In this insightful article, Whitefox author Ally Hensley unveils the comprehensive journey of book publishing, revealing that writing is merely the first step in a 47-step process that encompasses everything from manuscript creation to book launch and beyond. Her guide navigates authors through critical stages including finding the right publishing route, thorough editing processes like proofreading and copyediting, building an author platform with professional social media and websites, engaging cover designers, securing review quotes and endorsements and strategically planning a book launch—demonstrating that successfully publishing a book requires far more than just writing the book.

Ally Hensley, Whitefox author of 'Vagina Uncensored', was diagnosed with MRKH, a condition that affects the female reproductive system, which can cause an underdeveloped or absent vagina and uterus. Photo credit: Katie Holmes

The Who's Pete Townshend and Rachel Fuller talk to Craig McLean about their musical telling of Siddhartha, scrapping at gigs, and the dark side of rock 'n' roll for young stars.

In this Q&A, novelist Rebecca Frayn discusses her recent novel 'Lost In Ibiza' and her deep connection to the island of Ibiza, where she has a regenerative farm and is involved in environmental activism. Frayn talks about how she wanted to challenge the common perception of Ibiza as just a "party island" by exploring the island's complex environmental challenges through the lens of a father-daughter relationship. She also reflects on the process of adapting her novel for the screen, noting the unique storytelling demands of the different mediums. Throughout the interview, Frayn emphasizes her passion for the visual and artistic elements of the creative process.

We are glad to be sponsoring the Freelancer of the Year Award at the Bookseller Futurebook Conference in November. This award celebrates the many independent workers who help make publishing great, and is open to freelancers working in any area of the industry, from design to editing, translation to consultancy. Thirty nine companies, projects, and individuals have been shortlisted for the #FutureBook Awards.

Mentors, mentees and the Whitefox team gathered alongside members of London College of Communication’s Graduate Futures and Publishing course at The Horatia in Highbury to launch our second mentorship programme in partnership with LCC. 

Whitefox author Ally Hensley featured on BBC 5 Live's 'That Time of the Month' podcast, part of the 'Me, My Health & I' series. Ally, who has written a book about her experience with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, called ‘VAGINA UNCENSORED’, joined host Naga Munchetty and other guests to discuss this rare condition. MRKH syndrome affects women who are born with ovaries but without a womb. The episode also featured Betty Mukherjee, a participant from BBC's 'Race Across the World’, who shared her experience of being diagnosed with MRKH at 16. Medical experts Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Christine Ekechi were also present to answer listener questions. This appearance highlights the important work of our authors in raising awareness about lesser-known health conditions.

From a book-loving family to nursing and finally authorship, Diana O'Neil discusses her unconventional path to publishing 'Sorrows Yield'. In this Q&A, she shares insights on self-publishing, the importance of trusting readers and how understanding our family history shapes who we become.

Following our recent introduction of the first group of mentors and mentees for our second mentorship programme in partnership with the London College of Communication (UAL) and Graduate Futures, we are pleased to present the second group. This programme aims to connect experienced professionals with new talent in book cover design and editorial roles. Each pairing will bring together experience and fresh perspectives, creating a unique opportunity for growth and learning in the publishing world.

Novels are perhaps Liz Amos' first love. One firm favourite she frequently lend out is 'Mr. Loverman' by Bernardine Evaristo – a masterful balance of wit and depth that centres the queer experiences of our elders. And a recent infatuation is 'This One Sky Day' by Leone Ross. Powerfully expansive in content and form, it’s a liberating antidote to feeling constrained by Western ‘norms’.