight characters. Strong sales could help another emerging writer with a marginalised story to tell.
As we wrap up 2022, I’m so excited to take a break. If you follow me on social media, you’ll know that I started a new job at Insider this past May, while also writing and editing book two. It has been a very intense six months juggling two jobs! So, this Christmas break is going to be very welcome — I can’t wait to watch lots of television and lie on the sofa with Gigi.
I’m pleased to say that book two has now been copyedited, and we should have a lot more news about that early in 2023. I can’t wait for you to read the next one; expect more family drama, romance, and big questions about race, religion, and sexuality. It’s out in September next year!
Events and plugs
My final in-person event of 2022 will take place on Monday 19 December at The Common Press’ Authors’ Christmas Evening. I hope to meet some readers there. Come and get a book signed! Free tickets here.
I am judging my agency Peters Fraser + Dunlop’s 2023 Queer Fiction Prize in the adult category. It’s a wonderful opportunity for emerging LGBTQ+ authors to have their work seen, and possibly land a literary agent. It’s completely free to enter and you don’t even need to have a whole book written — just a small sample! Please do take advantage of this huge opportunity if you want to become a published author. I can’t wait to read your work!
Until next time, have a wonderful holiday season and lots of warm wishes for 2023!
T