Author Spotlight: Hannah Begbie

One of the joys of editing is working with talented writers and watching them flourish. The Book Edit is extremely proud to have worked with some fabulous authors and to have played a part in their journeys. As The Book Edit Writers’ Prize gets underway, we want to draw attention to some of the writers we have worked with as inspiration for those eager to follow in their footsteps and Hannah Begbie is the first of our award-winning novelists to take the spotlight.

Portrait of author Hannah Begbie

Author of Mother, 2018, winner of the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award, and Blurred Lines, 2020, both Harper Collins, Hannah Begbie’s work is sharp, compelling and relevant. A writer who is definitely one-to-watch, The Book Edit was delighted to work with Hannah as her writing journey first took flight.

As Hannah puts it, ‘In those uncertain months before securing an agent and then publisher, Emily’s work as editor on my manuscript was crucial. Her notes were always perceptive and challenging but framed with real encouragement and support. I was lucky to have someone so talented helping me take my story forward: Emily deserves real credit for the fact that it’s being published.’    

Currently writing her third novel, Hannah’s first two have been met with huge critical acclaim. Mother examines the complexities of motherhood with the additional difficulty of having a child with cystic fibrosis and Blurred Lines tackles the film industry’s darker truths, fast becoming a classic of the #metoo era (Read our review of Blurred Lines here). Exacting and fearless, Hannah’s work is both searing and filled with human warmth. If you haven’t read her yet, you are in for a treat. The Book Edit couldn’t be more proud to have supported Hannah at the early stages of her career.

For a chance to share your work with the industry and follow in Hannah Begbie’s footsteps, enter The Book Edit Writers Prize. Aimed at supporting talented writers who might not otherwise have access to the industry, the prize is open to unpublished novelists from communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in British publishing. Enter before midnight on 22 October 2021. And don’t forget to look out for our next author spotlight.

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How to manage your time to be more creative

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Many of us would like to be more creative in our lives. But how do we find the time? Acclaimed author and Book Edit associate editor Emma Claire Sweeney is leading an intensive one-day workshop on managing your time at City, University of London this month, drawing on the lessons she has learned as a professional writer and self-employed creative. Areas looked up will include how harness inspiration, carve out time, intensify productivity, build stamina and develop resilience. By clarifying your creativity goals and identifying habits that help and hinder, you’ll devise blueprints for commencing, continuing and completing creative projects to challenging yet achievable deadlines. Highly recommended for all those dreamers and procrastinators out there!