Meet Literary Agent Kate Nash

Today we are delighted to welcome Literary Agent Kate Nash to Sincerely Book Angels Blog.


Hi Kate, thanks for joining us today, how long have you been an agent?
I set up the Kate Nash Literary Agency in 2009.


Can you give us an idea of what a day in the life of a literary agent is like.
Every day is different but in a typical week I would usually have one or two days out of the office. I’m usually in London on these days, meeting with publishers and my authors. A busy day I might have three or four meetings followed by a party in the evening. By the time I’m heading back home on the train I am exhausted! I also travel to other parts of the UK to see authors or attend events but London is the centre of most publishing activity. Most of the week is spent in the office on my laptop. Most communication is by email so I’m writing many emails during the day about all sorts of topics but all to do with protecting or advancing my author’s interests. There are admin and finance matters to attend to as well as most likely a few phone calls. If I’m catching up with one of my authors we might be chatting on the phone for an hour. I have a filter coffee machine which I visit for regular top ups as well as Westie who likes to have her break after lunch so unless I’m super busy, I fit in a short dog walk then. I try and take breaks now and again to check social media or see how my authors are doing in the book charts or any promotions they might be in. The day goes really quickly.

Many writers hear the words "It's not quite what we are looking for." What are you specifically looking for in a book?
I’m looking for a gripping story with great characters whatever the genre. When agents say “it’s not quite what we are looking for” it is because we simply don’t have time give detailed feedback on everything we are reading.


What are your biggest pet peeves about submissions (ie what people do wrong)?
As long as people are polite and email in their material I am not too worried about writers following some arbitrary set of rules. I do get annoyed to be sent unsolicited manuscripts in the post – because there is no system to deal with these and nowhere in the office to store vast amounts of paper waiting to be read. Especially if they come from Australia in expensive looking bindings in a genre that I don’t even represent! I am annoyed the writer has wasted their time and money when a simple search on the internet would have told them not to bother.

What really puts you off in a query letter?
Writers asking me to look at something in a genre I don’t represent even though they know it is not something I don’t represent. E.g. “Dear Mrs Nash, While I am aware that you do not represent poetry, I have taken the liberty to enclose my collection of poems…”.
Apart from this I am fairly relaxed about query letters and don’t read them too closely. I go straight in to start reading the writing.

What advice would you give regarding cover letters?
I know that agents have different views on this but for me, just keep it short and simple. “Dear Mrs Nash, I enclose the opening chapter to my 80,000 word detective novel set in Dorset. I have never been published before and I would like you as my agent because I am a fan of Faith Martin. Yours sincerely, Crime Writer” is fine.

How does it feel when a MS lands on your lap and you know it's the one?
I am always pretty much absolutely gripped from the start and I start thinking it is the best thing I have read in weeks, or all year!


What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep honing your craft and pay attention to any feedback that you get from industry professionals. If your ambition is to have a successful career as a traditionally published author, be prepared for a lot of work.

What is the best way to approach an agent?
Exactly as they outline in their submission guidelines. These can be found on agency websites. Mine is here www.katenashliterary.co.uk

What is the most exciting event in the calendar for an agent?
In the calendar: when one of my authors is nominated for an Award. Super exciting and less predictable: when my authors’ books hit the bestseller charts. Clinching a great book deal is also a moment to have a bit of a dance around the office and get the champagne out.

How do you go about securing rights for other parts of the world?
I work with a specialist translation rights agency, RightsPeople.


Do you deal with television and film rights?
This is whole different world to books so it is best to work with specialists. My list is represented by Collective Talent.


Would you like to write a book yourself?
I’ve had nine novels and novellas published, one co-written with another author, and now all out of print. I gave up writing when I realised that it was more fun and satisfying to work with writers far more talented then me.


Are you open for submissions?
Always. www.katenashliterary.co.uk

Thanks so much Kate for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat to us.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Four suburban mothers conspire to cover up a deadly crime in Just Between Us, a heart-stopping novel of suspense by Rebecca Drake.

Alison, Julie, Sarah, Heather. Four friends living the suburban ideal. Their jobs are steady, their kids are healthy. They're as beautiful as their houses. But each of them has a dirty little secret, and hidden behind the veneer of their perfect lives is a crime and a mystery that will consume them all.

Everything starts to unravel when Alison spots a nasty bruise on Heather's wrist. She shares her suspicions with Julie and Sarah, compelling all three to investigate what looks like an increasingly violent marriage. As mysterious injuries and erratic behavior mount, Heather can no longer deny the abuse, but she refuses to leave her husband. Desperate to save her, Alison and the others dread the phone call telling them that she's been killed. But when that call finally comes, it's not Heather who's dead. In a moment they'll come to regret, the women must decide what lengths they'll go to in order to help a friend.

Just Between Us is a thrilling glimpse into the underbelly of suburbia, where not all neighbors can be trusted, and even the closest friends keep dangerous secrets. You never really know what goes on in another person's mind, or in their marriage.

Title: Just Between Us
Author: Rebecca Drake
Published By: St Martin's Griffin
Publication Day: 9th Jan 2018
Links: UK:  Amazon    US: Amazon

Author Q & A with Rebecca Drake

Today we are joined by the lovely Rebecca Drake to talk about her new book Just Between Us.

Welcome to Sincerely Book Angels Rebecca, can you tell us:-

What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Just Between Us was initially inspired by a conversation I had with someone who expressed his loyalty to another, mutual friend, by saying he’d hide the guy if he committed a murder. I was really intrigued by this—how far would I be willing to go to help a friend? The book was also inspired by the friendships I have with a group of women in my neighborhood, especially by how we communicate with and about each other.

Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes. I’ve always loved telling stories and at about 11 years of age I discovered that writing was a job, and at about 15 years of age, I knew that I wanted to be a novelist. It took me many years, and a lot of diversions, before I realized that dream.

What other jobs have you had?

Like many writers, I’ve had a lot of different jobs. I’ve been a reporter, technical writer, freelance copy-editor and editor, and a parent of two delightful children. Currently, in addition to writing, I also teach in Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction MFA program.

How did it feel when your first novel was published?

It felt great to finally be able to say I was published, but it also made me feel a bit exposed. My writing was suddenly out there for anyone to see and comment on and what if they hated it? I felt more comfortable and confident only after I began hearing from readers who loved the book.

Can you please tell us a little about your publishing story.

I was the aspiring writer who put manuscripts in the drawer for years, convinced that nothing I wrote was good enough. I barely submitted to agents and editors, and I knew little about the publishing business. Finally, I joined some writers networking organizations (Sisters in Crime and Pennwriters) and began learning from experienced writers. I was lucky enough to meet Nancy Martin, a much-published author who kindly gave a thorough critique of a novel I’d completed. After spending about six months revising it, I submitted that novel to an agent whom I’d met at a conference. He offered to represent me, and while that book failed to sell, it attracted the interest of an editor who liked my writing and eventually published my first book, Don’t Be Afraid.

What other books have you written?

Just Between Us is my fifth published novel, which feels like a nice round number!

My other books are:

Only Ever You

The Dead Place

The Next Killing

Don’t Be Afraid

Have you ever had writer's block? If so how did you overcome it?

Yes, I’ve definitely struggled at times with writer’s block. I’ve found that the best way to overcome it is to sit down at my desk every day and just try and put some words down. I often use a timer to overcome what I think a lot of block is really about—a fear of the blank page. I’ll set the timer for 15 to 30 minutes of writing, promising myself that I can take a break only after the timer goes off. If I truly can’t think of anything to write, I’ll read for a while instead; that usually inspires me to turn back to my own work.

What motivates you to keep writing?

They don’t send the check if I don’t produce—that’s a lot of motivation! Seriously, I like what I do and I’m motivated by my curiosity about people. I write to explore certain ideas and to try and understand human behavior and like many authors I’m writing in my head when I’m away from my laptop or a pad and paper. Writing is something I have to do.

Where is your favorite place to write? ( can we please have a picture)

I love my home office and do a lot of my writing there. It’s small, and a bit cluttered, as you can see, but I’ve got a wonderful old desk and a comfortable chair and I keep inspiring quotes up on the walls to inspire me.

Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa?

Yes, sometimes, because in order to create fully-fledged characters, I need to put myself in their shoes when I’m writing. So if a character is anxious or upset or angry, I might end up feeling that way a bit myself.

After a long day of focusing on crime, sometimes I turn to watching cute or funny videos on YouTube, lol!

What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Read everything

Recognize that writing is a craft, but publishing is a business

Persevere – working in the arts is hard and you have to be willing to deal with a lot of rejection. Talent counts, but perseverance matters even more.

Which authors inspire you?

Oh, there are so many! Just a few off the top of my head:

Ruth Rendell (who also wrote as Barbara Vine)

Daphne DuMaurier

Stephen King

Lisa Scottoline

Hank Phillipi Ryan

Thomas Harris

Lisa Unger

J.T. Ellison

Thomas Cook

What are you reading at the moment?

Two wonderful books—

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser (it’s coming out in March, but I got an early copy)

and

Everything You Want Me To Be by Mindy Mejia

If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?

I’m not sure about a song, but I’d want there to be a slightly ominous soundtrack, maybe composed by someone like James Newton Howard, who did the music for The Sixth Sense.

Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book?

Just Between Us has four female characters and I love them all, but it’s tough to say what actor could play each one. Alison is the main character and I could see her being played by Emily Blunt or Reese Witherspoon, but there are so many talented actors who I’m sure could play each part. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to face that dilemma!

What is your next book about?

I’m actually working on two novels right now. The first is another psychological thriller about a couple with marriage problems who take a getaway weekend only to encounter a dangerous couple with far more serious issues.

The second is a departure for me, because it’s not a crime novel but a women’s fiction/historical novel about an elderly Holocaust survivor who hires an injured journalist to help her recover a family heirloom stolen during World War II. 

Thank you so much for joining us Rebecca and good luck with the book.

Sincerely
Book Angel x

About the Author

Rebecca Drake's latest novel, Just Between Us, will be released by St. Martin's Press on January 9th. Publisher's Weekly calls it a "twisty domestic thriller...tense, bombshell-laden, and action-packed." Rebecca is also the author of four other thrillers, Only Ever You, The Dead Place, The Next Killing and Don't Be Afraid. An instructor in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction MFA program, Rebecca lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two kids. Find more at RebeccaDrake.com and connect with her at facebook.com/rebecca.drake.writer and on
Twitter @AuthorRDrake.

Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams

Fresh pasta, red wine, fine art… and love? Find enchantment this year in the magical city of Florence

When Debbie Waterson’s bicycle crashes into handsome doctor Pierluigi, she wonders if her luck has changed. Determinedly single after ending a long relationship, at last, a man worth bumping into!

Inspired to visit Florence, she soon runs headlong into that old foe: reality. But is Pierluigi the man of her dreams? Then there’s her booze obsessed boss, his forbidding secretary and her noisy inconsiderate neighbours. But could her luck be about to change? Will she find love after all?

Warm-hearted and unputdownable, Dreaming of Florence is the perfect escape for readers of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver

Title: Dreaming of Florence
Author Name: T.A. Williams
Publication Date: 8th January 2018
Published By: Canelo

Links: UK:  Amazon    US: Amazon

Kobo (UK)

Google Books (UK)

Apple Books (UK)

Author Q & A

Today we are delighted to have the very lovely T.A Williams join us here at Sincerely Book Angels to tell us a little about himself and his new book Dreaming of Florence.

1. What was the inspiration behind choosing Florence with this novel?

I lived and worked there for four years when I was a good bit younger. I love the city and I knew I wanted to write about it. After all, they say you should write about what you know…

2. You often choose destinations for your books, which is your favourite and why?

Um, tricky one, this. I suppose the answer has to be Tuscany – not just Florence, but the countryside of Tuscany. That iconic image of a hilltop with a cluster of umbrella pines and cypresses is very close to my heart.

3. You always include a Labrador in your books. Are they based on anyone special? Mine is a black one and he's nearly fourteen years old.

Fourteen is good going! Yes, the inclusion of a black Lab in all my books is my homage to Merlin, our wonderful – now sadly departed – black Lab. He was without doubt the reincarnation of somebody really, really nice.

4. Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes – and I have all 44 handwritten (in pencil) pages of The Lake Dwellers here to prove it. This shameless ripoff of Swallows and Amazons was written when I was age 13.

5. What other jobs have you had?

After university (languages) I went to Italy as a teacher of English. I worked my way up until I was running three schools (one in Florence) and then came back across to the UK and carried on running a language school right up until I retired a few years ago.

6. How did it feel when your first novel was published?

Absolutely amazing! It’s a fabulous sensation when something you have created appears out there in the big wide world for people to read. It was a very special day. Dreaming of Florence will be my 13^th book and I still celebrate every one.

7. Can you please tell us a little about your publishing story.

As already established, I have been writing all my life, but for many years I couldn’t find a publisher or a literary agent interested in my work. I used to write in the evenings after work as relaxation. I wrote a series of “serious” historical novels to no avail so, finally, after more than 30 years of rejections, I changed to romantic comedy and this was the book that was picked up by Carina (now HQ digital). So when I hear people moaning that they haven’t been able to find a publisher and they have started collecting rejections, I feel tempted to tell them not to worry. I have enough rejection letters (remember paper?) to wallpaper my study.

8. What other books have you written?

In chronological order: a thriller set in Italy, a thriller set in the world of windsurfing, three historical novels set in the Middle Ages, a timeslip novel, 13 romantic comedies (14 if you include Dreaming of St-Tropez that is coming out in May). 

9. Have you ever had writer's block? If so how did you overcome it?

Very much the opposite. This writing business is a drug and it has taken me over. I wrote three of my books in less than a month each. When I get going, it’s unstoppable. I get up at seven o'clock and spend so much time at the computer, I get backache.

10. What motivates you to keep writing?

I really don’t know. To me, it’s right up there alongside breathing as something I’ve just got to do.

11. Where is your favourite place to write? ( can we please have a picture)

I always write in the same place – my study. It’s quiet, it’s comfortable and I’ve got all my reference material here.

12. Do your characters’ moods ever affect your mood and vice versa?

I don’t think moods affect me, but weather, for example definitely does. Writing about a hot, sunny day in Italy when it’s grey and cold here in England (as it is as I write this) definitely cheers me.

13. What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

1)Write what you want to write, not what you think you should be writing. 2)Don’t think for a moment that writing “The End” on the last page of an 80,000 word book is the end of the process. You will have to go back over it time and time again before it’s ready to go. 3)Develop a thick skin for when the first reviews start coming in. There are some cruel people out there.

14. Which authors inspire you?

All manner of writers. I grew up on Hemingway and Evelyn Waugh. I love thriller writers like John LeCarré and the comic genius of JP Donleavy. My favourite book at the moment has to be Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall.

15. What are you reading at the moment?

I read a lot of non-fiction. At present I am immersed in The White War by Mark Thompson, all about the First World War in Italy.

16. If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?

You have to bear in mind that I am very old, so my choice reflects that. How about Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive? 

17. Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book?

My favourite character has to be Byron the black Labrador and so, if your Lab is unavailable, I would have to bring Merlin back from beyond the grave to take his place. - My lab would love to star in the film thanks.  BA

18. What is your next book about?

Dreaming of St-Tropez is about a girl who gets the job of delivering a flatulent Labrador from London to St-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur. When she gets there, she finds herself confronted by two very seriously depressed men. The trouble is – she finds herself falling in love with one of them.

Thanks a lot for asking me some questions that really had me scratching my (bald) head. Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it. 

You're more than welcome, it's been absolute pleasure, good luck with the book.

Sincerely

Book Angelx

About the Author

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

A high-profile marriage thrust into the spotlight. A wife, determined to keep her family safe, must face a prosecutor who believes justice has been a long time coming. A scandal that will rock Westminster. And the women caught at the heart of it.

Anatomy of a Scandal centres on a high-profile marriage that begins to unravel when the husband is accused of a terrible crime. Sophie is sure her husband, James, is innocent and desperately hopes to protect her precious family from the lies which might ruin them. Kate is the barrister who will prosecute the case – she is equally certain that James is guilty and determined he will pay for his crimes.

Title:  Anatomy of a Scandal
Author:  Sarah Vaughan
Published By: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date:  11th January 2018
Links: UK: Amazon   US: Amazon

Our Review

Wow what a rollercoaster of a ride, I feel exhausted having raced through it. Fast paced and revelatory it reminds me of Apple Tree Yard. I must admit that as soon as I heard the sophisticated title of this book I knew it would be a winner.

Sophie is married to James who is an attractive member of Parliament, she loves him and they have two children together. When he is outed by the press for having an affair it comes as no surprise to her because she has turned a blind eye on his philandering over the years. However this time it's far more serious as he has been accused of rape! Like a good politicians wife she stands by her husband but eventually begins to wonder if there really is no smoke without fire.

I found the elitist and pompous behaviour of James and his peers at Oxford absolutely disgusting and provided an insight into what sort of person he was.

The book is beautifully written and  I really felt for Sophie and even more so for Katie who is the barrister who was prosecuting James as her story is very moving.
I think what made this book so clever is that the crime itself was stuck in a grey area and boiled down to a he said, she said scenario which will make you angry and want to scream.

The book was addictive and I was annoyed to have to put it down to get on with my life as I wanted to stay in until I'd finished.
Congratulations to Sarah Vaughan for such an eloquent book about such a taboo and very topical subject I can totally see this on the tv or as a film.

Sincerely
Book Angel x

About the Author

Sarah Vaughan read English at Oxford and went on to be a journalist. After training at the Press Assocation, she spent eleven years at the Guardian as a news reporter, health correspondent and political correspondent. It wasn't until her second child was born, that she finally did what she'd always wanted to do and started writing fiction. The Art of Baking Blind is the result, and will also be published in the US (St Martin's Press) and in nine translations. She lives near Cambridge and is working on her second novel.
FB: Sarah Vaughan Author
twitter: @SVaughanAuthor
www.sarahvaughanauthor.com