Hello lovely reader! Thank you for returning to my corner of the internet. In this newsletter, you’ll find all sorts of updates on my writing, editing, and a wrap-up for 2024! Of course, the year isn’t quite over, but this will be my last newsletter until the new year.
Go get a nice snack for yourself and let’s catch up.
Writing
Since completing my Masters degree in October, I’ve been chipping away at project GPO. I’m about 15,000 words into the first draft and while the plot and characters are quite clear to me, I’ve made some changes to the world the book takes place in. I’m excited to keep chipping away at it!
Editing
At the end of the year, I enjoy looking back and reflecting on the projects I’ve been involved in. It’s nice to take a moment and appreciate all the various stories I’ve been a part of across the year, and the authors I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside.
If you’re a fan of some statistics and data, here are some quick stats for my editing this year:
In 2024 I worked as an editor on 32 manuscripts.
Of those 32, around 12 were picture books.
26 were fiction, and 6 were non-fiction.
These manuscripts averaged 80,000 words in length.
Genres I worked on included:
- Romance
- Fantasy
- Sci-fi
- Thriller
- Historical fiction
Manuscripts I worked with this year were a pretty even split between adult and young adult/children’s literature.
One of my favourite parts of working as an editor is the sheer variety of projects I work with. No two projects are identical, and that brings a unique challenge and joy to my work.
If you’re one of the authors I’ve worked with this year, please know it’s been an honour to collaborate with you, whether my role with your book was big or small. I’m excited to follow along with your journey and all the books I know you’ll write in the future.
Other 2024 highlights
- Serving as the Student Adviser to the Editors Victoria (IPEd) committee. This role was engaging and it was a great opportunity to gain insight into the experiences of other editing professionals. As a part of this role I hosted a few panels online for students to ask editors their questions. These events were great fun!
- Graduating my Masters. It seemed to go both so fast, and so slowly. This learning will be invaluable for my career. It feels like this is just the beginning!
- The Saturday Writing Crew. I’m grateful for these writers (you know who you are) who were willing to meet up in a local cafe. We ate a lot of pastries, chatted all the ups and downs of publishing… and even managed to write a few words!
Standout Books
How can I choose my favourites? I can’t – but here’s a couple that I’ve kept thinking about after finishing:
- The Wedding Forecast (2024) by Nina Kenwood. A messy, gorgeous, Australian rom-com. If you’re looking for a book to pack for your holidays – this is a great option!
- A Fate Inked In Blood (2024) by Danielle L. Jenson. This Norse inspired fantasy romance kept me coming back for more and I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel.
- The House In The Cerulean Sea (2020) by T.J Klune. I’m yet to read a book by Klune that I haven’t loved. His stories feel like a warm hug. Queer representation, cosy fantasy. Well-worth a read. I listened to the audiobook and would rate it highly.
- So This Is Ever After (2022) by F.T Lukens. Arthurian inspired, this story is about what happens to the chosen one after the quest is finished. YA cosy fantasy with a good dose of humour.
Resting
It’s been a big year. Usually in this section, I recap what I’ve been doing to rest, but in all honesty, the last month has been a bit hectic. So instead, I’ll tell you what’s on my resting list for the holiday season:
- Several carols events
- Making a gingerbread house (it’s an annual tradition in our home)
- Time with friends and family
- Hopefully a couple of beach trips, now that summer is finally here!
Open Tabs
If you’re still reading, well done! Here’s an article that you might find inspiring:
Surprising secrets of writer’s first book drafts
Hephzibah Anderson shares some interesting insights into the early manuscript drafts of Wilde, Woolfe, Fitzgerald and more!
Cat Corner
It wouldn’t be the newsletter without a little cat at the end…
I look forward to what 2025 will bring, and all the wonderful stories we’ll share. Until then, wishing you a lovely end to your 2024 and a Merry Christmas!
Steph Huddleston 
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