Hello! This is my bi-weekly update on publishing. I hope you haven’t missed me too much, but here I am again with another catch-up for all you wonderful people who are dying to get into the industry just as much as I am. So, without further ado, here’s another segment of the blind leading the blind! Not much has changed on the job front; I’m still applying every day and putting myself out there. On the bright side, I recently recorded a podcast episode with a journalist from the Indian Express  about one of her articles, which was really exciting, so definitely give that a listen if you’re curious. I also had a meeting with my mentor from SYP (Society of Young Publishers), where we went through my cover letters and discussed what could be improved. I came away with some really useful advice that I can’t wait to put into practice. It might also help if you’re an English graduate like me to follow this advice. I tend to write a bit essay-like, which doesn’t always work for cover letters. After all, a cover letter is meant to be, well, a letter , not an essay where I almost feel like I’m reaching for a thesis. My mentor suggested starting your cover letter as an email (no addresses needed, obviously). It was more for practice and also a clever way to trick yourself into writing like a letter, rather than producing a document, which is usually what I end up doing. Research is key too. Look into the publisher: what sets it apart, any recent campaigns it’s been involved in, like Hachette’s Raising Readers  programme, or HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan taking part in The Sunday Times ’ “Get Britain Reading” campaign. This shows you’re not just a book lover, you understand market trends and can see where the industry is headed. That kind of awareness demonstrates dedication and genuine interest, which will set you apart from someone who only says they’re “interested.” It takes extra time, but it’s worth it if it helps you stand out. Also, it’s much more effective to use a specific example from your past experience to show your strong foundations. It’s one thing to say it, but showing is always better, especially if you use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it concise and impactful. Make sure you explain why you want to work in a particular department, don’t be vague. Point to specific reasons, like their author list or projects they’ve undertaken that contribute to the publishing house. Do you have any experience in that department, or at least a genuine interest you can demonstrate through hobbies, coursework, or other relevant experiences? Also, if you’re an English graduate like me, don’t make it too wordy, I struggle with this a lot! Selling yourself to a company in a page or so (it really shouldn’t be longer, I’ve heard) is hard work, and figuring out what to cut is even harder, especially when you’re guessing what they want. You have to be astute: make it concise, but still revealing of your character. They’re right, there isn’t a “perfect” way to do this, but there is a better way. So just keep hacking at it, like I am. I hope this advice is helpful, and, fingers crossed, that it starts seeing some results for me too! And to all my lost bookworms, Stay Steadfast x

Welcome to your weekly roundup of all things books! We’re keeping it short and sweet, just five stories to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Think of this as your quick fix for staying connected to the book world. I) Farewell to a Legend: Remembering Jilly Cooper Novelist Dame Jilly Cooper, best known for her books Riders  (1985) and Rivals  (1988) from The Rutshire Chronicles , delighted readers with her portrayals of the scandals, sex lives, and social circles of the wealthy country set. Sadly, on 5th of October, Cooper passed away at the age of 88 years old Rivals , her follow-up to Riders , was a triumph when it was first published in the ’80s and found a whole new generation of fans last year when it was adapted into a hit Disney TV series, starring David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Aidan Turner. Cooper sold more than 11 million books in the UK alone, and a new season of the series is already on the horizon. The Queen paid tribute to Dame Jilly, calling her a "legend" and a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend." adding, "May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs." A perfectly witty and fitting tribute, if ever there was one. Rest in peace, Jilly Cooper. II) Behind the Scenes of the Schoolbook Shelf School has started not too long ago, which means a forgotten genre over the summer is hitting bookshops and baskets: the not-so-glamorous but utterly vital school textbooks and study guides! Now, we don’t expect, nor will we ever expect, to see these topping the charts. At best, An Inspector Calls  by J.B. Priestley appears at position 229 in the overall chart for the year, which is actually a good sign. It’s consistent and reliable; it may never reach the top, but it will always have a presence. That said, there has been a noticeable decline this year compared to 2024. However, this may just be a blip, as September, accounting for roughly 12.1% of the category’s total annual performance, has seen a slight resurgence, at least in volume terms. Let’s see if this changes as the school months carry on. As we’re aware, there has been a general decline in children reading for pleasure, so is there much hope for required reading? Who knows. III) Sudden Exit at HarperCollins UK: Redmayne Resigns At HarperCollins UK, longtime CEO Charlie Redmayne, who had held the role for 12 years, has resigned. Kate Elton has stepped in as interim CEO, with an announcement about a permanent replacement “to be made in due course.” No reason for Redmayne’s departure has been given, either by him or by HarperCollins. The move seems startling and sudden, and it’s likely left the whole company feeling very confused. ‘Ruthless’ seems to be the word most commonly used to describe this shift, especially since neither HarperCollins nor his boss Brian Murray offered any public comment on his tenure. R edmayne himself has also remained silent. Gossip seems rife, with people speculating about what could have led to such a cold and sudden exit. Elton joined HarperCollins UK in 2011 and, since 2023, has served as Group Managing Director for the adult commercial divisions, overseeing HarperFiction, HarperNonFiction, Avon, One More Chapter, HarperNorth, HQ, Mills & Boon, and Pavilion. IV) HarperCollins USA and Fox Join Forces: A New Era of Storytelling Fox Entertainment Studios and HarperCollins’ new YA-adult crossover imprint, Avon A, have announced a two-way development deal. The agreement will allow Fox to adapt Avon A titles for the screen, while giving the imprint access to original Fox stories for publication. For context, the Avon A imprint publishes “a range of fresh, exciting, and boundary-pushing projects”, spanning genres and age groups, from romance and thrillers to enchanting fantasy. This marks the first publishing-entertainment partnership of its kind between Fox and HarperCollins, both controlled by the Murdoch family, a prominent international media dynasty currently led by Lachlan Murdoch, who oversees News Corp and Fox Corporation following a recent succession battle with his siblings. V) Nobel Prize Winner 2025 László Krasznahorkai has won this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature. He said he was “very happy, calm and very nervous altogether.” Krasznahorkai is known for his dystopian, melancholic novels, which have won numerous awards, including the 2019 National Book Award for Translated Literature and the 2015 International Booker Prize . Several of his works, including Satantango  and The Melancholy of Resistance , have been adapted into feature films. His most recent novel, Herscht 07769  (2021), has been hailed as a major contemporary German novel for its accurate portrayal of social unrest in the country just before the pandemic. He grew up in a middle-class Jewish family and drew inspiration from his experiences living under communism, as well as his travels. Congratulations, László!

This was such a precious little book, easy to read, yet thoroughly enjoyable. It was exactly what I expected, in the best possible way. There was something lovely, almost adorable, about seeing even the greatest of writers look up to someone else, reminding me that we all have people we admire, and that perhaps someone admires us too. I expected mostly literary classics, Wuthering Heights , Animal Farm , Ulysses , but the list was wonderfully diverse. Some authors mentioned comic books, entire personal libraries, or cherished childhood reads. Often, it came down to circumstance or the first book they truly loved. Every choice had a beautiful, personal reason. Books really find you when you need them most. It was thrilling to hear from authors I already read, not through their characters, but as themselves, sharing a piece of who they are. Even the children’s books sounded compelling; I’d happily read any just to see why they were so brilliant. After all, there’s a fangirl in all of us, no matter our own literary accomplishments. Human beings can be really cute sometimes.

Welcome to your weekly roundup of all things books! We’re keeping it short and sweet, just five stories to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Think of this as your quick fix for staying connected to the book world. I) A Library in Every School: A Step Towards Change On 29th September, during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, pledged to ensure that every primary school will have a library by the end of this parliament (2029). This is wonderful news for the world of publishing and literature as a whole, made possible by Penguin Random House in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. To mark both their 90th birthday and the campaign for libraries in schools, PRH hosted a reception at Number 11 Downing Street. This announcement is the result of years of campaigning by publishing and literacy organisations. The Libraries for Primaries Campaign, which began in 2018, has highlighted a shocking reality: one in seven primary schools across the UK have no library space, a figure that rises to one in four in more disadvantaged areas. That’s why I’m so glad to see change finally happening. Children are the future, and books offer one of the quietest forms of liberation and freedom. They shape us into better, more open-minded individuals. II) Meet the 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize Finalists Six authors have been shortlisted for the 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction (founded in 1999), which carries a £50,000 award. With the motto ‘All the best stories are true’ , the prize celebrates works of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography, and the arts. It remains one of the most prestigious non-fiction prizes. The winner will be announced on 4th November at the award ceremony. Here are the shortlisted titles, their authors, and a short synopsis: Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World by Justin Marozzi - Traces the complex history of slavery in the Islamic world, from medieval concubines and slave soldiers to modern abuses by Daesh and ongoing hereditary slavery. Marozzi illuminates the human experiences and global networks behind centuries of enslavement across Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Electric Spark: The Enigma of Muriel Spark  by Frances Wilson - Electric Spark uncovers Muriel Spark’s enigmatic early life and shows how these experiences became the raw material for her distinctive, puzzle-like fiction. Wilson seeks to decode the riddles Spark left behind in her life and work. How to End a Story: Collected Diaries   by Helen Garner - Helen Garner’s diaries, collected for the first time, offer an intimate, candid look at her life over two decades, while showcasing her sharp, observant voice.  Lone Wolf: Walking the Faultlines of Europe  by Adam Weymouth - Lone Wolf follows the journey of Slavc, a wolf whose migration helped reintroduce wolves to northern Italy, while exploring the region’s wider struggles with rewilding, culture, climate change, and migration. Weymouth offers a vivid portrait of a landscape in transformation. The Boundless Deep: Young Tennyson, Science and the Crisis of Belief   by Richard Holmes - Amid rapid 19th-century scientific discoveries, Tennyson grappled with evolution, cosmic vastness, and social change, channeling these anxieties into poetry that defined his generation. Holmes’ biography explores how his imagination and engagement with these ideas made him a timeless literary voice. The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s by Jason Burke - Radical extremists carried out high-profile hijackings and attacks to challenge Western powers. Jason Burke chronicles their violent exploits and the rise of a more lethal, religiously driven extremism that followed. III) Scarlett Press: S&S's New Imprint for the Next Generation of Romance Simon & Schuster in the UK and US have joined forces to launch Scarlet Press , a new imprint dedicated to romance-forward New Adult titles. The first five books are set to publish next spring, with Rachel Denwood leading the UK side alongside Yasmin Morrissey, and Justin Chanda and Sarah McCabe heading things up in the US. The imprint is described as focusing on ‘commercial, fast-paced, romance-forward books across all genres’  for readers aged 18 and above. It’ll be exciting to see what kinds of stories Scarlet Press brings out, I can already imagine it becoming a great source of recommendations. With such a strong publishing team behind it, they have every reason to hone their craft and build a robust programme that delivers some of the very best romances for dreamers and romantics alike. IV) Taylor Swift Meets Shakespeare: ‘Hamlet’ and the Literary Nods in Her New Album Okay, I know this one’s a bit of a stretch, is it really book news  in any shape or form? Not exactly. But can you blame me? I was an English Lit student all through A-level and went on to study it at uni, so I suppose I’ve developed a knack for making the meaningless meaningful, or at least finding some tenuous way to link unrelated things together. Taylor Swift dropped her new album today! Just in the nick of time for this blog, too. After all the anticipation, it’s finally here, complete with a track titled ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ . And that’s not the only Shakespearean nod, the album cover itself echoes Sir John Everett Millais’s famous painting Ophelia . The resemblance is striking, as you can see here: https://images.prestigeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/15175343/Taylor-Swift-album-cover-ophelia-painting-social.jpg . In Hamlet , Ophelia descends into madness and drowns after her father’s death and Hamlet’s spurn . Where love destroys Ophelia, Swift flips the script. In her song, she thanks a lover for saving her from a similar fate, whether that’s a nod to recent partners, or more broadly, from the weight of all the ‘Hamlets’ she’s ever loved : ‘No longer drowning and deceived / All because you came for me.’  Like Shakespeare’s play, the theme of madness and loss is central, but Swift turns it inward, likening her struggles to a personal purgatory until love rescues her. Ophelia’s life is defined by the men around her, which ultimately leads to her death, she’s constrained by their expectations and lacks autonomy. She struggles under the pressure of living up to the ideal of the ‘perfect woman,’ crumbling when she feels she’s not enough. Hamlet’s scorn, think the famous ‘Get thee to a nunnery’ , reflects these expectations. In Swift’s song, this theme seems to run deeper than simply being saved from a loveless relationship. It’s about finding someone who helps her navigate the pressures of fame and the impossible standards she’s expected to meet, offering support and relief. It’s nothing groundbreaking, and not exactly newsworthy, but the album release certainly was. Whether you love her or hate her, you’ve got to admit that. I just thought it was a fun little way to connect pop culture back to literature, even if in a small way. V) The Trailer’s Here: What to Expect from Del Toro’s Frankenstein The official Frankenstein  trailer dropped two days ago, so obviously we need to talk about it. Guillermo del Toro has a pretty impressive track record, his most recent, Pinocchio , was brilliant and got the praise it deserved. Funny thing is, that story is also about taking something dead and trying to make it human, or at least human-ish, though not quite as dark as Frankenstein . From the trailer, the visuals look incredible. But what I’m really buzzing about is that del Toro seems to give the creature his own perspective. That’s straight from Mary Shelley’s book, Chapters 11–16 are narrated by the monster, and so many adaptations skip this. Seeing del Toro stick to the source material gave me hope for a faithful and compelling retelling. But then, we start to veer off again, like Victor supposedly being abused by his cruel disciplinarian father. That’s not accurate at all. In Shelley’s book, Victor loves his family, father, brothers, wife, it’s a core theme of the gothic horror. And honestly, I have two major casting frustrations. First, Jacob Elordi as the Monster? I’m not sure why. I wasn’t convinced by him in Saltburn , and the thought of another English accent attempt… ugh. Second, Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein? He’s 46. Victor is at university when he creates the Monster, that’s key! Everything in Shelley’s novel is deliberate, it’s MARY SHELLEY. Victor is supposed to be bold, cocky, obsessive, curious, thinking he can create life because, well… he’s young and a child prodigy genius. A 22-year-old playing God? That’s sick.  Plus, his pampered, privileged upbringing contrasts perfectly with the Creature’s total isolation. A young, handsome, wealthy boy against a patchwork Monster made of dead bits. The image could not be more stark. But… I’ll give it a go.

This novel leans firmly into psychological thriller territory, and it spooked me in the best way. I found myself on edge, holding my breath as though even that could alter what was coming. That’s what I love in a book: the sense that not turning the page might be the only way to delay the dread of what’s coming. It’s a short read, an afternoon if you’re dedicated, but never lacking in detail, character, or context. From the first page, you’re dropped into a Stepford-like world of white picket fences, nuclear families, and the shining dream of 1960s America. Yet the perfection feels false, a veneer over something warped. What surprised me most was the dark satire threaded through the story. It made the narrator’s voice sharp and engaging, and the social critique all the more biting. Levin captures the unsettling dynamics of men and women in this period with eerie precision. Men are framed as the subject, women as the object, watched, owned, and diminished. Levin doesn’t need monsters; he exposes the everyday horror of the male gaze, societal control, and the suffocating expectations of “ideal” womanhood. It’s chillingly accurate, disturbingly funny, and disturbingly true.

Hello! This is my bi-weekly update on publishing. I hope you haven’t missed me too much, but here I am again with another catch-up for all you wonderful people who are dying to get into the industry just as much as I am. So, without further ado, here’s another segment of the blind leading the blind! I got rejected from another job application, right at the earliest stage, and two thoughts hit me straight away. First: thank goodness I actually heard back. I mean, it’s the bare minimum, but these days it feels like gold dust. At least I didn’t spend months waiting, only to eventually assume it was a quiet “no.” Secondly, and this is something I’m struggling with more than ever, if you’re lucky enough to get a clear rejection, the reason often doesn’t make sense. The main feedback tends to be: unfortunately, you don’t have the most relevant experience.  But here’s the contradiction: the job ad itself not only frames the role as entry-level, it often reassures applicants with lines like “No prior publishing experience necessary.”  And yet, clearly, it is. It sometimes feels like passion and persistence only take you so far. Those who get shortlisted usually have more direct experience, and of course they deserve to, but it highlights how tough it is for newcomers to actually get that first break. Sometimes I wonder if “entry-level” has taken on a different meaning. These roles often appear to require little or no prior experience, yet in practice the expectations can be much higher. It can feel disheartening: you begin with hope, only to realise that breaking into the very first stage of the industry is far more difficult than you can begin to imagine. Unfortunately, that’s the reality of publishing right now. After all, in this economy things are tough, everyone’s struggling, and landing a job feels like nothing but stress and a battle. It feels like everyone is forced to take roles below their skill set, and by the time it trickles down to the bottom, “entry level” no longer means what it did five or ten years ago. I don’t know, it’s just confusing. I need experience to get recognised, and while I have skills in literature and admin, it seems what really matters is direct publishing experience. But how do you get that without already having a job in publishing? I wouldn’t be applying if I did. So I keep chasing experience that edges closer to the industry without quite being there, and the cycle continues. Ah well. Better luck next time. And to all my lost bookworms, Stay Steadfast x

Welcome to your weekly roundup of all things books! We’re keeping it short and sweet, just five stories to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Think of this as your quick fix for staying connected to the book world. I) 2025 Booker Prize Shortlist: Four Penguin Random House Books in the Running Penguin has announced that four of their titles have made the Booker Prize shortlist! The winner, who will receive £50,000, is set to be revealed on 10 November. The shortlisted books and their authors are: Flashlight by Susan Choi - A girl survives a mysterious seaside tragedy that claims her father, leaving her and her mother to navigate grief, family secrets, and history’s unseen forces. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai - Two young Indians abroad, Sonia and Sunny, struggle with loneliness, love, and identity, while family pressures and history shape their paths. Audition by Katie Kitamura - A lunch between an actress and a younger man unravels into shifting narratives that question identity, relationships, and the hidden performances of everyday life. Flesh by David Szalay - István’s life unfolds from a troubled youth in Hungary to an immigrant’s uneasy path in London, tracing secrecy, trauma, and fleeting tenderness against the backdrop of a precarious, globalising Europe. The last two titles on the shortlist were published by other houses: The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits - Tom Layward sets off on a cross-country drive after leaving his daughter at college, confronting marital betrayal, career troubles, and ghosts of his past along the way. The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller   - In a snowbound 1962 English village, two neighbouring couples face isolation, unfulfilled desires, and hidden tensions that threaten to upend their lives. No debut novels made it to the shortlist this year, only established authors are in the running. Something that surprised me (and felt worth sharing) is that this year’s judging panel includes actor Sarah Jessica Parker, who also runs her own publishing imprint, SJP Lit. II) Emma Watson Reflects on Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, and Their Differing Views  Emma Watson, who has been out of the public eye for some time and is best known for her role as Hermione in the Harry Potter  films, recently appeared as a guest on the Jay Shetty Podcast . Many will remember the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s comments on trans rights, with Watson being one of several Potter stars who spoke out against Rowling’s views back in 2020. In the interview, however, Watson took a conciliatory stance, saying she still loves the Harry Potter  author and refuses to “cancel her out,” despite their public disagreement on gender identity. She added thoughtfully, “I just don’t want to say anything that continues to weaponise a really toxic debate and conversation, which is maybe why I don’t – well, it is why I don’t comment or continue to comment. Not because I don’t care about her or the issue, but because the way the conversation is being had feels really painful to me.” Watson doesn’t want Rowling’s disagreement with her, or their differing views, to overshadow or rewrite the positive experiences and creative moments they shared in the past. Rowling, in turn, appeared to respond indirectly, posting a message aimed at “anyone who may be regretting their very public sprint to the front of the mob and is now trying to discreetly shove their pitchfork out of sight.” While she didn’t mention Watson or anyone else by name, the message’s intention was clear. III) Penguin Wins: Trump Lawsuit Dismissed Last week, we discussed Donald Trump filing a lawsuit in Florida, accusing The New York Times  and four of its reporters of disparagement. Penguin Random House also found itself targeted. Now, this week, we have some updates. A federal judge has thrown out Donald Trump’s $15 billion lawsuit against Penguin Random House and The New York Times . He’d filed it earlier this week over defamation, but the judge called it “improper and impermissible in its present form.” Trump has certainly embarrassed himself. In his order, Judge Steven D. Merryday of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida dismissed the massive 85-page filing, describing it as “florid and enervating.” He added that if the President’s lawyers want to refile, they’ll need to do it “in a professional and dignified manner,” limiting it to 40 pages and using proper, concise legal language. This lawsuit was just Trump’s latest attempt to punish a book publisher for putting out constitutionally protected speech he doesn’t like. It’s not the first, and my guess is it won’t be the last. Still, it’s a win for free speech, and for literature and publishing as a whole. IV) British-Egyptian Writer and Activist Walks Free Following International Pressure Some more positive news: British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been released after six years in prison, where he had been jailed for sharing a Facebook post about the death of a fellow inmate. Egypt’s president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, granted his freedom following intense lobbying by the UK government and pressure from Egypt’s national human rights council. Professor Greste joined Abd el-Fattah’s mother in a hunger strike in London back in January to draw attention to his case. It wasn’t just lobbying behind the scenes, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly rang President Sisi three times to push for Abd el-Fattah’s release. Jonathan Powell, Starmer’s national security adviser, and former foreign secretary David Lammy also added their voices in support. Some observers suggest that a thaw in British-Egyptian relations, including cooperation on issues like Palestine, may have influenced Sisi’s decision. V) DK Launches Paper Sailor Imprint DK has unveiled a new lifestyle imprint, Paper Sailor, under the leadership of publisher Richard Atkinson. With more than 30 years in the publishing world, Atkinson brings extensive experience in illustrated books, cookbooks, and culinary titles. Paper Sailor is the second imprint for DK’s Life division, headed by publishing director Stephanie Jackson, following the launch of the adult-focused DK Red last year. The new imprint will mainly focus on food but will also explore craft, gardening, nature, and other visually striking genres, according to DK. “An imprint like Paper Sailor has been taking shape in my mind for some time, and I’m thrilled to have found the perfect home for it at DK,” Atkinson said. “At Paper Sailor, we plan to publish each title in its own perfectly distinctive way. We have the highest ambitions for the imprint, and can’t wait to send its first books out into the world.”

A fascinating book, deceptively simple, quick to read, yet layered with depth and mystery. It’s one where you can’t possibly catch every detail on the first pass; moments snag your attention before slipping away, echoing how the Lisbon girls drift past the group of boy narrators, no matter how closely they watch. The narration is striking: a collective “we,” a chorus of unnamed men looking back on their adolescence and the suicides of five sisters in suburban Michigan. Eugenides captures the horror of the American mundane, and the boys’ obsessive, fractured memory of the girls, who are never quite fixed in place. Crucially, they are not manic pixie dream figures. Eugenides makes it clear, the boys’ infatuation blinds them. We glimpse the sisters’ real, individual lives, but only briefly, before the boys’ gaze distorts them again. The novel is also a psychological horror, not from the outside world but within the Lisbon home itself, where the mind kills, and ordinary objects, overlooked by everyone else, carry a terrifying weight of death. Through the boys’ catalogued relics (“Exhibits #1 through #97”), we glimpse the sisters’ shared existence, full of sibling rhythms and fleeting normality. They were more than symbols, though the narrators never deserved to truly know them.

Welcome to your weekly roundup of all things books! We’re keeping it short and sweet, just five stories to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Think of this as your quick fix for staying connected to the book world. I) Keir Starmer urged to safeguard artists’ rights from AI as Trump visit looms Leading British artists and creative organisations, including Pan Macmillan, have called on Keir Starmer to defend creators’ rights and safeguard their work ahead of a UK–US tech deal, timed with Donald Trump’s highly publicised visit. While the visit has drawn attention for other reasons (Trump’s controversial past among them) the focus here is on what such a deal could mean for creatives, particularly within publishing. Among the signatories is Elton John, a leading voice in the fight for creative freedom. In their letter, the artists argue that Labour has failed to defend their basic rights by blocking efforts to require artificial intelligence firms to disclose which copyrighted materials have been used to train their systems. Senior figures from the US tech sector are joining the president on his state visit, during which a UK–US tech pact, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, is expected to be announced. Pan Macmillan’s CEO, Joanna Prior, has also signed the letter urging Keir Starmer to protect creatives’ rights over their own work. The letter was signed by a 70-strong group of organisations, industry experts, and creatives.  A UK government spokesperson said that concerns over copyright in the creative industries were being taken “seriously,” with a report on the potential impact of changes expected by the end of March next year. Until then, we’re left waiting, but it’s a worrying development. The truth is, creatives can rarely trust the government to have their best interests at heart; too often, they’re undermined or overlooked. I’m sure Keir and Trump enjoy a good book (bold of me to assume Trump can read), a film, a song, a play, or piece of art for their plush homes, but so long as it doesn’t affect them, the rest of us are left to deal with the consequences. II)   Trump Targets Media and Authors in High-Stakes Lawsuit Trump has certainly kept himself in the spotlight this week, but what's new. He filed a lawsuit in Florida accusing the New York Times and four of its reporters, Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, and Michael S. Schmidt, of disparagement. Penguin Random House wasn’t spared either; the publisher was dragged into the case for releasing Buettner and Craig’s book, Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success. Trump, of course, had already threatened to sue PRH over the very same book just last year. Pair this with the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show and the countless other lawsuits Trump has threatened, or tried to follow through on, to impose crushing legal costs and deter anyone from criticising him. It feels like we’re edging further, and perhaps already, into censorship. It’s reassuring to see publishers with integrity, like PRH, willing to stand up for what’s right, support their authors, and speak out against the proverbial big baby that is Trump. It will be interesting to see what unfolds next in America. III) Hobbit Day! It’s International Hobbit Day on 22nd September! That’s right, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ birthdays. Maybe it’s the perfect excuse for a LOTR movie marathon… though Monday makes that tricky if you have work. One movie will do, though. Or, if you’ve never read The Hobbit, now’s your chance, it’s the shortest of the lot at only 300 pages! Already know all the lore? Maybe a re-read is in order. Anyway, happy Hobbit Day to all the nerds out there, treat yourselves to a second breakfast while you’re at it! And in honour of the day, please watch one of the funniest celebrity interviews I’ve seen, with the beloved Elijah Wood. Absolute class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfhMILe8C84   IV) Curtis Brown Enters a New Chapter Elizabeth Harding has acquired the literary agency from co-owners Timothy and Ginger Knowlton. Timothy Knowlton, CEO of Curtis Brown, is expected to step down soon, with Elizabeth Harding, a children’s book agent and VP at the agency, set to take over. Timothy will remain as chairman emeritus to assist with the transition. Ginger Knowlton, Executive Vice President, will continue at Curtis Brown, representing her list of children’s writers and illustrators. Timothy Knowlton said: “Elizabeth's vision and expertise make her the ideal choice, and I know Curtis Brown will thrive with her at the helm. Curtis Brown is fortunate to have her.” V) Sally Rooney says she cannot enter UK in case of arrest The author has recently gained attention for her vocal support and aid to Palestine amid the ongoing conflict and genocide. Her actions have not been taken lightly by the British government, particularly because she has been donating money to a group that has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July, following an incident in which activists broke into an RAF base, causing £7 million in damage to two jets. As a result of her support for Palestine Action, she was unable to collect the Sky Arts Award for Literature in the UK for her novel Intermezzo , amid concerns that she might face arrest.

I’m still unsure how I feel about this book. As a romance, it’s well written, Cabot balances romance and sensuality with a plot that actually develops characters, which is rare in the genre. The first half hooked me with its strong pacing and immersive Victorian setting, especially through characters like Caroline and her suffragette friend, Emmy. Caroline herself is pleasant and relatable, though not particularly striking. My main issue was the love interest, Braden. He’s aggressive and controlling at times, and the blurred consent in their encounters made it hard for me to enjoy. While Cabot frames this as passion, in execution it didn’t work for me. That said, I understand it reflects the early 2000s mindset of romance fiction, where flawed men were often normalised. Despite these flaws, the book has strengths: it’s an easy, engaging read with believable characters, immersive world-building, and a storyline that feels grounded rather than purely trope-driven. If you can overlook some problematic elements, it’s enjoyable, especially in the first half.

I am speechless. I honestly don’t know what to say. One of the best pieces of writing I have read in a long time. Atwood narrates in a way that resonates deeply with women, articulating thoughts we often struggle to express and revealing the ways we study men, in the privacy of our thoughts. Her writing of entrapment was suffocating. The better the book the less I have to write about it it seems. The novel speaks for itself. ‘So there it was, out in the open: his wife didn't understand him. That's what I was there for then. The same old thing. It was too banal to be true.’

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finishing it faster than expected thanks to its excellent pacing. It follows Pat, recently released from a mental institution, as he navigates his complex relationship with time, mental health, and past trauma. Pat’s vulnerability and self-awareness, tempered with moments of delusion, make him a compelling and endearing character. The recurring motto, “Practice being kind rather than right,” highlights his gentle nature, especially in contrast to the harsh masculinity prevalent in the sports culture depicted. The novel sensitively explores mental health in men during the early 2000s, a time when openness was stigmatised. Pat’s evolving relationship with Tiffany, who shares his struggles, is tender and authentic, with moments of profound connection, such as a quiet scene during dance show preparations that conveys trust and vulnerability without sexual connotation. The book also challenges traditional notions of masculinity, showing gentleness, patience, and wisdom as strengths. My only critique is the therapist, whose fixation on Tiffany felt unrealistic and undermined discussions of Pat’s deeper issues. Overall, the novel offers a moving portrayal of love, mental health, and personal growth, making it both thought-provoking and deeply human.