Book Tips

Writing tips from a debut author

Being called a debut author is a funny old thing. It’s delightful, thrilling, and just a wee bit daunting. In 2019, I won the Big Issue x Avon Books Crime Writing Competition, for which the prize was a two-book publishing deal. To say I was excited would be a gross… Read More

Submit to us via #PitMad

We’re taking part in #PitMad on Twitter today! #PitMad is a Twitter-focused pitch day for writers, particularly diverse voices, to pitch their novels and ideas to a large group of editors actively looking for new writing. How to take part To take part, simply write a short… Read More

5 Books to Lift Your Spirits by Hayley Doyle

2021 has started with a bang. And not the bang we were all hoping for. Rather than the pop of a champagne cork or a splattering of fancy fireworks, sure, it’s exploded, but you don’t need me to harp on about how. You already know. Well! Thank goodness for books!… Read More

How to Write a Pitch

What is a book pitch? A pitch is a short, enticing description of your work that focuses on its USP (unique selling point) or the key thing that makes your book so special – this is what publishers will often refer to as the ‘hook’. Why does it matter? As… Read More

How to Write a Synopsis

Summarising your story in a short synopsis can feel almost as difficult as writing the book in the first place! Never fear – here are Avon’s top five tips to help you craft a synopsis before you submit… Keep it short and sweet – by which we mean 500 words… Read More

How to Write your Author Biography

Being asked for your author biography can be daunting – perhaps you have no idea how to summarise everything about yourself into a paragraph or two, or maybe you think you won’t have anything to say! It’s important to remember that whilst publishers will use your bio to get a… Read More

The Submission Journey

De-mystifying the process from submission to publication! What should I consider when submitting to Avon? Avon is the home of commercial fiction – which means page-turning, entertaining fiction. Whether it’s historical, crime, thriller or women’s fiction, these books have a ‘hook’ (or elevator pitch) that intrigues the reader,… Read More

How to Keep Writing by Pam Weaver

Read. It took me a while to realise that there are two ways to read a book. One is for enjoyment and the other is as a means to learn. Study a story you’ve enjoyed – how did the author structure the plot, develop the characters, and keep you… Read More

It’s NaNoWriMo Time – Sam Carrington’s Top Tips

It’s NaNoWriMo time!   This will be my seventh year joining in the madness to write 50,000 words in one month. Yes, all those words in just 30 days! I’ve had mixed success with my attempts. I’ve only ‘won’ once – but for me, it really is the case of… Read More

NaNoWriMo – Bella Osborne’s Top Tips

I am a huge fan of NaNoWriMo. I have done it five times and each of those drafts has gone on to be a published novel. Writing fifty thousand words in thirty days does seem like utter madness, but I’m here to tell you that it… Read More

It’s #DVPit Day!

We’re taking part in #DVPit on Twitter today! #DVPit is a Twitter-focused pitch day for writers, particularly diverse voices, to pitch their novels and ideas to a large group of editors actively looking for new writing. How to take part To take part, simply write a short pitch for your… Read More

The Books We’re Most Excited About This Autumn

It’s that time of year again; woolly jumpers have made a reappearance in our wardrobes, boots are back, and we’re all eagerly anticipating the return of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte… But the most exciting thing about autumn? The books! It’s now cold enough outside that you have the excuse you’ve… Read More

Our Top 10 Audiobooks for When You’re on the Run

As much as we love reading, we know there’s not always time to curl up with a book. So, we’ve put together a list of our Top 10 recommended audiobooks to keep you going whilst commuting, running or in the car! Have a little look below…   Kiss of Death… Read More