Bestselling thriller writer Clare Mackintosh joins Philippa to talk about her gripping new novel It’s Not What You Think— packed with jaw-dropping twists.

We cover:

• How Clare creates unforgettable plot twists
• Writing habits, pressure & her next very spicy thriller
• Dream writing spots (and total nightmares!)

Plus, quick-fire reviews of:

• My Friends by Fredrik Backman – emotional, funny, unforgettable
• Mrs Spy by M J Robotham– smart, fun spy fiction
• Supercrash: How to Hijack the Global Economy by Darryl Cunningham– sharp and eye-opening
• Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister - Out soon!

And: Kindle vs Kobo — which wins?

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Part 2 of this special two part episode.

Today I’m joined by the publicity team behind The Ending Writes Itself—Philippa Cotton and Becky Mansell from HQ—to go behind the scenes of one of the most inventive book campaigns in recent years.

We talk about:

• How early publicity gets involved in acquiring a book
• Building a campaign around secrecy and intrigue
• Managing (and protecting) a major author reveal
• The viral buzz, wild guesses, and reader engagement
• What worked—and what they’d do differently
• The realities of publishing behind the scenes

Plus—Bloody Scotland, proof drops, influencers, campaign chaos (including that wifi moment), and answers to the authors’ own questions.

If you enjoyed Part 1 with V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke, this is the perfect companion episode.

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A special early episode for the bank holiday weekend.

In Part 1, I’m joined by the authors behind The Ending Writes Itself—V. E. Schwab and Cat Clarke—writing together as Evelyn Clarke.

We talk about:

• The secret behind their hidden identity
• How this ambitious collaboration came together
• Writing a sharp, funny satire of the publishing world
• The realities (and absurdities) of being an author today
• Their unique co-writing process

Plus—Bloody Scotland book festival, Stephen King, FOMO in publishing, and the joy (and chaos) of keeping a literary secret.

Part 2 drops tomorrow, featuring the publicity team behind this standout campaign.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.