What The Publishing World Said About Overheard
Well actually they said "no" a lot.
It took almost seven years to get Overheard into print. At the beginning it was just a handful of pages - scraps of paper torn from innumerable notebooks, even smatterings of dialogue scrawled upon sweet wrappers. Once we realised we had a good idea we did a more professional job of patching it all together and to our delight and amazement our first attempt to find someone to represent the book found us the most extraordinary agent.
Despite everyone's best attempts the book failed to find a home for the next four years during which time it endured numerous name changes, much sifting and sorting of material and quite a lot of harsh language.
Finally in 2008, on perhaps its second or third submission to the company, the very nice people at HarperCollins looked upon the book kindly and, well, here we are.
We mention this all merely as an encouragement to other writers convinced that they have a good idea or a good book. If you know deep in your heart that you have created something of worth, don't ever give up on it.
Here are just some of the comments that we collected over those long years of rejection.
“extremely funny”
– Michael O’Mara Books Ltd
“as delightful as you promised, compulsive and cleverly done... a gem.”
- Hodder & Stoughton
“a fun idea and neatly executed”
- Profile Books
“Extraordinary – I’ve never known a book divide us so much. The least likely people liked it and some really, really hated it. I’m looking forward to saying ‘I told you so!’ to a few people in a year’s time.”
- Hodder & Stoughton
“Loved it. We were absolutely divided between those who found it hilarious and touching and those who just couldn’t see it… I will certainly rush out and buy a copy when it appears.”
- Bloomsbury
“These authors have some great ideas in this quirky area. I’d love to see any future proposals!”
- Macmillan