Friday, March 8, 2013

Around The World: Keeley Smith



Welcome to the Fourth week of Around The World! Every Friday I feature a Blogger, Author or Publisher and ask questions about the country or state they are from and what it is like to be a member of the book world there! If you are interested in being featured please sign up here.

This week I have Author Keeley Smith on the blog!

Interview:
Where are you from?
I live in Yorkshire in the UK, yes that lovely, picturesque place J
  
What is the best and worst thing about living in the UK?
Best part is the food. I love food LOL. Whenever I go on holiday I always miss the small things like a lovely cup of tea and a nice scone.

Worst part, well that would have to be the taxes. We pay a lot of taxes in this country, road tax, council tax, stamp duty, VAT rates are extreme. I guess with the economy how it is, we notice where all the pennies are going because we need them more. 
  
What is the biggest challenge of being an author there?
I wouldn’t say challenge as such but in the UK we don’t have author/book conventions like in America and I would love that. I’ve always wanted to go to a book convention J

Is it hard to organize author signings and events in the area? Are schools and bookstores receptive to hosting your appearances?
 I think it’s hard when you go it alone. I’ve found that school are really receptive to it, they often want a few copies of your book to display, give out etc... which helps develop interest. I’ve approached some book shops and they have handed out bookmarks and things but I would say it’s a lot harder there.

Are Publishers willing to work with you were you live? Is it hard to find Industry Professionals?
I live in the north west of the UK so I find it is really hard to find publishers closer to home. That’s not saying that a publisher is unwilling to work with me. I don’t think they care where you live as long as your book is good J
  
Is it necessary to travel to bigger cities like London to meet with publishing professionals? Are they willing to work with you via e-mail?
I think that you would have to be willing to travel to London. This is the place where things happen and there is only so much you can discuss over email.
  
Are there any publishers that work exclusively in the UK or publish only books written by authors from the UK?
I’m not too sure about this one. I think that they look mostly for UK authors as they have publishers, agents in other countries to deal with that side of things.


 A Few Of My Favorite Things Section:

Favorite Book (overall):
Eeeeekkkk, this is a hard one for me. It’s like asking a mother which her favourite child is. If I was to choose which book I would pick up over and over again, it would be Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Favorite Book Recent Release:
I’ve read a few books recently. I would say that J.D Robb’s Calculated in Death has been my favourite by far!

Social Media:
Would have to be Facebook J Also love Goodreads though!
  
Reading Spot:
I have a lovely big couple chair (it fits two people in it) I usually spread out with a nice cup of tea, wrapped in a warm blanket and that’s me lost for a few hours.

International Food:
Italian! Every time J love love love!

Thank you Emily! This was a great idea J
Thanks Keeley for stopping by!

Connect with Keeley:

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