September Publishing is delighted to announce an indispensable guide to the craft of writing and the business of publishing by one of our most brilliant authors.

‘Making art for pleasure is a valid objective in itself. Writing for pleasure promotes articulacy, empathy, understanding, lateral thinking. It gives us insights into other lives; windows into other worlds. It allows us to harness our creative energy and gives us a sense of achievement. It’s cheaper than therapy. Also it’s fun. Fun is a worthwhile end in itself. And we tend to enjoy what we do well, and want to improve and build on our skills. I hope that this book will give you the chance to do just that, however far you choose to take it: whether you’re a complete beginner, or an experienced writer looking to take your writing to the next level.’

Using the Twitter hashtag #TenTweets, bestselling author Joanne Harris often shares bitesize chunks of practical advice and guidance on writing and finding readers. Based on these popular tweets, this expanded version of Ten Things is a highly readable collection of wisdom on creating and publishing your own books. Joanne Harris’s clear and encouraging style provides genuine insight and practical help that will be invaluable to any would-be writer. From Habits and Workspaces to Research and Plotting, Characterisation and Atmosphere to Beginnings and Endings, these are motivating, problem-solving lists of know-how from an experienced and widely respected writer. Uniquely, Ten Things About Writing also takes the reader beyond the stage of finished manuscripts and publishing decisions – into the territories of rights, publicity and marketing.

The ebook is out on 9 May, with a hardback to follow on 10 December 2020.

Joanne Harris says: ‘Lockdown has changed our landscape, and after many requests from writers for help and advice in this difficult time, I decided to launch this project Ten Things About Writing. I chose to go with a small press to show my support for a sector of the publishing industry that is under particular stress, and to bring out the book as an e-book at first, to enable those who need it most to access it immediately. It will come out later this year as a hardback, with some added material, including illustrations from master punster Moose Allain, whose cartoons on all aspects of the creator’s life have never failed to made me smile.’ You can read more from Joanne here.

Hannah MacDonald, publisher, says: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to have an author of Joanne Harris’ established success and influence on September’s list. We are thrilled to be publishing her treasure trove of motivating advice and creative wisdom for aspiring writers. Many ‘How To Write’ books tend to be practical but uninspiring, whilst essays on an author’s craft aren’t always helpful. By contrast Joanne’s book is genuinely helpful on writing and the publishing industry ‒ and also very funny.’

For ebook links or to preorder the hardback go to Ten Things About Writing.