Claire McGowan, an aspiring young writer from Northern Ireland reveals how the Writers’ & Artists’ How to Get Published Conference helped her to get her first book deal.
The young writer, aged 30, attended the Writers’ & Artists’ How to Get Published Course in June 2010 and shortly afterwards met her agent, Francesca Barrie of Johnson & Alcock, when she was shortlisted for a writing competition. Within six months, she secured a two-book deal. Her first novel, The Fall, was published by Headline last week and her second is due to be published next year.
Claire McGowan says:
“I attended the How to Get Published conference and the Submissions Masterclass in summer 2010. Six months later I had a two-book deal and my first novel, The Fall, has just been published. The course was invaluable in teaching me how publishing works, how to place myself in the market, and how to pitch my work. I would recommend it to anyone who's ready to get serious about their writing. Don't be put off - it is possible!”
Her book, The Fall, is a thriller set in post-recession London, about two women from very different backgrounds who are brought together when a brutal murders shatters both their lives.
Claire McGowan says she might not have had her book published if she hadn’t attended the conference. It gave her the confidence she needed and spurred her on to approaching agents.
A real inspiration. I think I might just keep coming back to this blog to keep in mind that I have to keep going no matter and that it can happen for me too, if I just keep putting the work in.
It was lovely to meet you Claire - and you brought a lot to the masterclasses. For anyone interested in really honing their pitch and submission, do take a look at http://www.writersandartists.co.uk/writers/services/honing-manuscript - I'll be looking forward to hearing everyone's ideas there!