Paperback arrival!

Very exciting news here today! I've just received the paperback copy of my novel # 3 - THE YEAR OF NO RULES. It's so lovely to see it in print! 

Please check out my short video below. 

And do please pre-order a copy! The pre-order copy is super cheap! Here's the link: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0743BFMPV/ref=sr_1_1?tag=geolinker-21&ie=UTF8

A Day in the Life... of a Book Review Editor!

Writers - ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a book review website?

Readers - ever wondered if you could manage to get free books in return for writing a review?

Today I chat to the Editor of the 'Judging Covers' website to find out what really goes on in the world of book reviews!

Nikki, thanks so much for joining me today!

When did you decide to set up a review blog and what were your motives for doing so?

I'm a freelance writer and had been toying with the idea of starting an online magazine, but I couldn't come up with an idea that I really loved. One day I finished reading a book and I immediately wanted to chat to the nearest person about it - and it struck me that a book review site could be the answer!

There are some incredible book review blogs for women out there, but most tend to focus on chick lit and women's fiction - which I love, but I also read other genres too, and there seemed to be a gap in the market for a women's book blog that covered a bit of everything.  I didn't want the blog to be restricted to just my opinions, so I talked to a few friends who were all really keen to get involved and help the site offer a wider range of tastes. And so, Judging Covers was born!

* Judging Covers was born! * 

How would you have rated your computer skills beforehand? I'm not the most tech-savvy person & I know I can get quite frustrated with my blog at times!

I've always been quite good at computers and I've had a few blogs in the past, so over the years I suppose I've picked up enough knowledge to make things run smoothly and look relatively presentable! I couldn't create a website from scratch, but I have enough experience with Wordpress to edit the templates and make it all look nice. I did a bit of graphic design and basic web design on my degree, but I'm pretty much self-taught... trial and error!  

How did you go about approaching publishers for free books? Was it difficult to drum up support initially?

I actually didn't approach anyone - the original team just started reviewing books they'd bought, and after a few weeks I started to get emails asking if we'd be interested in receiving review copies, presumably as more people stumbled across the site.  Free stuff was never the intention, so it's all happened quite organically.  We do get offered a lot of books now (too many!) but there wasn't anything I did to make that happen.  The majority of reviews at the site are still of books that we bought ourselves.

If a reader would like to review for Judging Covers, do they need to have a lot of writing experience?

Not necessarily, but I suppose you need to have a natural talent for writing. I've always wanted to provide a really high standard of reviews, and our team includes professional journalists, copywriters and authors, as well as students and bloggers. I always ask for an example of writing from people before they join the team, so I know that standards will remain high - but I'm happy to support aspiring reviewers too. Everyone starts somewhere.

* Judging Covers - Meet the team! * 

Are reviewers expected to review a certain number of books per month or is it flexible? Do they have to review every single book they are sent?

I'm really flexible when it comes to the amount that people contribute. I don't think I can demand anything from people when they're not paid for their efforts, so I don't put pressure on reviewers to meet deadlines or targets. It's supposed to be fun! There's a huge variation in the amount that people contribute, but I'm happy with that as long as we continue to post great content. I will also accept one-off reviews from people if they're not really interested in an ongoing commitment, but would like to share their thoughts on a particular novel they've read.

We have a system in place where the team can request the books that they'd like to review from a list, so nobody receives a book that they have no interest in reading. It's nice if they do review all the books that they're sent, but I never chase them up - I know sometimes I simply don't have time to read everything I want to, so I wouldn't nag people!

*Want to review for Judging Covers?* 

With regard to setting up the blog, tell me about the best experience so far?

We were shortlisted for a Cosmopolitan Blog Award in 2011, which was amazing. We had only launched in January 2011 so hadn't been around very long, but two of our reviewers were able to attend a very glam awards party in London.  We didn't win, but the recognition was fantastic. I've also had emails from some of my favourite authors saying how great the site is, which means a lot.

What has been the most challenging aspect so far?

We've had a few instances where reviewers may have upset an author by a negative review, but that's kind of the point of reviewing. If we only posted positive reviews, people wouldn't trust our opinions. Sometimes you do read a book that didn't work for you, but it doesn't mean that everyone will hate it or that the author isn't talented; it just means that it wasn't your cup of tea, and I believe reviewers are well within their rights to say that.

I see you are also involved in another website "Twelve52" - tell us a little about that?

Twelve52 is a digital magazine that is run by one of my good friends, Joy. I contribute a monthly book column, which includes interviews, mini-reviews, features and opinions on book-related topics. I always wanted Judging Covers to be strictly a review resource (we don't post any interviews or book news) so my Twelve52 column features all the fun stuff that I can't post at JC! The Judging Covers review team often contribute quotes or opinions to the Twelve52 features, which is a nice little extra.   


Wow! That was fascinating! I really enjoyed getting inside the head of a review editor! I hope some of you readers will consider approaching Nikki and writing some reviews for her. I have reviewed for Judging Covers for some time before getting my publishing contract. I know it really helped to boost my writing confidence. Reviewing books also helps you to read more and read differently. You'll learn much more about characterisation, pace and plot.

Thanks for joining me Nikki! :o) 

A Day in the Life ... of a Publisher!

To start off my "Day in the Life" series, I'm lucky enough to follow Editor and Publisher - Crooked Cat! 

Mister Crooked Cat is the big chief in charge of a new, fast-growing publishing company. He is sitting by my fireside, eating tuna, drinking milk and answering my many questions. Please note, he's quite a character! Enjoy x

Mister Cat, can you tell me what happened on the day you decided to set up your own publishing company? Was it a sudden "Aha! This is what I want to do" moment, or was it a long process where you had been mulling over the idea for months?

You know, the life of a cat can be very tiring. One moment you're sitting by the fire, taking in forty winks, dreaming of that next delicious piece of salmon, waiting for Christmas. And the next you're in charge of a brilliantly original publishing company. I could barely get my paws under the desk before people were asking me to read this, and publish that. 

My owner wrote a story a few years ago, you see, and she saw it accepted and published by one of the better known companies on the circuit. She had completed her second novel when the thought occurred to her to bypass the middle man, and use the experience she had gained in writing and editing, to begin her own publishing company. With yours truly as Managing Director, no less. How lucky for them. But then I always knew I was a natural born leader. I have finesse, you see.

Things started to fall into place quite quickly which, of course, I knew they would. But even I didn't realise that we would be as big and popular as we are. We have over twenty authors, and more around the corner. The life of a cat can be very tiring indeed. Which is why I let my owner get on with things. Whilst I dream of salmon, and Christmas.

*This is where I hang out with the cat!*

How did you find your first writer? Was it an exciting (or scary!) moment when they signed their publishing contract?

Of course it was exciting! I found out later on that I very nearly woke up when my owner told me the author T A Belshaw had signed to us, at the end of 2011. I don't recall the exact circumstance - whether we found him, or whether he found us. But I'm sure that there was catnip involved. And perhaps some fish.

You started off as an e-publisher. Then recently you were able to provide a paperback option via print on demand / Amazon. Did you start off hoping to publish on paperback or how did this development come about?

Isn't paper lovely? I use paper for many different things, preferably scrunched into a ball, although seldom for reading from. I'm told that ePublishing is seen as a step down by many people - that reading an eBook is rather akin to eating the supermarket's own catfood, rather than spending a bit more and taking sustenance from an expensive brand. What nonsense! My owners would tell you that many of the best and most original stories are published as ebooks, by ePublishers, because they recognise good quality when they see it first. And they want people to be able to read it straight away, without having to wait for that scary postman. But some postmen aren't scary and, with that in mind, some of our lovely eBooks are available for you to read on paper, in the toilet. Or wherever you may personally choose to read them. I promise that we will continue to produce more paperbacks for more of you to read.

As well as buying Crooked Cat books on Amazon, readers can now purchase books via the Crooked Cat online bookstore. Can you tell us how this came about and what benefits readers can expect from using the specialized store? 

YAAAAAWWWWWNNN. Pardon? Oh. I suppose so. Mr and Mrs Amazon are lovely, but they can sometimes be a bit big and a bit scary. At least to me. But they don't mean to be. So, whilst I was having a snooze one day, my owner made a bookstore for lovely people to buy our eBooks from. It has a cozy, local bookshop sort of feel to it, the smell of coffee, and with nice big cushions - all that stuff. And when you buy something from the store you get a little personal 'thank you' email from me. And you get lots of points that you can use to buy something else in the store. And you get to make our authors really happy and smiley, as they don't have to share with a third party. 'Cause no-one likes a sad author. And, well basically, who doesn't like a cozy, local bookstore?

 *The cozy, local bookstore!* 

So much going on in such a short space of time! Did you expect things to spiral so quickly?

Spiral? I'm a cat, of course not. It has been very quick, though, and I'm beginning to miss out on naps.

So what's it like in the day of publisher/ editor? Talk us through a typical day!

I wake up. I eat. I go...you know. I go back to sleep.

And sometimes I read things that people have sent in, respond to them, or I mull over a story. Editing is a slow process - the purrfect speed for me. I'm also good with pictures - the darker the better. And then I'll tap away at my little keyboard (actually my owner does, but don't tell her) and do emails and promote our kitties.

But mostly I'll just sleep.

*Are you on Facebook?* 

When reading submissions, is there anything in particular you are looking for? Any advice for budding writers as to how to hone their submission? 

Include fish, ideally. If not, then some little biscuits work.

If you don't have any of those (and, frankly, who doesn't?!?), then prepare to dazzle me with your talent. Like, spell your worms right, and make sure that your sentence sense make. Does it? Get someone who isn't a blood relation to read it - and get them to say it is brilliant. Be original. You know, normal stuff.

*Are you a writer? Check out Submission guidelines here!*

Are there any particular genres you are looking for at the moment?

Dark things. Spooky things. Murdery things like a cornered mouse…but also fluffy, light things. Depends on my mood. I'm a cat. That doesn't mean I'll like it, though, you understand. They don't call me 'crooked' for nothing.

What has been the most challenging aspect to date?

Waking up early. In fact, just waking up.

What has been the most satisfying?

I'm happy in the knowledge that writers find a home with me, and that their lovely stories are being read by lots of lovely strangers across the globe.

That, and more salmon.

Lastly, tell us a little about the 'Fear' anthology and your decision to donate all proceeds to charity?

I know how to make you scared. LOOK - funny face!! %/)

Oh. Made of harder stuff, are you? Well, what about my FEAR Anthology, which comes out on October 3rd? I've gathered together sixty of the best indie writers from across the world (this one) and forced them to sit in a room together to write a story each. Then I forced two bestselling international authors (I'm not telling you who), Sherri Browning Erwin and Peter James (grr!), to write the forewords, and then I said that we would give all the royalties from it to two charities - Barnardo's and Medicines sans Frontieres. And they all believed me!

And then I told them that, for more information, they should take themselves off to http://www.facebook.com/fearanthology - and they did.

Tisk. Humans.

I'm going to bed.

 *Are you on Twitter?* 

Well!! That was ..... interesting! Told you he was a character, didn't I?! Join me tomorrow as I follow another big-wig around! x x 

Paperback Writer!

Exciting news! After years of dreaming, hoping, visualising, it's here! My book has arrived - in brand new shiny paperback version. Have a look:

Isn't she lovely? My publisher kindly sent me a copy last week, which was a complete surprise to me. The security man held out an Amazon package and said, "Here, you have mail." I thought "Uh oh, I've been click-happy again - I really need to stop browsing on Amazon so much." But then I opened the package and it was MY BOOK staring back at me! I almost wanted to run back to him and say, "Look! Look, it's my book!" But I didn't, thankfully. I acted cool.

I did however, set it on the coffee table. I admired it, picked it up again, flicked through it - I did even *SMELL* the pages. I always wondered about people who said they liked the smell of a paperback. Yet here I was, SMELLING it. Such a joy to see my own words jumping out at me. I never tire of this. I should be cool by now, but really I still get excited about the fact that this has finally happened. I shall be eternally grateful.

Now, wait 'til you see this - this is the paperback cover for 'How to Look Like You'. How cool is this?!

I absolutely love the back cover! Crooked Cat designed these fab pictures of main characters Ella and Chloe. I think they look great! I'm so excited to be publishing such a fun, modern, fresh book!

I'm also delighted that the link on Amazon shows that the books are delivered with FREE postage and packaging. This makes me happy!

Whilst we're on the subject of paperbacks, let's chat about the kindle. Are you a kindle reader or a paperback reader?

I was lucky enough to receive a kindle for Christmas last year. I'll admit, it took me about 6 weeks to get the hang of it - I'm not the most tech-savvy person in the world.

However, once I did get the hang of it, I *loved* it. Here are all the things I love about my kindle:

1. I have a lovely pink case for it.

2. It slides into my handbag and it means I can carry lots of 'books' around with me.

3. I can read samples on it before I decide I definitely want to buy the book.

4. The moment I click 'buy' on Amazon, it magically appears on my kindle.

My name is Rose and I am a kindle convert. 

However, as I mentioned at the start of this post, I was OVER-JOYED when my publisher kindly sent me a copy of my first novel on paperback.  

I did SMELL it, I flicked through the pages and my own words jumped out at me. It did indeed, feel like a PROPER BOOK.

It is now sitting proudly on my coffee table at home. I look at it and think 'ooh look, I have written a book!' (It might sink in one day?)

So what is it for you? Kindle or paperback? 

To purchase 'The Break-up Test' on paperback, have a look here.

'How To Look Like You' is available on paperback on Friday 5 October. 

Thank you :o)

Rose McClelland - Published Author!

Hello there! Just wanted to write a follow up on my last post:  

It has only been five weeks since then and yet it feels like much longer (in a good way!)

It’s good for me to ‘check-in’ on what’s been happening, so that I can look back one day and say, ‘oh yeah, I remember that, that was so cool’.

So here goes.

Release day – 6 April – A text from my sister Ruth woke me up at 6.30am –

“I bought it! I bought it!”

I sprang out of bed and was on my laptop before I could say “Coffee”.
Loads of lovely messages were coming in from my friends on Facebook telling me that they had bought the book.

By lunchtime I was receiving an email from my publisher saying that the book was showing early signs of reaching the Top 100 in Women’s fiction.  Over the moon, I trotted off to Café Vaudeville to meet friends Laura and Lisa for a celebratory lunch.  By the time we had finished lunch, the book was sitting at number 45! It was fantastic.

That evening I went out for the night with friends and halfway through the evening checked my phone to discover it was now at number 35! Okay, I won’t lie, I was checking my phone constantly. I can now see why people can end up with a gambling addiction – the adrenalin of checking one’s ratings is quite a buzz.

Anyway, here’s a summary of all the lovely reviews and articles that have taken place in just five weeks.  I feel very grateful indeed!

LONDONDERRY SENTINEL: here

BELFAST TELEGRAPH: here

REA BOOK REVIEWS: here

PAGE BOOKSHELF CENTRAL: here

DERRY JOURNAL: here

CHICK-LIT CENTRAL: here

CHICK LIT PLUS here

TRASHIONISTA here and here

HELLO YOU - YASMIN SELENA BLOG: here

MICHELLE BETHAM BLOG: here

My book has also received gorgeous reviews on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon Worldwide.
You can check the reviews out here:
and for US/ Worldwide here:

The book is at a discounted this weekend as part of a Crooked Cat May sale so grab it while you can!

To finish, I am going to tell you about the Sunday World article.  This was a lovely full page article (except for a panel of advertising along the side) on my book. I have not posted this article before because, being the usual self-critical person that I am, I was unsure about the photo.  Let me tell you about this photo-shoot.  The lovely Eavan Murray of the Sunday World phoned me and said, “Oh hi Rose, any chance you can be at the Belfast Telegraph in ten minutes to get your photo taken?” Knowing that one has to grab an opportunity when it arises, I legged it down Royal Avenue, in the pouring rain, worrying about the frizz issue with my hair and the fact that I’d had no time to fix my make-up.  It’ll be grand, I thought. They’ll give me ten minutes to sort my hair out.

No.
The photographer was waiting around the side entrance of The Belfast Telegraph.  He was all smiles and very encouraging about my book. But he was also a pro and didn’t waste too much time hanging around. “Dump your bags there and we’ll take a few quick pics”.

“But what about my make-up?” I asked, in a helpless little voice.
“You’re grand!”

So he had me leaning against walls, jumping over puddles and doing all sorts of poses *without my full slap on*.  This is incredible as normally I don’t even make it to the corner shop without the full face painted! And there, in full glory to all and sundry of Belfast, a humongous photo was sprawled across the page.

However, I am not blaming the photographer – the camera never lies and all that malarkey, and he could only work with what was presented to him, so no, I am not blaming him at all.

Also their choice of photo blended in quite well with the lovely optimistic inspirational article that Eavan kindly wrote.

So I AM GOING TO BE BRAVE AND POST THE PHOTO TO SHOW YOU ALL.

Because, let’s face it, it’s not every day you get your bake in the Sunday newspaper.

Oh, and because of the article, all the lovely Northern Irish people went online and bought the book, pushing the ratings back up into the Top 100  :o)

Oh my goodness! I forgot to tell you the BIGGEST news of all!

My SECOND novel has now also been approved for publication!

Crooked Cat will release "How To Look Like You" on 5th July 2012.

Here's the blurb!

How To Look Like You

Have you ever had a frenemy? Someone you smile at sweetly but secretly you are filled with jealousy? Meet Chloe and Ella.

While Chloe sees herself as dowdy, quiet and going nowhere, Ella is brimming with talents: acting, singing, and outward-sitting, bronzed boobs.

Yet, Ella envies Chloe’s steady relationship with Aidan, her stick-thin figure and her perfectly poised style. As a result, Ella feels overweight, over-single and over-the-hill.

As Ella begins to work alongside Aidan, she develops feelings she shouldn’t have. When he invites her to join his band, it’s no surprise Chloe reacts by slamming the door off the handle.

Then Chloe begins a strategy of her own: Operation Simon. If she starts to go out more often with the bloke from work, surely Aidan would take notice?

Will Aidan smell Simon’s advances? Will Chloe and Aidan’s shared plans go ahead?

Will Ella become a friend or an enemy?

Find out How To Look Like YOU.

So does this mean I'm a Published Author?!

Right, hang on a minute, let me just check something… I have written a book – check. It is sitting on Amazon – check.  It is published by Crooked {Cat} – check. I have an Amazon Author page – check. I even have a Goodreads author page! I guess I must be a published author – right?

Hold on a minute while I just look around me, pinch myself until I’m purple and make sure it’s really true.

I must be, mustn’t I?

This should be the dream sequence, with the full blown orchestra and me sitting on cloud nine, but I’ve just pinched myself, and it’s still me. I’m just the same, but different.

I am going to let you into a secret. I have wanted to be a published author for a long time. I don’t know where the dream came from, or the desire, or the inclination. I just wanted to.  And I’m going to let you into an even bigger secret here when I tell you that I used to write the words ‘published author’ in big swirly letters, as though to visualise it happening.

I’m also going to tell you another secret. I told myself that if I ever became a published author, I would play the ‘hallelujah’ song over and over, and that is exactly what I’m doing while I write this blog.

Why am I writing all this? Well because I know the type of me. I know that in a week’s time, or a month’s time, I’ll be off worrying about something else, and sometimes it’s important to sit down and enjoy something: enjoy the moment.

I’m pretty sure that I’ll find something to stress myself out about in the future, like reviews or ratings or whether someone looked at me the wrong way sideways, so just for today, I’m going to lap it up.  I did have a well-meaning friend tell me not to get too ecstatic – I know she was trying to help, but sometimes I think it’s important to really enjoy the milestones.  And this is a milestone.

If I told you that it took me about six years to get here (longer?) and that I have had many times where I had to pick myself up and dust myself off (many, many times) and about the times when I just thought, 'this isn’t going to happen for me, but I’ll just write for enjoyment,' then I would probably be here all day. So what I will say is; it’s a long time coming.

So here’s what I’m going to do today to celebrate: I’m going to go and meet a few friends for lunch. I’m going to treat myself to a new outfit. I’m going to have a nice bath and pamper. I’m going to meet friends for dinner. And later we’re heading on to meet more friends. Later tonight I’m a looking after a little puppy for my friend! And tomorrow night is the Titanic Light show! How very, very kind and thoughtful of them to put on a nice spectacle for me.  I have some people coming over to my apartment and we are going to watch the pretty lights. And that’s that! Good celebrations huh?

When you harbour a dream to have a book published, you are also swamped by a whole lot of fears. The ‘what if’s’.  What if my ex reads it and thinks he recognises himself? What if a family member reads it and finds it a bit too graphic? What if some of the scenes are a bit cringe-tastic and it makes me look really stupid?

It’s funny, really, those fears have melted away and they don’t seem so important anymore.

But, before time wears on, and I start worrying about something else or another, I thought I’d take a moment to sit and cherish the things that have been super-cool so far about the published author thing.

1. Meeting complete strangers on facebook – people who have seen my release date and have pressed ‘attend’, even though I don’t know them from Adam.  Having new friends on my facebook.
2. Meeting fellow Crooked Cat authors.
3. Meeting other writers on Facebook and Twitter.
4. Working with “my publisher” who is very cool and helpful.
5. Getting an email with my ISBN number on it.
6. Having an “Amazon author” page.
7. Having a “Goodreads author” page.
8. Being on the list of “our authors” on the Crooked Cat website.
9. Having my book actually being READ instead of hiding in a bottom drawer!
10. Having people say, “Haha! I really identified with that character! That made me laugh!”  

For me, it really is a Good Friday :o)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-McClelland/e/B007RB84KI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

http://crookedcatpublishing.com/our-authors/rose-mcclelland

Break up Test

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Break-Up-Test-ebook/dp/B007QVI28I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333724632&sr=1-1