I did plenty of research into publishers using the Writer’s and Artist’s yearbook and also searching on line.  Then I had to get the format just right.  Writing a synopsis is a hard thing to do, trying to summarise the plot.  My writing CV was very short.  An appropriate covering letter was needed – it felt a lot like applying for a job.  I sent some emails off and then went on holiday to Australia for a month.  I was so excited in Melbourne to receive an email asking for the entire manuscript!  Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to it in Melbourne, as the only copy was on my hard drive at home in England.

Shortly after submitting the whole thing I was asked to work with the historical fiction editor and then the work really began…