A couple of weeks ago, I donned my headphones to listen to The Self-Publishing Show podcast, hosted by Mark Dawson and James Blatch. So many of my authors are making the brave leap into the literary world by going out on their own – an endeavour I thoroughly support after going solo back in January 2019. Therefore, I was delighted to hear that on this episode, it was none other than my lovely author Simon McCleave who was being interviewed! Simon has gone from strength to strength with his DI Ruth Hunter series and has achieved so much in only a year. I have edited Simon since the beginning of his novelist career and I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this series, not only because Simon is an incredibly talented storyteller, but because I’ve been so proud to see how he’s evolved as a writer – that’s one of the most rewarding things for an editor to see! So, I was over the moon to hear just how well he’d done – over 125,000 copies – but also to hear a shout out for little old me. *blushing*
Continue reading “The Self-Publishing Podcast: Interview with Simon McCleave (and a sneak appearance from me!)”Tag: proofreading
Book Review: THE NIGHT LAWYER by Alex Churchill
Before I wanted to be an editor, I thought about pursuing a career in the law. Funny, no? However, my poor memory and terror of public speaking put paid to that quite quickly. But, if you think about it, the jobs aren’t that different. Now apologies to my lawyer friends if this is totally reductive, but if you think about it, really, all lawyers are just story tellers. Both the defence and prosecution are given the same building blocks – the facts – but it is their job to weave these together to present their client’s side, their narrative, their story, to win the case.
This is what fascinates me about legal thrillers and why I love to read John Grisham and Steve Cavanagh. But also why I devoured the debut novel by barrister Alex Churchill, THE NIGHT LAWYER.
Publication Day: Author Q&A: Rolly Bastard – KILL IT ALL AWAY
For an author, there is nothing that quite beats the thrill of the publication of their first book. And today is that lucky day for Rolly Bastard and his debut Kill it All Away.
I worked with Rolly throughout the editing process and it was certainly lively! A thriller with twists and turns at every chapter, this is a novel that’s hard to put down. No matter how much you try, it’s almost impossible not to be lured in by Rolly’s charistamtic – albeit not always diplomatic – narration, and the shocking and entertaining story that he has to tell.
Rolly, welcome! Thank you for joining us here today. KILL IT ALL AWAY is your debut novel, isn’t it? Tell us a little more about it.
This book is a thriller at its core, with murder, mystery, and twists, but also an examination of one man’s attempt to put his life back together, especially the relationship with his twenty-year-old daughter. And I know that description doesn’t sound like it, but there is also a lot of humour – dark humour – but humour all the same.
Continue reading “Publication Day: Author Q&A: Rolly Bastard – KILL IT ALL AWAY”
“How do I look?” New Logo Announcement and Instagram Giveaway
Just over a year and a half ago, I set out on a scary adventure. Yes, we moved to Australia, but the task I found far more daunting was going freelance! With just a little bit of no-how and a friendly smile, I decided to set up mown editing business.
It’s been quite a journey so far. We’re now back in the UK, and I’ve worked with some super-talented authors and incredible colleagues in the industry, been involved with so many brilliant manuscripts and learnt a few lessons along the way.
So, I thought it was time for little facelift after my cobbled-together efforts when I first started.
Therefore I’m delighted to announce the new logo for Rebecca Millar Editorial! How do I look?
But I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of my wonderful partner, family and friends, but also my amazing authors – honestly, working with you makes what I do the best job in the world!
So if a new set of glad-rags wasn’t enough, I also am running a giveaway over on Instagram! So be sure to head on over to be in for a chance to win.
Thank you for being part of my journey so far, and I can’t wait to help you on your journey to becoming a published author!
Blog Tour: LOST SOULS by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman
Now as a devotee of all things crime, suspense and thriller, it’s no small wonder that LOST SOULS is my first Jonathan Kellerman title. He’s best known for his Alex Delaware series set in Los Angeles, but Kellerman has recently started working together with his son Jesse Kellerman on the Clay Edison series. LOST SOULS is the latest installment and sees Clay Edison, deputy coroner, faced with uncovering the mystery behind skeleton of a baby found in the grounds of People’s Park in Berkeley, California.
Kellerman and Kellerman write with a confidence ease that makes reading their prose a delight. I wasn’t sure about starting in the middle of the series, but, you know, it happens. And admittedly there are some aspects of the novel that might be easier to understand with prior knowledge of the series – such as the long list of named characters – but the clear and entertaining style of the authors means that this is only a small obstacle and one I mostly ignored as I was too intrigued by the story (It’s easy to get the gist of who they are anyway as the characterisation is so spot-on!).
After reading the novel, I’ve been intrigued to find out more about Clay and pick up the earlier books in the series – because if they are as entertaing as LOST SOULS, I’ll know I’ll enjoy it! Perhaps start at the beginning of the series, but I’d recommend you purchase them all at the same time as you’ll devour this nuanced crime series very quickly. 📚
LOST SOULS by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman (Arrow Publishing), available now as a paperback and ebook (Published as HALF MOON BAY in the US)
Book Review: TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH by Gilly Macmillan
📚Suspense fans—read this now!📚
By day, I edit crime, suspense and thriller, and by night, well, I read crime, suspense and thriller. It’s a genre that I have always loved; there is something about a complex, changing narrative of intrigue and mystery and a bloody good twist that I just can’t resist.
And an author who delivers on this level with every single book is the masterful Gilly Macmillan. Her latest novel To Tell You the Truth is my favourite yet (and I actually helped edit her previous book THE NANNY, so that’s saying something). Gilly has created a complex and fascinating character in Lucy – a novelist whose talent for imagination may have gone too far. She narrates a dark and multi-layered tale of deception, death and lies – or so you think. With twists at every turn, I was compelled to read the novel late into the night, desperate to uncover the truth.
Set in Gilly’s hometown of Bristol, I was transported back to my university days in a city that I loved, but this also added an extra level of intrigue as much of the action takes place on the other side of the Suspension Bridge from the city, which I actually only visited a couple of times. This created an otherworldy sense for me in a, which was unnerving and built on Lucy Harper’s complex world that Gilly has weaved together so well. (On an aside, this book is also a delight for those who work in the world of books and publishing; I couldn’t help but smile at Lucy’s interactions with her publishers – everyone loves a treat hamper!)
To Tell You the Truth by Gilly Macmillan publishes on 25th June 2020 in ebook and hardback. But if I were you, I’d preorder it now…
Thanks to the author and publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#IAmAReader
So as well as a book editor, I also dabble in Bookstagram – Instagram book reviews and photography. And recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with another bookstagrammer called @bookishkaren for her project I Am A Reader.
It’s a project that aims to showcase readers around the world, bringing cultures together over our love of reading. It was such fun to be part of it and I wanted to share the piece that I contributed – and also, let you know a little bit more about me.
Rebecca Millar Editorial 