Calling all first time authors

LWC talks to Will Atkins, publisher of Macmillan New Writing

 
Macmillan New Writing (MNW) is the Pan Macmillan imprint dedicated to discovering new novelists in all genres. Virtually unique amongst major publishers in welcoming unsolicited submissions from debut novelists. So don’t be put off if you don’t have agent – send it direct to Will at MNW.

 
We asked Will some quickfire questions: 

1/How would you describe your taste in books in three words? Populist. Obscure. Contradictory.
2/What is the best thing about your job?
Authors.
3/What is the worst thing about your job?
Meetings.
4/What book would you have liked to have published?
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz.
5/What inspires you in a writer?
Creative energy and generosity.
6/What top tip would you give to an unpublished writer?
Read.
7/What’s the most common mistake writers make in submission letters?
Verboseness.
8/What writer would you like to have round for tea?
Jackie Kay, please. And Kafka can bring the custard creams.
9/What could writers do to win you over?
Write a brilliant novel.
10/How do you see the publishing industry changing over the next five years?
I hope we’ll see increasing openness to new authors on the part of publishers.
 
We are delighted that Will will speak to LWC in the New Year – we’ll announce the date soon.

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