Ever wondered how it all began for an author? Well, Gemma Rogers is here to tell you a little bit more about her publishing journey! Read more below β¬οΈ
Where it startedβ¦
My brother and I used to write stories and illustrate them as children; we absolutely loved immersing ourselves in the worlds of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. We wrote about a kitchen wall clock called Horace who came alive at night and had adventures while the residents of the house slept.Β
My passion was discovered and in my teenage years I wrote fan fiction for my favourite movie βThe Crowβ but it wasnβt until 2016, at the age of thirty-seven, I finally drafted a whole novel.
Iβll never forget writing βThe Endβ on that first manuscript. I lived off that high for a long time. Having completed something that was over eighty thousand words, Iβd achieved my goal, even if no one read it. The fact Iβd got to the end made all the novels Iβd started before but never finished, worthwhile.
I tried to get an agent, sending out chapters, at the same time going on to write my next book now I had the writing bug. After a few kind rejections from agents, and sometimes no response at all, I tried to keep my spirits up. I kept writing and kept believing that someday Iβd be lucky.Β
It wasnβt until 2019 and word spread of a new publishing house launching, Boldwood Books, started by industry professionals with a wealth of experience. They advertised they were open for submission that I thought, why not, Iβve got nothing to lose.
They loved my first book, then called Hunter, and asked if I had any more up my sleeve. By then Iβd almost finished book three. I got the offer early one morning, not realising it had been in my inbox for a day! I was getting the kids ready for the school and dashed downstairs in the nude screaming at my husband, showing him the email, Iβd received.
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Hi Gemma,
I hope you’ve had a great day.
Thank you once again for submitting the brilliant HUNTER to us. As a team we have loved reading it and think you’d be a fantastic addition to our launch list. Caroline really enjoyed your chat earlier today, and would be so thrilled to be your editor at Boldwood.
As such, I am delighted to attach here an official offer for a 4-book deal with us.Β
Please take your time to read and consider and let me know if you have any questions. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions on the phone if you’d like to chat through this week.
I very much look forward to hearing from you, and hope we will soon be welcoming you to join us as part of Team Boldwood this year!
Very best wishes,
Nia
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Stalker was published in September 2019, one of the first on Boldwoodβs list when they launched and I consider myself incredibly lucky they chose me, in fact I still pinch myself.Β
Iβm now on my fourth contract with Boldwood Books. The Girlfriend will be my thirteenth title and Iβve sold over 600,000 domestic thrillers. I have another three to write and I always say Iβll keep writing as long as readers keep enjoying them. Iβm so grateful to have a loyal readership who are always eager for the next book. I love being an author, it really is my dream come true.Β
Gemma’s thirteenth book, The Girlfriend is out now, and you can get your copy here: https://mybook.to/TheGirlfriend