A sinister plot. A secret city in the sky. A boy with an impossible choice. My book has been in the world for five weeks now and I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has bought a copy. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?! It’s available from numerous places… Continue reading Toby and the Silver Blood Witches is in the world!
Blog posts
Cover reveal and first chapter
Thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed to my blog recently. In case you missed it on social media, my book for nine to twelve year olds comes out on 19th July. (I know some of you will be thinking, no I didn’t miss it, you are tweeting about it far too much… Continue reading Cover reveal and first chapter
How to Make Flash Fiction Stand Out
I discovered the exciting world of flash about two years ago. And before your minds wander, you dirty people, I’m talking about flash fiction. Flash pieces are typically 500 words or shorter, and there are numerous online magazines and competition which accept them. Flash is different to short stories, not only in length but with… Continue reading How to Make Flash Fiction Stand Out
So you’re wondering if you should go with a small press?
There are several different routes to get your book in print – self-publishing, small presses and (the holy grail) an agent and a large publisher. In April 2019, after a lot of deliberation, I signed with the small press March Hamilton for my debut middle grade novel TOBY AND THE SILVER BLOOD WITCHES. I’d had… Continue reading So you’re wondering if you should go with a small press?
Five Gold Rings
As the countdown to Christmas has begun, I thought I'd share a nice little short story with you all... Smoke billows over the garden. The neighbour’s patio door squeaks open. Nosy old bugger. I should have used acid. But where? The bathtub? Decomposition takes four days, according to my trusty sidekick, Google. What if Lu… Continue reading Five Gold Rings
Why the drive towards inclusivity in publishing is so important
Sally Doherty lives with her husband, Jack Russell Terror, three-legged Labrador and the fifth unwelcome member of their family - M.E. which keeps her tied to the house and often bed. She writes flash fiction and middle grade books. The publishing world is notoriously white, middle class, London-centric and able bodied. Fortunately, this is something… Continue reading Why the drive towards inclusivity in publishing is so important
WOWCON and Flash Fiction
Hello lovely people, Here's a little update on my writing. WOWCON Last weekend heralded the first ever WOWCON - an online writing conference run by WriteMentor. About six months ago, I had a little Twitter moan about lack of opportunities for writers who are housebound. To my amazement, the wonderful Stuart White (who manages WriteMentor)… Continue reading WOWCON and Flash Fiction
March Hamilton Open Submissions Window
I’m delighted to welcome Melissa Eveleigh, Director of March Hamilton, to my blog today. Based in south-west England, March Hamilton specialises in publishing children’s and young adult fiction. Melissa took over as Director in spring 2018 and was named as one of London Book Fair’s 30 under 30s Trailblazers 2019. During March Hamilton's open… Continue reading March Hamilton Open Submissions Window
Should you get your hopes up by a full request?
A year ago, I suddenly had four full manuscript requests on my middle grade novel. Before that, I’d received 18 form rejections. This was, however, a new draft. I was over the moon. I thought this was it. It wasn’t. All of them were turned down. Over the following year, after many more edits and… Continue reading Should you get your hopes up by a full request?
So you want to be a children’s author?
So you want to be a children's author? I hope you're in for the long haul. Buckle up tight. It's going to be a bumpy ride. You've finished your first draft and you're ready to start submitting to agents? Hang in there, Speedy Gonzales. You're going to need to edit, then edit some more. Did… Continue reading So you want to be a children’s author?
Sally Doherty Writes 