Lesley Hart
@lesleyhart007.bsky.social
Fiction and non-fiction freelance editor: www.authorspen.co.uk, blogger: www.writeonthecusp.wordpress.com, creative writing teacher, fiction writer: historical, contemporary, YA and mid-grade, HWC chair
Best new children's and teen's reads: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels
A girl with super strength; anarchic doughnuts on a mission to rule the world; boys in the Blitz; an Igbo YA fantasy and more
www.theguardian.com
May 25, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Best new children's and teen's reads: www.theguardian.com/books/2025/m...
Reposted by Lesley Hart
All #agent121s with @saskialeach.bsky.social have now been taken. Only a few remain for our other literary agents so be quick!
You can still join Saskia along with bestselling author Anna Britton at their talk, The Querying Process, on Sunday 27th April at 3:15pm.
All can be booked on the website.
You can still join Saskia along with bestselling author Anna Britton at their talk, The Querying Process, on Sunday 27th April at 3:15pm.
All can be booked on the website.
March 5, 2025 at 8:46 AM
All #agent121s with @saskialeach.bsky.social have now been taken. Only a few remain for our other literary agents so be quick!
You can still join Saskia along with bestselling author Anna Britton at their talk, The Querying Process, on Sunday 27th April at 3:15pm.
All can be booked on the website.
You can still join Saskia along with bestselling author Anna Britton at their talk, The Querying Process, on Sunday 27th April at 3:15pm.
All can be booked on the website.
#AllTheColoursOfTheDark is one of my favourite books of 2025. It's a powerfully written story of love, friendship and never giving up. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I haven't done this for a while... let's take a look at the bestseller pre-orders at Bert's! Who doesn't love a pre-order?
1 of 3 books in 10th place is the paperback edition of All The Colours of the Dark. It's out at the end of this month!
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/all-...
1 of 3 books in 10th place is the paperback edition of All The Colours of the Dark. It's out at the end of this month!
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/all-...
March 10, 2025 at 7:22 AM
#AllTheColoursOfTheDark is one of my favourite books of 2025. It's a powerfully written story of love, friendship and never giving up. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Becky Burke of Book Island (a picture book publisher in the UK founded by my fellow Tokarczuk translator Greet Pauwelijn) was "detained" by ICE at the Canadian border on 2/28. Her father asked that her story be shared in case someone can help her. He writes:
March 9, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Becky Burke of Book Island (a picture book publisher in the UK founded by my fellow Tokarczuk translator Greet Pauwelijn) was "detained" by ICE at the Canadian border on 2/28. Her father asked that her story be shared in case someone can help her. He writes:
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Isn't this just brilliant.
New York Public Library - Book of the Day.
Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social
@nybooks.com
@thebookseller.com
@nlireland.bsky.social
@booksireland.bsky.social
New York Public Library - Book of the Day.
Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social
@nybooks.com
@thebookseller.com
@nlireland.bsky.social
@booksireland.bsky.social
March 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Isn't this just brilliant.
New York Public Library - Book of the Day.
Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social
@nybooks.com
@thebookseller.com
@nlireland.bsky.social
@booksireland.bsky.social
New York Public Library - Book of the Day.
Ghost Mountain by @ronanhession.bsky.social
@nybooks.com
@thebookseller.com
@nlireland.bsky.social
@booksireland.bsky.social
Reposted by Lesley Hart
There’s still time to write to your local MP about the proposed change in copyright legislation regarding AI. This would pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of individual authors and illustrators and to the creative industries as a whole. I think the deadline is closing soon.
February 23, 2025 at 10:44 AM
There’s still time to write to your local MP about the proposed change in copyright legislation regarding AI. This would pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of individual authors and illustrators and to the creative industries as a whole. I think the deadline is closing soon.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
I wish all querying authors had a central source of information for how to write a query letter. So I created it!
Here's my free 40-minute course covering:
✅ Key components of a good query
❌ Bad query letter examples
📝 Downloadable query template
youtu.be/lt33qijbsyk
Here's my free 40-minute course covering:
✅ Key components of a good query
❌ Bad query letter examples
📝 Downloadable query template
youtu.be/lt33qijbsyk
My Query Letter Formula That Got Book Deals (2025 Course)
Struggling to write a query letter? If you don’t know where to start, this free 40-minute course will walk you through everything you need to craft a compell...
www.youtube.com
February 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
I wish all querying authors had a central source of information for how to write a query letter. So I created it!
Here's my free 40-minute course covering:
✅ Key components of a good query
❌ Bad query letter examples
📝 Downloadable query template
youtu.be/lt33qijbsyk
Here's my free 40-minute course covering:
✅ Key components of a good query
❌ Bad query letter examples
📝 Downloadable query template
youtu.be/lt33qijbsyk
Reposted by Lesley Hart
A new #StarterPack of writers, well worth following, who are also seeking an agent. If you want to be included, then like, share, follow, ask in the chat, and I'll include you. And to writers/readers in general, please share so we can include more fine talents here
#booksky #writing #writers #agents
#booksky #writing #writers #agents
January 25, 2025 at 11:49 AM
A new #StarterPack of writers, well worth following, who are also seeking an agent. If you want to be included, then like, share, follow, ask in the chat, and I'll include you. And to writers/readers in general, please share so we can include more fine talents here
#booksky #writing #writers #agents
#booksky #writing #writers #agents
We Live in Time by Benedict Cumberbatch has broken my heart. Tonight for the very first time ever I left the cinema in tears. Please go to see this utterly beautiful film.
January 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
We Live in Time by Benedict Cumberbatch has broken my heart. Tonight for the very first time ever I left the cinema in tears. Please go to see this utterly beautiful film.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Many thanks to all the librarians supporting and talking about our writers and other books from Indie presses.
To see one of our books chosen by a library is just great
Christ on a Bike @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social
@dublinlitaward.bsky.social
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@irishtimes.com
To see one of our books chosen by a library is just great
Christ on a Bike @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social
@dublinlitaward.bsky.social
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@irishtimes.com
January 14, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Many thanks to all the librarians supporting and talking about our writers and other books from Indie presses.
To see one of our books chosen by a library is just great
Christ on a Bike @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social
@dublinlitaward.bsky.social
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@irishtimes.com
To see one of our books chosen by a library is just great
Christ on a Bike @orlaowenwriting.bsky.social
@dublinlitaward.bsky.social
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@irishtimes.com
Reposted by Lesley Hart
As always, the #portfolioday hashtag is FULL to the brim of the most amazingly talented artists, illustrators, animators and more. Check them out, boost and support. (Choose human talent and not AI).
It's #PortfolioDay!
I'm Holly, an artist and illustrator from the UK. I mostly specialise in mild spook and things with a touch of the medieval.
You can find a big collection of my work at holboldoart.com! I'm looking for more work later in the year. I'm also on patreon and sell prints!
I'm Holly, an artist and illustrator from the UK. I mostly specialise in mild spook and things with a touch of the medieval.
You can find a big collection of my work at holboldoart.com! I'm looking for more work later in the year. I'm also on patreon and sell prints!
January 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
As always, the #portfolioday hashtag is FULL to the brim of the most amazingly talented artists, illustrators, animators and more. Check them out, boost and support. (Choose human talent and not AI).
Reposted by Lesley Hart
SOMEBODY (it was me) ordered the wrong size book mailers - and they’re too short for MOST books.
Not these Harriet Muncaster ones tho, so be a good egg and sign up.
Not these Harriet Muncaster ones tho, so be a good egg and sign up.
January 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
SOMEBODY (it was me) ordered the wrong size book mailers - and they’re too short for MOST books.
Not these Harriet Muncaster ones tho, so be a good egg and sign up.
Not these Harriet Muncaster ones tho, so be a good egg and sign up.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Bradford Short Story Course w/ David Barnett
📅Starts Feb 11📍City Library
🎟️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-th...
Whether you're an experienced writer looking to try a new form or a beginner wanting to learn the basics, this is the perfect entry point to short storytelling.
📅Starts Feb 11📍City Library
🎟️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-th...
Whether you're an experienced writer looking to try a new form or a beginner wanting to learn the basics, this is the perfect entry point to short storytelling.
January 13, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Bradford Short Story Course w/ David Barnett
📅Starts Feb 11📍City Library
🎟️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-th...
Whether you're an experienced writer looking to try a new form or a beginner wanting to learn the basics, this is the perfect entry point to short storytelling.
📅Starts Feb 11📍City Library
🎟️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-th...
Whether you're an experienced writer looking to try a new form or a beginner wanting to learn the basics, this is the perfect entry point to short storytelling.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Many authors think there are just 2 ways to publish: land a big deal or self-publish.
But there are many other legitimate paths to publication!
Watch my latest vid to learn about each & the framework I use to help authors find the right path for them.
youtu.be/bU5b3FXfR8A
But there are many other legitimate paths to publication!
Watch my latest vid to learn about each & the framework I use to help authors find the right path for them.
youtu.be/bU5b3FXfR8A
Your Complete Guide to Publishing a Book in 2025
Most authors think there are only two ways to publish a book: landing a deal with a big publishing house or self-publishing. But there are actually SIX legit...
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Many authors think there are just 2 ways to publish: land a big deal or self-publish.
But there are many other legitimate paths to publication!
Watch my latest vid to learn about each & the framework I use to help authors find the right path for them.
youtu.be/bU5b3FXfR8A
But there are many other legitimate paths to publication!
Watch my latest vid to learn about each & the framework I use to help authors find the right path for them.
youtu.be/bU5b3FXfR8A
Reposted by Lesley Hart
We're still away but quick reminder that we open for unagented submissions on Monday morning. Two weeks only! (if you want to get the sub form link FIRST, sign up for our newsletter)
Quick & Dirty Tips For Submitting Your Book To Us — wild hunt books
We’re opening to unagented manuscripts in the new year ( 13-26 January 2025 ) and while we already have lots of info on our website about what we’re looking for and other submission package tips,…
www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk
January 10, 2025 at 9:29 AM
We're still away but quick reminder that we open for unagented submissions on Monday morning. Two weeks only! (if you want to get the sub form link FIRST, sign up for our newsletter)
Reposted by Lesley Hart
And also, if you have a desire for our book world to NOT be driven by AI, big tech, terrible people, we all need to support the totally under-funded passionate idealists, like myself (and many others).
Would love all of my book-loving followers to give this a share (& sign up) - my new reader-facing newsletter As Seen On Booktok - as well as showcasing the BIG books, will also incl quieter books that booktokers love (in translation, short stories, debuts etc)
asseenonbooktok.meetthebooktokers.com
asseenonbooktok.meetthebooktokers.com
MTBT - As Seen On Booktok
asseenonbooktok.meetthebooktokers.com
January 10, 2025 at 9:56 AM
And also, if you have a desire for our book world to NOT be driven by AI, big tech, terrible people, we all need to support the totally under-funded passionate idealists, like myself (and many others).
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Another Bluemoose Book optioned for The Big Screen.
Have a cracking weekend.
Toodlemoose.
Kevin.
Have a cracking weekend.
Toodlemoose.
Kevin.
January 10, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Another Bluemoose Book optioned for The Big Screen.
Have a cracking weekend.
Toodlemoose.
Kevin.
Have a cracking weekend.
Toodlemoose.
Kevin.
Reposted by Lesley Hart
10th of the month.
This is the traditional time, when people stop shopping online. No, I don't know why either.
But, it's a good prompt for me to remind you that you probably have some Bert Points, so why not pop online and treat yourself before they expire?
This is the traditional time, when people stop shopping online. No, I don't know why either.
But, it's a good prompt for me to remind you that you probably have some Bert Points, so why not pop online and treat yourself before they expire?
January 10, 2025 at 12:03 PM
10th of the month.
This is the traditional time, when people stop shopping online. No, I don't know why either.
But, it's a good prompt for me to remind you that you probably have some Bert Points, so why not pop online and treat yourself before they expire?
This is the traditional time, when people stop shopping online. No, I don't know why either.
But, it's a good prompt for me to remind you that you probably have some Bert Points, so why not pop online and treat yourself before they expire?
Reposted by Lesley Hart
It's a Shelf Analysis this week in the column. I talked to Ferdia Lennon about three books he loves, including two upcoming books he's very excited about.
Tomorrow, Saturday, in the Review section of the @irishindependent.bsky.social or right now, for the impatient among you...
Tomorrow, Saturday, in the Review section of the @irishindependent.bsky.social or right now, for the impatient among you...
Rick O’Shea: Ferdia Lennon on friendship, fraught familial bonds and young love
Ferdia Lennon’s shining debut Glorious Exploits was one of my favourite books of 2024. I spoke to him recently about some books he loves, including two due out in the next couple of months.
www.independent.ie
January 10, 2025 at 1:46 PM
It's a Shelf Analysis this week in the column. I talked to Ferdia Lennon about three books he loves, including two upcoming books he's very excited about.
Tomorrow, Saturday, in the Review section of the @irishindependent.bsky.social or right now, for the impatient among you...
Tomorrow, Saturday, in the Review section of the @irishindependent.bsky.social or right now, for the impatient among you...
Reposted by Lesley Hart
The Broken Frontier Awards nominations are out, and we’re pleased to have three Faber nominations.
🎨 Best Artist – Aimee de Jongh for Lord of the Flies
🎨 Breakout Talent – Mollie Ray for Giant
🎨 Best Graphic Novel – Lord of the Flies.
brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2024-nominations
🎨 Best Artist – Aimee de Jongh for Lord of the Flies
🎨 Breakout Talent – Mollie Ray for Giant
🎨 Best Graphic Novel – Lord of the Flies.
brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2024-nominations
Introducing the Broken Frontier Awards 2024 - In a Year of Turmoil Escapism Goes Hand in Hand with Activism in 2024's Nominations – Broken Frontier
Broken Frontier proudly presents the shortlists for our 21st annual Broken Frontier Awards. Our team has selected five nominees for each of the 15 main categories that comprise the BF...
www.brokenfrontier.com
January 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The Broken Frontier Awards nominations are out, and we’re pleased to have three Faber nominations.
🎨 Best Artist – Aimee de Jongh for Lord of the Flies
🎨 Breakout Talent – Mollie Ray for Giant
🎨 Best Graphic Novel – Lord of the Flies.
brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2024-nominations
🎨 Best Artist – Aimee de Jongh for Lord of the Flies
🎨 Breakout Talent – Mollie Ray for Giant
🎨 Best Graphic Novel – Lord of the Flies.
brokenfrontier.com/broken-frontier-awards-2024-nominations
Reposted by Lesley Hart
Shout-out to authors, I'll be sending out my next free newsletter tomorrow, it includes a summary of publishing trends, loads of links to latest book marketing thinking & writing craft, interesting articles and podcasts. Sign up here (& get free resources) theempoweredauthor.com/free-resources
Free resources — The Empowered Author
theempoweredauthor.com
January 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Shout-out to authors, I'll be sending out my next free newsletter tomorrow, it includes a summary of publishing trends, loads of links to latest book marketing thinking & writing craft, interesting articles and podcasts. Sign up here (& get free resources) theempoweredauthor.com/free-resources
Reposted by Lesley Hart
NEW FOR THE 2025 WRITING FESTIVAL!
In association with Author Events, our new feature of the Writing Festival is the Author Marketplace.
To hire a table, or to find out more about our Book Launch offer, please visit authorevents.co.uk/2025/01/10/2...
#writingcommunity #amwriting #authorcommunity
In association with Author Events, our new feature of the Writing Festival is the Author Marketplace.
To hire a table, or to find out more about our Book Launch offer, please visit authorevents.co.uk/2025/01/10/2...
#writingcommunity #amwriting #authorcommunity
January 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
NEW FOR THE 2025 WRITING FESTIVAL!
In association with Author Events, our new feature of the Writing Festival is the Author Marketplace.
To hire a table, or to find out more about our Book Launch offer, please visit authorevents.co.uk/2025/01/10/2...
#writingcommunity #amwriting #authorcommunity
In association with Author Events, our new feature of the Writing Festival is the Author Marketplace.
To hire a table, or to find out more about our Book Launch offer, please visit authorevents.co.uk/2025/01/10/2...
#writingcommunity #amwriting #authorcommunity
Reposted by Lesley Hart
A very wet day outside, so if you can’t pop in remember that you can order on our website whatever the weather! - Michael
January 5, 2025 at 10:33 AM
A very wet day outside, so if you can’t pop in remember that you can order on our website whatever the weather! - Michael
Reposted by Lesley Hart
I've been working on a new thing which is a book newsletter focussing on booktok books, called As Seen On Booktok - if you fancy hearing about the big books and the quieter ones that booktokers are talking about, you can sign up here (it's free). asseenonbooktok.meetthebooktokers.com
January 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
I've been working on a new thing which is a book newsletter focussing on booktok books, called As Seen On Booktok - if you fancy hearing about the big books and the quieter ones that booktokers are talking about, you can sign up here (it's free). asseenonbooktok.meetthebooktokers.com