I have seen the first cover draft for THE DUNGEON BOOK (as told by Cornelius the skull) by @mytholder.bsky.social , which Orbit will publish in 2026. Looking good!

Recently publlished, the first of a brand new series by Chaz Brenchley. Read a review by KJ Charles here: www.goodreads.com/re... And then order: wizardstowerpress.co...

I've been watching Howard Goodall's Story of Music on YouTube over the last few evenings. Terrific. Clear, witty and fascinating. It sent me off to listen to more Liszt...

Zoom q&a with a writing group this evening. I always enjoy doing that!

Science says eat more pie: 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/whic...

The lead up to Christmas is quickly becoming the busiest time of 2025...

Ham sammich for lunch. Pausing for half an hour to rest the eyes (at the computer since 7.30), before getting back to work and turning emails on again!

It'll be time to watch the first episode of THE BOX OF DELIGHTS on DVD tonight. As every year, one episode a week, ending on Christmas Eve... m.imdb.com/title/tt0086...

Diary and workload sorted through to Christmas, basically. Though Unexpected Stuff will happen, of course!

Sometimes you think. I am so grateful to have made a life from doing something I love for quite a few years, and watching more and more agents and publishers getting involved in SFF publishing. En avant! Xxxx

Sent editorial notes on Mia Dalia's brilliant icy cosmic horror novel PERFORATED SKY back to the author this morning. Looking forward to submitting it to major publishers on both sides of the Atlantic...

Stopped for lunch, and downloading books to the kindle to read over the Christmas/New Year break. Authors so far include Mike Carey, T Kingfisher, Adam Roberts and Jo Walton. At least one non-fiction title to be added.

Lots of editing today, as well as The Usual. And Sibelius ' music in the background...

My next convention will be Eastercon 2026 (eastercon2026.org) where I hope to have more time to actually sit and talk to chums than I did at World Fantasycon!

It's officially launch day for Blood In The Bricks! It's folk horror, but right here in our towns and cities, written by some of my absolute favourite contemporary writers. Get it now (or They'll pay you a visit). www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.as...

The music of Borodin plays quietly in the background as I work at the computer...

Life goals...

Anyone who works/writes from home, as I have for over 20 years, may find a daily schedule useful...

Lotsa reading on the kindle this evening...

This postcard I wrote to a young reader, Sasha Stephenson, was returned to me, as she no longer lives at the address she gave me. Please help me to get it to her if you can!

From @jeremyszal.bsky.social ...do preorder this outstanding SF novel, which completes his remarkable debut serues!

I considered starting a podcast previously, but time to do it properly was a factor. Over the past month, six people have suggested I should do it, as I approach 40 years working in publishing. It may be an idea whose time has come.

Preparing for today's first meeting at @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social !

I've already seen many, many chums! En avant!!! @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social

Off to Brighton and World Fantasycon soon. The meetings with authors and publishers start this afternoon!

I'll be cheering on old friend and agency client @ramseycampbell.bsky.social , Horror Laureate, at the World Fantasy Convention in Brighton this weekend! worldfantasy2025.co.uk/horror-laure...

A couple of positive comments from publishers about submissions they have started reading, this week. We'll see...

More reviews...

Congratulations to @neilwilliamson.bsky.social and Newcon Press on a new novella deal! www.johnjarrold.co.uk/news/1873/ne...

"I will read anything Chaz Brenchley writes. His prose is melted butter with tarragon, and his characters and worldbuilding equally delicious. Open this book to any page, and you will find something to delight you." - Ellen Kushner on Of the Emperor's Kindness wizardstowerpress.co...

Checking out new publishing possibilities for several agency clients...en avant!

Here is the second terrific SF series opener by an agency client - STORMBLOOD by @jeremyszal.bsky.social . The third and final book in the series, WOLFSKIN, will be published in March 2026. This shows as out of stock on the Gollancz website, but it's available. store.gollancz.co.uk/products/sto...

A couple of days ago I recommended two fantasy series openers from agency clients. today, it's two wonderful SF series openers from clients. First THE QUANTUM THIEF by Hannu Rajaniemi . Which missed out of the Best Novel Hugo shortlist by one vote! store.gollancz.co.uk/products/the...

Looking forward to various book launches and publishers' bashes at @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social including @wtpress.bsky.social at 3pm on Saturday November 1 and NewCon Press at 6pm on Friday October 31!

The second highly recommended epic fantasy series by an agency client, Lands of the Firstborn by @mytholder.bsky.social , which opens with THE SWORD DEFIANT: www.orbit-books.co.uk/titles/garet...

If you want to scratch that epic fantasy itch, I'm going to recommend two very different but equally outstanding complete series by agency clients. First, the Legacy trilogy by @thetowerofstars.bsky.social , opening with LEGACY OF ASH: www.orbit-books.co.uk/titles/matth...

Not taking part in any panels at World Fantasy Convention, happily, but I'll be there! Meetings with authors and publishers, attending book launches, etc! And doubtless running into old chums. The Metropole knows us well, having been the venue for SF and Fantasy conventions since 1979...

I'm really proud to welcome Mia Dalia to the agency! www.johnjarrold.co.uk/news/1870/pr...

At 10pm tonight on BBC4...probably the best long interview (almost three hours, in two parts) about cinema, and other matters, I've ever seen, from 1982. The inimitable Orson Welles. I remember watching and loving this when it was first shown in the Arena arts strand. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...

@chazbrenchley.bsky.social !!!

A general thought for new novelists: it's always worth checking an individual agent's submission guidelines on their website before submitting.

I've just received early copies of WYRDWOOD by @curtisjobling.bsky.social being published by Fox and Ink Books on October 3rd. A great story, suitable for 11+ children. foxandinkbooks.com/book/wyrdwood/

Looking forward to World Fantasy Convention next month!

I'm truly delighted to share this news of a new publishing deal for @mytholder.bsky.social ! www.orbit-books.co.uk/orbit-books-...

Back home from holiday at 2am. Starting to go through emails and the diary to-do list. I have a couple of personal matters to attend to today, too, so apologies in advance for any delays...

As mentioned previously, I'm starting my regular re-read of LotR while I'm away on holiday this week. I also have three new novels delivered by agency clients on the kindle, so I won't be lost for reading!!!

If you're an Audible member, THE SWORD DEFIANT, the audibook of the first volume of the brilliant LANDS OF THE FIRSTBORN fantasy trilogy by @mytholder.bsky.social , is available for £3.99 from today until September 19...go for it!

Reading an outstanding agency submission. That is always a joy! And it doesn't happen often.

Some interesting Virginia Woolf programming on BBC4 tonight, starting at 10pm, including an adaptation of Mrs Dalloway written by Eileen Atkins and featuring Vanessa Redgrave, from 1997.

Reading and editing novels by my agency clients always reminds me how much I love my job, and how fortunate I am...