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‘On every single page of this book there is a nugget that someone will enjoy’

‘Do you know, on every single page of this book there is a nugget that someone will enjoy’

Jane Garvey on Rock Pool

Heather Buttivant was fantastic on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour this morning, talking about incredible sea creatures such as cannibalistic crabs and the long appendages of barnacles.
Listen again at 34.08.

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September Publishing buys The Guide to Black London

Steve I. Martin and Michael Ohajuru’s guide to discovering the city’s Afro-Caribbean history is out in 2022 September Publishing has bought the world rights in all languages to the first comprehensive guide to London’s Afro-Caribbean history. The Guide to Black London: Discovering the City’s Afro-Caribbean History by S. I. Martin and Michael Ohajuru was bought from Charlie Viney at the Viney Agency, and the book will be out in 2022.

The book is an illustrated guide to the impact of Black people on London’s politics, culture and self-image, offering area-by-area insights and peeling back the layers of the city through borough maps. Africans first appeared in London during the Roman occupation and Black People have been a ‘visible and continuous presence’ since the middle of the 16th century.

The Guide to Black London reveals the ‘networks of statesmen, writers, entrepreneurs, sportspeople, doctors, revolutionaries and others from all facets of life, who changed the history of the city and the world’, from the first Africans in Roman London up to the descendants of the Windrush Generation.

Martin and Ohajuru said: ‘Together we have over two decades of leading Black History tours in London. The most frequently asked question we have both found to be is: “Where is Black London?” The question could come from an African-American tourist, a white British academic or sometimes even a Black Londoner. The answer was always the same: “Black London is everywhere!” The Guide to Black London is our written response to enable that tourist, that academic and that Black Londoner to find that Black London is close at hand. Whether in the form of a venue for a celebrated entertainer, a meeting place for African or Caribbean independence movements or the home of a renowned writer or future head of state. The Guide to Black London reveals the impact, longevity and variety of the Black presence across the nation’s capital.’

Hannah MacDonald at September said: ‘We are delighted to be publishing this book in 2022. It is a massive undertaking – historical records for Afro-Caribbean women in particular are scant – and the recent closure of archives and libraries has slowed research. Even though this book is urgently needed, we are giving the authors time to uncover as much as possible. The combination of Michael’s work with the National Gallery and his expertise in Black subjects within art history with Steve’s guiding and writing on the history of Black lives in London will ensure a true picture of the city is painted, one that shows what a broad, diverse and inspiring place London is.’

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Joanne Harris’s Ten Things About Writing

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.