The Process

The writing process should fall within one year so that momentum is not lost, but there is no fixed deadline. We roughly follow the academic year. A minimum of 1000 words is recommended and an upper limit of 6000 words is set.

In September

A first conversation with your Editor online or in person, to answer questions and establish your goals and wishes; correspondence with your Solicitor’s firm to confirm they would accommodate an addendum to your Will; signing of contracts to agree terms of publication, at which point, confidentiality is sealed.

The author receives an electronic copy of a handbook which serves as a creative prompt, with the option of being sent two novels which may prove useful.

By January

A first draft is ready, after a generous period for the development of ideas, whereby the author is welcome to discuss approaches and rough drafts over a period of four months. Attendance at fortnightly webinars and participation in book club groups with other authors is entirely optional.

During July

Developmental editing, copy editing, typesetting, proof-reading. Emails, telephone calls, zoom calls, a chat over coffee, depending what suits you.

Ready for August

A printed version and eBook are finalized and sent to your Solicitor with instructions for publication.

Your Will would then include your self-written obituary with its pre-purchased ISBN, and stamped addressed envelopes to a list of people who would receive it after your death, including the British Library Legal Deposit Department.

Image credit: Julie The Shaman, 2019, Collage - detail of the work, 90cm x 90cm