Sally O-J has been my book doctor for my debut novel and the two of us hit it off immediately. If an editor is a critical friend, then she criticises so winningly – with such sympathy, insight and good humour – that she makes me laugh at my weaknesses, and opens my eyes to new possibilities in my writing. My original draft, which was unwieldy and lacking focus, was whipped into shape under her wise supervision. But she is never prescriptive; rather, she forces me to think for myself. We have had such a fruitful partnership, and I will be forever in her debt. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending her to any author, particularly to someone who is new to writing. And – we are now working together on Book 2, which speaks for itself.

Finding Belle is out on 8^th May 2025.