Success stories ,
Nicky Downes on the Ultimate Step to Getting Published
Being an author can be a lonely and paranoia-filled occupation when writing alone. Without feedback and guidance, it becomes all too easy for doubt to creep in. We interviewed former Ultimate Novel Writing Programme (UNWP) student Nicky Downes and spoke about how the programme helped her achieve her dream of finding a publisher, the lessons she learnt, and the people that helped along the way.
JW: What was your favourite part of the UNWP?
I started the programme with just an outline for a novel and a fledging idea for my protagonist – a female Detective Inspector who climbs mountains. If it wasn’t for the support of both my writing group and my mentor, Helen Francis, I wouldn’t now have a complete novel and a publishing contract.
I loved all aspects of the programme, but it was the time spent in the webinars with my group discussing our writing problems and the critiquing of each other’s work that had the most impact. And meeting everyone at the York Festival was amazing! I loved the courses there too. I had some real lightbulb moments.
I loved all aspects of the programme, but it was the time spent in the webinars with my group discussing our writing problems and the critiquing of each other’s work that had the most impact.
JW: Tell us about your journey to finding a publisher. What steps did you take, and were there any turning points/transformative moments?
I had already self-published a police procedural series before starting the course and knew how difficult it can be to promote your work successfully. I was ideally looking for a publisher that would love my protagonist and ideas for my new series, and that could place the series in front of more readers. In terms of the genre of my novels, I knew that a digital first publisher would be a good option.
The one-to-ones that I had with agents were excellent and helped enormously with my understanding of what the key themes of my novel were and my pitch.
In the end, I had two offers of representation. The first with Storm Publishing who offered me a three-book deal for the DI Jack Kent series. As I was considering this, I was approached by an agent who had read my submission to the UNWP anthology. After reading my full manuscript, she offered me representation. That was a wonderful and unexpected surprise. In the end, I plumped for Storm. I can’t wait to work with my publisher, Kathryn Taussig, on editing Urban Climber (the title may change) and the other books in the series.
JW: In what ways has the UNWP helped you to where you are now in your writing journey?
The programme helped me to understand which areas of my writing I needed to improve. It also gave me a much clearer understanding of the industry and what works. Being able to discuss my writing with my peers and tutor really helped, particularly during those moments when I floundered and found it difficult to keep going.
The fact that the programme covers everything from the first page to the final draft is so important. I’m sure I’ll keep returning back to both the programme materials, and to the support of the members of my writing group, whenever I get stuck in the future.
The programme helped me to understand which areas of my writing I needed to improve. It also gave me a much clearer understanding of the industry and what works.
JW: Do you have any advice for new students for making the most of the UNWP?
There will be times when you will struggle with your writing. But there is so much help and guidance available at Jericho. Don’t feel that you have to do everything. Do what is working for you and your book. Sometimes you’ll get advice that you don’t immediately agree with. Take a step back and look at it again with fresh eyes, as this is often the advice that makes a real difference to your writing. Be prepared to make some lifelong writing friends too!
You can learn more about the Ultimate Novel Writing Programme and how it could help you write a publishable novel in a year!
About Nicky Downes
Nicky Downes has previously written a self-published crime series featuring DI Amelia Barton of the National Crime Agency. When she’s not writing, she loves cruising the canals of Birmingham and the Midlands on her narrowboat, Chanelle.
