UCLAN Publishing and my novel

I’ve been quiet regarding my novel recently, and it’s because I received an exciting piece of news back in September but didn’t want to jinx it by sharing too soon.

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But today I’m delighted I can confidently announce I’m going to be working with UCLAN Publishing for the next academic year. Lost in Galderwood, my middle-grade time travel novel has been selected for an unusual opportunity.

UCLAN Publishing are based at the University of Central Lancashire and involve students from the associated Masters in Publishing course at every stage of their publishing process. Lost in Galderwood has been selected to be worked on by students from the MA Publishing course. The students will advise on rewrites, and work on every aspect of the publishing process from design to editorial to complete a print-ready document.

Although this is not an offer of publication, it is a fantastic opportunity to get detailed feedback on my work, have my manuscript edited, and learn more about the commercial publishing process. And although I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, all manuscripts get reviewed by UCLAN Publishing when the student’s projects are completed, and some are considered for publication.

It’s funny how these things can happen when you least expect it! The last time I blogged about my novel, I was talking about having one final go at rewriting it before “giving-up” and starting on a new project. It was only days later I received the email from UCLAN Publishing informing me my novel was being considered for this project.

The problem was, I already had ideas for the rewrite in my head by that point, and I didn’t want to see a less than perfect version of my manuscript be put forward for consideration. I had a very frantic few weeks spending every evening and weekend rewriting my entire manuscript, so that I could get it to UCLAN before their November acquisition meeting.

Whatever happens, and whether Lost in Galderwood goes on to be published or not, this feels like a massive step in the right direction. After what has been a strange year, it’s fantastic to have an opportunity associated with my writing, and something exciting to work towards.

I can’t wait to get started!