On Thursday of last week I travelled to Bath for my first literary event of 2019 – the Headline New Voices Roadshow. Bath was the third stop on what appears to have been a raucous and much enjoyed publicity tour. Check the Twitter hashtag #NewVoices2019 to get a flavour of what went down. It used to be that what happened on tour, stayed on tour; in this case the pictures appeared on social media and provided much entertainment.
Held in the downstairs snug at Walcot House, six friendly authors were in Bath to talk about their new books. They were accompanied by a fabulous publicity team from Headline: Georgina Moore, Becky Hunter, Jenny Harlow, Jennifer Leech, Phoebe Swinburn and Caitlin Raynor. Invited guests included booksellers, PR professionals and bloggers. Given the presence of the latter much has already been written about the three evenings – check the Twitter hashtag to catch other write-ups.
In the time I had available I wasn’t able to talk to everyone but I hope I got a flavour of each of the books before I left, tote bag well stuffed with proofs. I ensured I spoke to Sarah Davis-Goff as her book was the only one I had already read and I wanted to let her know how much I enjoyed this chilling dystopia (click on cover below for my review). I was pleased when she told me that it is the first in a proposed series.
My chats with Richard Lumsden and Rhik Samadder made me curious to read their books so that was a successful outcome. Rhik’s book is not yet finished so I will be asking Georgina if she will kindly send me a proof when available.
I will be checking out the other books at my leisure.
Given the number of people in attendance it was not possible to chat to even all those I recognised from previous events. From the pictures posted the next day I was happy to see that Sharon (Shaz’s Book Blog) partied with the author’s and publicists into the wee small hours. I managed to briefly catch up with Suzan (Novel Heights) who hadn’t expected to be able to stay long but outlasted me (what a lightweight I am).
The night, however, was all about the books. If you would like to know more about them and their trajectory through publication, you may find each of the authors on Twitter. From the fun response to the tour I expect their accounts will be worth following.
I Never Said I loved You by Rhik Samadder @whatsamadder
The Girl in the Letter by Emily Gunnis @EmilyGunnis
Last Ones Left Alive by Sarah Davis – Goff @SarahDavisGoff
Past Life by Dominic Nolan @Nolandom
The Six Loves of Billy Binns by Richard Lumsden @lumsdenrich
Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce @Harriet_tyce
I am always grateful when publishers are willing to travel to their readers rather than expecting everyone to attend events in London. Thank you to the team at Headline for my invitation to what was an enjoyable party.
neverimitate 
I agree with you, so lovely of the publicity team and the authors to do a tour. Edinburgh was brilliant too. I also enjoyed chatting with the authors and meeting with people only knew from social media. So looking forward to getting stuck into the books. Started Billy Binns last night.
Great review. I had an amazing time at the Edinburgh event. I think I’m going to read last ones left alive first. I read The Girl in the Letter as an ARC last year.
Am very envious you got to this. I was so frustrated because I kept seeing Twitter messages about the event but nowhere did they give info on who to contact…..Are they going to do something similar again?
The final ‘New Voices of 2019’ event is in London on 30 January – check out the Rooftop Book Club. This was the second year of the roadshow so I hope it has become an annual thing.
Thanks Jackie, I’m now following them