The Writer of Never Letting Go

My children grew up with this duck!

We are over the moon to be celebrating with megastar SCBWI volunteer Kathy Evans today!

You may have seen the news about her wonderful book deal with Usborne on Facebook - but do you know just how long Kathy had to wait for it? Over to Kathy...



I’d been writing for years  when I was  taken on by my agent, Sophie Hicks. I remember thinking, 'This is it, I’ve made it.’

   Wrong!

It took five more years for me to produce a book that sold. Sophie always had faith in my writing. Even when I was floundering,  her support, and that of my SCBWI friends, kept me writing, learning, growing and it's paid off.  I'm completely thrilled that my YA novel, More Of Me, will be published by Usborne in early 2016.

I’d imagined there would be a slow trickle of information leading to a deal but that isn’t what happened at all. An email arrived from Sophie headed ‘Offer!' - now, I usually get a flutter of nerves when something arrives from my agent so this gave me a tidal wave of butterflies - I could barely open the email my hands were shaking so much.  I actually screamed, then cried…I don’t think I stopped smiling for about a week. Actually, that’s a lie, I’m still smiling now.

Meeting the team at Usborne for the first time was brilliant. Sitting in a room surrounded by books you love, knowing they’ve come out of that place, out of those people you’re sat with, and soon your book will be among them -  it’s amazing.  Just talking about book covers and future events had me giggling like a giddy school girl, but the best bit, the bit I’ve waited for all my life, was talking through my book with my editor. Mine.

Even the coffee gave an Usborne welcome

Receiving the heap of paper,  my manuscript covered in Sarah’s editorial notes, was the best Christmas present I’ve ever had. I’m sure there will be stressful times ahead, I know there is a lot of work still to do but right now that work is a joy. I really am living the dream. 

Keep at it, don't give up, you'll get there.

More of Me by Kathryn Evans will be published by Usborne early in 2016.


Many Congratulations Kathy!
We are so proud of you!

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