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She Did It – You think you know her? Think again.

August 8, 2017 by melsherratt 4 Comments

I’m delighted to share that I have a new book out next month. It’s called SHE DID IT and is a psychological thriller.

It’s a bit different from anything I’ve done before in the fact that it is set in London and, although similar to Watching Over You, it is mainly based around two main characters. For someone who writes multiple-character, multiple storyline novels, it’s been quite a challenge, but one of the character’s, Esther, has been with me for some time now. Finally, she had to have her own story.

SHE DID IT is out on September 19 and is available for preorder now. What’s it all about?

Work colleague. Friend. Killer.

A successful businesswoman, Tamara enjoys her champagne lifestyle to the full. At least, that is the front she displays to the world. As well as being lonely, she’s running out of money. A promising new member of staff brings the injection of fresh blood needed to win the contract that will turn things around.

Working for Tamara is a perfect ruse for Esther. But, along with fake references and qualifications, she also has a plan for revenge. Sensing Tamara’s vulnerability, Esther uses their acquaintance as a way of getting close to someone who hurt her in the past.

Tamara is keeping things secret. Esther has a dark side she is trying to hide. For both of them, lying is a habit. But when mistakes begin to catch up with Esther, and people start dying, Tamara realises she’s chosen the wrong person to trust as a friend.

Perfect for fans of The Girlfriend, Lies and Behind Closed Doors.

You can preorder it here.

One million copies sold and a new book deal

July 7, 2017 by melsherratt 18 Comments

I’ve had a very exciting time behind the scenes lately. I attended the HarperCollins Summer Party this week and had an amazing time. For anyone who knows me, I am a huge fan of boy and girl bands (yes, I know I’m too old but who cares) and I got to meet Lee and Duncan from Blue. I was grinning like a loon on the photo.

But behind that, I had news that I couldn’t share, until now. Because I am ecstatic to announce that I have a two book deal with Avon, an imprint of HarperCollins. I am writing a new series, I’m coming back to my hometown of Stoke-on-Trent for the setting and I’m introducing a new detective sergeant, Grace Allendale.

Click here for the link with all the news.

As well as this, I am over the moon to share that I have sold one million books! At first, it was a dream to sell one hundred books, then the goal became one thousand, and then ten thousand, but when the noughts kept on being added, it was a crazy feeling.

At the time of self-publishing in late 2011, I found my inspiration from authors such as Talli Roland, Kerry Wilkinson and Mark Edwards and Louise Voss, who were self-publishing too. Before that, it was authors such as Adele Parks, Marian Keyes, Lucy Diamond, Rowan Coleman and Lisa Jewell. When I turned to crime writing it was authors such as Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller, Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham and Peter James.

Now, I often find myself being called an inspiration and it is such a great feeling. I can also see rising authors who are going to be the next generation to inspire aspiring authors So, over the next few weeks, I’m going to put out a series of articles about how I sold one million books.

But to sell one million books blows my mind. Part of me thinks that some authors have sold one million copies of one particular novel, and some have sold in excess of 2 and 3 million of multiple books. Me, I have ten and am a steady Eddie.

But then I think, hang on a minute, ONE MILLION BOOKS. Way to go, Sherratt!

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank anyone who has bought one of my books and enjoyed it. You made this author’s dreams come true. Without being able to build my own audience, I wouldn’t have got the chance to work with publishers – and I wouldn’t be sitting here with a huge grin on my face after the deal with HarperCollins Avon has been announced. I wouldn’t be sitting here working with the best agent ever, Madeleine Milburn, who has been with me through the years. Even though I work long hours, I wouldn’t be sitting here running my own company, making a good living from my books and getting to do what I love every day. I wouldn’t be sitting here having met most of the authors that inspired me and lots more too.

The first in the new series with Avon, The Dead Secrets, will be out in Summer 2018. I do have something else coming out before that though… news about that soon…

Watching over You optioned for TV by Great Point Media

April 25, 2017 by melsherratt 14 Comments

I’m over the moon to announce that my psychological thriller, Watching over You, described as relentless and darkly claustrophobic, has been optioned by Great Point Media. It’s been a long-held ambition of mine to have something made for screen and, even though this is a small step on a long road, it’s great to finally be on the journey.

Watching Over You has sold just under 100,000 copies and follows Charley Belington who, after the death of her husband and unborn child, sells the family home and moves into a new flat. Her landlady, Ella seems like the perfect friend and confidante but she is fighting her own dark and dirty demons, sending her spiralling down into madness—and unspeakable obsessions. I always liken this book to ‘Single White Female meets Fatal Attraction.’

Great Point Media have worked on shows and features such as Lady Macbeth, The Confirmation, Damaged, Line of Duty (featuring my favourite actress Vicky McClure) and Doc Martin.

I was blown away yesterday when my agent, Madeleine Milburn, posted the news. Not only was this the first novel that she represented me for, but I was inundated with messages of congratulations. There were over 400 across Facebook and Twitter, ranging from friends and family to loyal readers, plus so many authors who I admire. It was extremely humbling, so if you took the time, thank you. It meant so much to me.

The Power of Words

February 28, 2017 by melsherratt 2 Comments

I can’t believe that Don’t Look Behind You has been out for a month and is still in the top 100. The Girls Next Door is sitting near to it and has been in the top 100 for over four months. It’s such an amazing feeling and it makes me very excited about the future.

Yet, as Don’t Look Behind You is my tenth crime novel, I find myself at a bit of a crossroads. Having written so many books, I’ve set out to do what I intended. So I decided to look to my readers to see what they wanted me to write next. Last month I sent out a reader survey and was staggered at the results. I had over 500 questionnaires completed and over 70% of those surveyed had read between 5 and 9 of my books, and over 50% had read all 9. (Don’t Look Behind You had yet to be released when I sent out the survey.)

I then asked my readers what they wanted me to write next and it really took me by surprise. The main three things, in order, were more Estate books, more psychological thrillers and more Allie Shenton, which I guess could mean more police procedurals. What was great to see, is my mix of emotion and grit really seems to work.

As someone who struggled with twelve years of rejection, it’s extra special to have achieved so many sales and a truly loyal fan base. I have reader emails coming in all the time from all over the world, messages on Facebook and Twitter and it is truly humbling. So for anyone out there who wants to be a writer, keep on keeping on.

Is there a writer in you?

The Kindle Storyteller Prize is a new competition recognising newly published work in the English language across all genres. The prize is open to all authors who publish their book through Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon.co.uk between 20th February and 19th May 2017.

Titles must be previously unpublished and a minimum of 5,000 words and 24 pages in print. The winning author will receive a cash prize of £20,000 and a marketing campaign to support the book on Amazon.co.uk, as well as the opportunity to have their book translated.

This shortlist will then be reviewed by a panel of judges – made up of both Amazon experts and literary authorities who will select the overall winner. The prize winner will be announced at a central London ceremony in July.

You can read my story here – I call Taunting the Dead my door opener

You can find out more here – www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller

The Return of Eden

January 31, 2017 by melsherratt Leave a Comment

The second book in my DS Eden Berrisford Series, DON’T LOOK BEHIND YOU, is out. I can’t believe how well THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR has been received and want to thank anyone who took the time to let me know how much they loved Eden. So here is the next instalment:

She got into bed but sleep didn’t come easily. Every creak in the house made her alert. She was waiting for him to come and get her.

The small city of Stockleigh is in shock as three women are brutally attacked within days of each other. Are they random acts of violence or is there a link between the victims? For Detective Eden Berrisford, it’s her most chilling case yet.

The investigation leads Eden to cross paths with Carla, a woman trying to rebuild her life after her marriage to a cruel and abusive man ended in unimaginable tragedy. Her husband Ryan was imprisoned for his crimes but, now he’s out and coming for her.

As Eden starts to close in on the attacker, she also puts herself in grave danger. Can she stop him before he strikes again? And can Carla, terrified for her life, save herself – before the past wreaks a terrible revenge?

An absolutely gripping and chilling police procedural which will hook fans of Angela Marsons and Rachel Abbott.

***

Praise for Mel:

‘The storyline weaves its way expertly towards a tense, thrilling and dramatic climax. Don’t Look Behind You is a definite 5-star read for me.’ Angela Marsons, author of The DI Kim Stone Series.

‘Don’t Look Behind You is a read full of twists and turns that will keep your heart pumping and your mind working overtime…I love Eden Berrisford and her team.’ Caroline Mitchell, author of The Silent Twin.

Mel Sherratt has done it again! Loved this amazing book! This is a fabulous series and I adore Eden! A pacy, tense, thrilling read!’ Renita D’Silva, author of The Forgotten Daughter.

What readers are saying about Don’t Look Behind You:

‘Wow. Yet again another gripping read by Mel featuring Detective Eden Berrisford. It was fab to learn more about this strong and inspiring character, and can’t wait for more in the series. The characters are so well written and presented that you’re sucked into their stories and experience a real rollercoaster of emotions along with them.’ Vix Reading and Writing Blog 2016

‘Mel Sherratt has done it again. She’s kept me awake until I saw daylight coming through my window. There are vulnerable women within these pages and you tense up and your tummy knots up with each event that plays out. This is a breathtaking, twisty edge-of-your-seat read that when climaxes, really hits you for six.’ Read along with Sue

‘I loved that Eden was a strong female character who took no nonsense from anyone…I managed to read the whole thing in a matter of hours. This is a book which can definitely be described as “unputdownable”. Sal’s World of Books

‘The characters are deep and rounded, and some are very unsavoury. It got quite nail-biting in the end and I had to make myself breathe. I recommend this book 100%.’ StefLoz Book Reviews

‘The second Eden Berrisford novel certainly doesn’t disappoint! Complex characters and a fast-paced, multi-layered plot that only Sherratt can write, authentically combine with sensitive handling of the issues of domestic violence. As always, the writing feels real, raw and genuine.’ Humble Tart Kitchen

Praise for the Eden Berrisford series:

‘Wow. What can I say? If you are looking for nerve-wracking and nail-biting tension then look no further…A nerve wrenching, nail-biting 5 stars.’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews

‘The Girls Next Door is the perfect recipe for an exquisite crime thriller … Emotional, gritty and full of some OMFG twists, I dare you NOT to want to read this book!’ Crime Book Junkie

‘Mel Sherratt has a knack for writing accessible, likable and fundamentally human characters, I raced through it and couldn’t put it down as I reached the final few chapters!’ Bibliophile Book Club

Five years on from self-publishing Taunting the Dead

December 8, 2016 by melsherratt 9 Comments

Five years ago today, I decided to self-publish my first crime novel, Taunting the Dead. I didn’t do any marketing. I just uploaded the book and wrote a blog post about it, announcing why I had decided to self-publish.

I had nothing to lose. Several books I’d written had been rejected by lots of traditional publishers because I was too cross-genre, in between women’s fiction and crime. I agreed, but I was determined to see if I could make it work. Maybe if I could get readers to like my book on Kindle, get myself seen, then perhaps I could get a ‘proper’ book deal later.

Pressing the publish button on Kindle Desktop Publishing (KDP) was one of the scariest and yet one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done in my writing career.

And how much has pressing that button changed my life?

I have four self-published books in The Estate Series.

I have four books published by Thomas & Mercer

I have three books, published under my pen name of Marcie Steele, by Bookouture.

I have one book in a new series, The Girls Next Door, and one on preorder, Don’t Look Behind You, which will be my tenth crime novel, also by Bookouture.

In total, I’ve sold just over 900,000 books.

All my books have been in the Kindle UK top one hundred, most hit the top twenty, some even the top three. I’ve been translated into several languages and had number ones overseas. To say I was shocked when my latest novel, The Girls Next Door, went to number 3 in the Kindle UK chart yesterday was an understatement. In this game, you can’t take anything for granted but I am thrilled that readers are enjoying my new series. I am really enjoying writing about Eden, my Doc Marten wearing, scooter riding, Detective Sergeant.

I’ve been shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association (CWA) Dagger in the Library, I’ve spoken on panels at Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, Crimefest, Stoke Hot Air Festival, ChipLit Fest, Writers & Artists conference, locally at lots of venues and I regularly appear at London Book Fair as a guest of KDP, where I get to pay back by sharing experience and talking to aspiring authors. I’ve been interviewed on lots of podcasts around the world and even engraved my name on a Kindle.

I’ve met several of the great authors who inspired me too – Martina Cole, Lynda la Plante, Ian Rankin, Peter James and Mark Billingham. I also have an impressive author friend list – and I love that I know so many great writers (although not so good for my to-be-read pile). I’m a member of a crime Facebook group that gives me awesome support, laughs and encouragement.

I have worked with some fantastic professionals along the way. I still work with, and also hire, a team of amazing people who work behind the scenes, as well as having the support of a phenomenal agent.

The Kindle Charts - February 2012 — The Kindle Charts – February 2012

I’ve met some wonderful people, authors and readers – and some who have gone on to be lifelong friends. It can be a lonely life being a writer (thank goodness for Twitter and Facebook) especially with the ups and downs associated with the emotional rollercoaster journey. It’s hard work to stay visible and encouragement is paramount to success. #Keeponkeepingon is my twitter hashtag.

I’ve raised £1000 for The Donna Louise Hospice, auctioning a character’s name in Only the Brave (thanks, Steve Burgess).

My city of Stoke-on-Trent recognized me as one of ‘the top 100 influential people for 2016.’

I’ve also had masses of support from the book blogging community who are just amazing when it comes to sharing, and having great people behind me is wonderful.

But more than this, getting daily emails from readers who have read all my books, reviews from readers who are picking up a new one and then going on to read some of my back list, tweets, and messages on Facebook makes everything so worthwhile. I write about working class people, strong women overcoming atrocities, covering gritty, realistic and often hard-hitting topics so I’m not going to be to everyone’s taste. I don’t write in one of the most popular genres and I often get criticised for writing easy read commercial fiction (what’s wrong with that?) No one can please all the people all the time, so it’s great to see such positivity.

I’m not writing this to brag – I think people know me better than that now. I’m writing this to say that taking a chance and following your dreams, no matter how hard it is, no matter how demoralising it gets, perseverance is the key. I’ve seen several of my writer friends getting publishing deals over these five years too, because they never gave up trying. This career isn’t for everyone, but you sure will know if it is for you, because it will never let you go once you start writing.

As for me, well, ideas are calling for the next five years already…

She Did It – You think you know her? Think again.

One million copies sold and a new book deal

Watching over You optioned for TV by Great Point Media

The Power of Words

The Return of Eden

Five years on from self-publishing Taunting the Dead

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