MY PUBLISHING LIFE with Matthew Smith

Welcome to my latest MY PUBLISHING LIFE feature, an interview with a literary agent, publisher, publicist or editor about their publishing career to date. Some serious questions, and some just for fun!

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

MATTHEW SMITH

Publisher Director

at
Urbane Publications

What and when was your first job in publishing?

I actually started as a Waterstones bookseller in 1991, but my first ‘proper’ publishing role was as an editorial assistant at Routledge in 1993. Based in the glamour of New Fetter Lane (the building is gone now and replaced with a ‘shiny’ vision of the future) I supported two editors in the heady and glamorous world of academic publishing – I even had preferential use of the floor’s only fax machine. Happy days. I genuinely learnt a great deal about the publishing world in that first role, as well as earning big bucks (a whopping £9250 a year no less!). 

How long have you been working in your current job/role?

I walked away from a director role at a publishing house and set up Urbane in early 2014. I don’t think I’ve had a complete day off since! It’s been a constant positive challenge, and despite 25 years of publishing I’m learning every single day. There are occasionally huge frustrations (don’t get me started) but they are always outweighed by the simple wonder of publishing new books. 

Which books have you worked on recently/are you working on?

I’m just about to publish a brilliant crime debut – Dead Lands – a thrilling 70s set police procedural. Lloyd is definitely a writer to watch and I’m over the moon to bring his work to the world. I’m also very excited about Javelin by Roger Pearce. Roger was an established thriller writer with Hodder but decided to publish his third book with Urbane – it’s a huge boost for everyone involved with the company that an author has shifted from one of the big five to publish with an independent. We’re actually in the process of presenting our Spring 2018 titles as well – keep your eyes peeled for HellCorp by Jonathan Whitelaw, Trouble Boys by E.R.Fallon and The Kindness of Strangers, Julie Newman’s second novel after this year’s gripping debut, Beware the Cuckoo. Excited? You bet I am! 

Which qualifications/life skills/experience have helped you get to where you are today?

On a practical level many publishing jobs still demand a degree, so that helped get a foot in the door, but it’s a total nonsense. Because much of publishing is about people, whether you’re dealing with authors or trying to predict reader interests. I spend most of every day either talking to people or responding to messages. I once compiled a list of skills for a typical commissioning editor, and they ranged from social worker and psychiatrist to accountant and operations manager. Whatever role you have in publishing it will always be varied and change day-to-day – it’s never dull! And three things you must have in huge doses are commitment, persistence and patience (particularly when dealing with authors. Only joking. Honest!). 

It also helps if you can read! 😉 

How do you relax after a busy working day?

I find it very hard to switch off from the business as there is ALWAYS something else that needs doing, but I do try and read as much as possible (and not just scripts that get sent to me – see next question), and spend as much time with my children as I can (much to their annoyance!) 😊 I also have a motorbike and that is a great stress-buster. Though only at legal speeds officer. 

What was the last book you read for pleasure?

I try to read two to three books a week that are not directly related to Urbane and I have very eclectic tastes. I buy from bookshops, but also support the local library as much as possible. Current books on the reading pile are May Day (a novella by F.Scott Fitzgerald), He by John Connolly, and Stephen King’s latest blockbuster Sleeping Beauties. 

Describe your job in 15 words or less...

Believer in dreams. 

What have been the highlights of your publishing life so far

Far too many to list! Seeing two authors make the WHSmith Fresh Talent list was very special (Adrian Harvey and Tom Hocknell), and I’m always delighted when an author gets positive coverage of any kind. But the genuine highlight comes with every new book and the sheer thrill and excitement that inspires not just in me but the author and readers. I f I ever lose that feeling it’s time to give up.

Though there was that night I went drinking with Steven Berkoff…. 

If you could try out any other job for one day (with no limits on money, travel etc.), what would you choose?

I’ve given up the dream of starring in Baywatch so I’d have to go with motorcycle mechanic. I have no skill in that area whatsoever but would love to learn - and there’s something very appealing about fixing up broken bikes and making them work again. 

If your publishing life was a book, what would the title be?

Extraordinary tales from an ordinary life

Thanks so much for taking part, Matthew!

Look out for more MY PUBLISHING LIFE features coming soon.

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If any literary agents, publishers, publicists or editors would like to take part, please contact me through my blog or Twitter for the full list of questions.

BEST OF CRIME with Lloyd Otis

Welcome to my latest BEST OF CRIME feature, looking at crime writers' top picks, from their favourite author and fictional detective to their best writing tip. 

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

LLOYD OTIS

for his Dead Lands blog tour

to share his BEST OF CRIME ...

... AUTHORS

To pick one wouldn’t be fair to the others so this is just a short list. Raymond Chandler, his pulp fiction noir set the standard for the time and captured flawed attitudes and landscapes. Agatha Christie, for giving us the masterful Hercule Poirot, and I’m going to throw in George Pelecanos, for the comprehensive detail in some of his storytelling. 

... FILMS/MOVIES

The Godfather 1 & 2. What great adaptations of Mario Puzo’s books, and they are done so well. The acting is out of this world from Sonny (James Caan) to Michael (Al Pacino) and Connie (Talia Shire) and of course The Don (Marlon Brando). 

... TV DRAMAS

It’s difficult to ignore The Wire for its sheer scope in storytelling but there’s also Romanzo Criminale which charts the rise of Italian friends, Lebanese, Freddo and Dandi. It’s pretty much in-your-face stuff but it’s frighteningly engrossing, watching these friends make their way up in the crime underworld. I thought Southland was really good too, as it brought a sharp sense of realism, no matter how uncomfortable. 

... FICTIONAL KILLERS

I’m going to go for Patrick Bateman from American Pyscho. The book perfectly captures his menacing blood thirst. It’s all too unsettling. 

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES 
I want to say Columbo, I do, but that wouldn’t be fair to Batman. The Bat has got a cool suit, hi-tech gadgets, a supercomputer, and he can handle himself. The end.

... MURDER WEAPONS
A slice of toast with extreme butter. Someone must have met their end with something like

... DEATH SCENES
(Possible spoiler alert!)  Paula Hawkins’ Girl on the Train.

I was totally unprepared for Anna helping Rachel out –  and I mean with the corkscrew. Ouch! I never went near a corkscrew for a whole week afterwards.

  

... BLOGS/WEBSITES
Believe it or not http://ebay.co.uk. It has a vintage clothing section which is really good when wanting to get a visual on clothing of yesteryear. And http://walkit.com, for getting the approximate walking time between two locations.

... WRITING TIPS

Simple. Read your story and be true to yourself. If you still believe in it afterwards, then don’t give up. 

... WRITING SNACKS

A healthy sounding, coffee and doughnuts. 

About LLOYD OTIS

Lloyd was born in London and attained a BA (Hons) in Media and Communication. After gaining several years of valuable experience within the finance and digital sectors, he completed a course in journalism. Lloyd has interviewed a host of bestselling authors, such as Mark Billingham, Hugh Howey, Kerry Hudson, and Lawrence Block. Two of his short stories were selected for publication in the ‘Out of My Window’ anthology, and he currently works as an Editor.

Find Lloyd Otis on his website, on his Facebook page and on Twitter - @LloydOtisWriter

About DEAD LANDS

Publisher's description

Dead Lands is a thrilling crime story set in the 1970s. When a woman's body is found a special team is called in to investigate and prime suspect Alexander Troy is arrested for the murder. Desperate to remain a free man, Troy protests his innocence, but refuses to use his alibi. Trying to protect the woman he loves becomes a dangerous game - questions are asked and suspicions deepen. When the prime suspect completes a daring escape from custody, DI Breck and DS Kearns begin the hunt. Breck wants out of the force while Kearns has her own agenda and seeks revenge. Breck has his suspicions and she wants to keep it from him, and a right-wing march provides an explosive backdrop to their hunt for Troy. Dead Lands is the thrilling debut of award winning short story writer Lloyd Otis, and intelligently covers issues of race, discrimination and violence in a changing 70s landscape.    

Dead Lands is published by Urbane Publications on 12 October 2017.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.

Follow the Blog Tour

BEST OF CRIME with Anne Coates

Welcome to my latest BEST OF CRIME feature, looking at crime writers' top picks, from their favourite author and fictional detective to their best writing tip. 

Today I'm delighted to welcome 

Anne Coates

for her Death's Silent Judgement blog tour

to share her BEST OF CRIME ... 

... AUTHORS

Patricia Highsmith for, among other works, The Talented Mr Ripley because I love an amoral protagonist and her writing is brilliant. 

... FILMS/MOVIES

Always enjoy a good British crime film so depending on my mood, my favourite is The Long Good Friday with Bob Hoskins or 10 Rillington Place with Richard Attenborough playing the serial killer John Christie. Both actors give fascinating portrayals of evil. 

... TV DRAMAS

So many brilliant dramas to choose from! I am glad the third series of Broadchurch made up for the blip of its predecessor but for real OMG moments it has to be Line of Duty. I love the way characters you thought were going to be essential to the narrative are killed off in such dramatic ways and I don’t mind having to suspend disbelief at times when the acting is pitch perfect. However Happy Valley and the Unforgotten take the accolade for their superlative female leads. 

... FICTIONAL KILLERS

Without doubt Hannibal Lecter. His character in Silence of the Lambs is bad enough but just reading the sequel, which is a masterpiece in understatement, gave me horrific nightmares. I had to stop reading it at nighttime. I don’t think any other killer has terrified me more. 

... FICTIONAL DETECTIVES

Has to be my beloved Morse. When Colin Dexter died in March I reread The Remorseful Day. Sublime. 

... MURDER WEAPONS

I had to think about this and the following question. I like the idea of some mundane everyday item put to grisly use. However water is one which holds the most terror for me. Just the thought of being held under water… 

    

... DEATH SCENES

This is a bit of a cheat really – not a death scene but a transformation in The Witches by Roald Dahl. When the Grand High Witch administers a potion that turns the young boy narrator into a rat, there is no antidote and the rest of his life (presumably much shorter thank a human one) must be lived out as a rodent.

... BLOGS/WEBSITES

I use Google images a lot. In Death’s Silent Judgement I found pictures of the Bull Ring at Waterloo, which housed Cardboard City. I used to walk through there years ago but didn’t have the foresight to take my own photos then. I check out popular names for the year a character was born in on the Office for National Statistics and Google dates then follow links to newspaper articles if I’m searching for something specific. 

... WRITING TIPS

Get words on the page. It helps me to strive for a daily word count that is achievable then anything more is pure bonus. My first drafts are like a skeleton that’s been assembled in a dark room – an arm where a leg should be, toes coming out of the skull and so on. But at least I have something to work with. Don’t be intimidated by what other writers say or do. Follow your own path and also read, read, read and not just crime books. And try not to compare yourself with what other people are doing/achieving. (I constantly need to remind myself of that last point!) 

... WRITING SNACKS

Not writing snacks rather snacking pauses. On a good day it’s fruit and nuts but there are lots of chocolate days…

About ANNE COATES

Anne’s latest book, Death’s Silent Judgement (the second Hannah Weybridge thriller) is just published by Urbane Publications. She is also the author of two collections of short stories and seven non-fiction books and works as a book editor.

Her freelance journalism has taken her to gas rigs on the North Sea, from a financial fraud department to interviewing Glenda Jackson when an MP with lots of writing about health and parenting in between.

Find Anne Coates on her website, FB page and on Twitter - @Anne_Coates1

About DEATH'S SILENT JUDGEMENT

Publisher's description

Following the deadly events of Dancers in the Wind, freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice.

With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth placing her in the path of a remorseless killer...

Death's Silent Judgement was published by Urbane Publications on 11 May 2017.

Look out for more BEST OF CRIME features coming soon.

Click here to read more BEST OF CRIME features.

Follow the Blog Tour

Creating Characters by Anne Coates - BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to welcome Anne Coates to my blog today for her Dancers in the Wind blog tour to talk about creating characters. Dancers in the Wind is being published by Urbane TODAY (13th October 2016).

Creating characters

By Anne Coates

A few years ago I went to the funeral of a good friend’s mother and knew it was probable that my older self would confront the boyfriend of my teenage years as he is my friend’s cousin. In the chapel, I looked around but couldn’t see anyone vaguely resembling the eighteen year old I went out with. Then a man a few rows in front of me touched his hair in such a way that immediately I knew it was him.

This is something that I observe in people – the physical actions that give them away. Even if they were heavily disguised as they might be, especially in crime fiction. Many people are recognised by their walk alone and this is something I’m very aware of when creating characters.  And, of course, my friends offer me (perhaps unknowingly) valuable quirks and traits that I can appropriate.

For Dancers in the Wind the first three characters emerged from an interview I conducted for the News of the World colour supplement.  Those three real people were transformed, rewritten and (hopefully) fictionalised out of all recognition. I have covered my relationship to Hannah, the journalist, in Hannah and Me (insert link). The other two – the prostitute and the police officer – ceased to be interviewees and became my creations. From that trio I formed the world they inhabited with colleagues, family, friends ­– and enemies.

For me the joy of creating a cast list hits a peak when the characters take over and reveal different facets of their personalities that I hadn’t thought of before. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night with an insight, a nudge from a character and quickly make a note so all is not lost in the morning light.

Creating characters is a bit like trying out a new cookery recipe – adding a pinch of spice here, a teaspoon of malice there, so many grams of violence, whipping up a soufflé of emotions… and it’s fun. But sometimes it’s downright scary. My nasty characters terrify me.

Names play an important part. I love how Dickens uses names as a comment on a character’s personality or calling. Mr Gradgrind immediately comes to mind as do Scrooge and Uriah Heap. At times when I’m writing, a character emerges with a name, however usually I check the most popular names for the year the character was born especially as my first two books are set in the 90s. Nothing is more irritating than someone being named after a celebrity who didn’t exist then!

One mistake I made – though not a heinous sin – was calling a baby after a friend’s now grown up son. When I mentioned this to his brother, he was insistent that he should also appear as a character. And he does, in Death’s Silent Judgement but I won’t give any spoilers.

I also study photographs. both those I have taken and from searches on the internet, as a good way of creating a character’s physical appearance. Similarly I watch people when I am travelling on buses or trains. I may have a book open in front of me but the chances are I’m sizing up another passenger, and listening to conversations going on around me. How a character speaks is fundamental and part of their personality. Dialogue is a great way of revealing more about a character.

As I am now pondering the third book in the trilogy, some characters who have been “sleepers” in books one and two are coming to the fore. For them it’s time to take centre stage when the curtain rises and the spotlight shines on them.

About Anne Coates

After reading for a degree in English and French, Anne came to London to begin her career and never left. Having worked for various publishers, she moved to magazine journalism before becoming a freelance writer, editor and translator. Her first non-fiction books were written after the birth of her daughter Olivia and some have been inspired by her or various stages in her life. 

Anne also writes short stories which have appeared in magazines including Bella and Candis as well as prize-winning flash fiction, and is the author of seven non-fiction books. She is the founder and editor of Parenting Without Tears, a website for families with children from birth to teens.

Find Anne through her website and on Twitter - @Anne_Coates1

Dancers in the Wind

Published by Urbane (13 October 2016)

ISBN: 978-1911129639

Publisher's description

SHE IS HUNTING FOR THE TRUTH, BUT WHO IS HUNTING HER? Freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is commissioned by a national newspaper to write an investigative article on the notorious red light district in Kings Cross. There she meets prostitute Princess, and police inspector in the vice squad, Tom Jordan. When Princess later arrives on her doorstep beaten up so badly she is barely recognisable, Hannah has to make some tough decisions and is drawn ever deeper into the world of deceit and violence. Three sex workers are murdered, their deaths covered up in a media blackout, and Hannah herself is under threat. As she comes to realise that the taste for vice reaches into the higher echelons of the great and the good, Hannah realises she must do everything in her power to expose the truth .... and stay alive.