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26/8/11
Call for YA authors to submit short stories
Red Telephone Books are offering YA authors the chance to get their short fiction reviewed, edited and published online.
The Manchester-based company have decided to open up their new blog, to selected YA authors in order to showcase their talent.
Featured authors will see their story published on the blog, accompanied by a short interview, biography, picture and links to their websites / social media pages.
Red
Telephone's assistant editor Ollie Wright said, "We want to build
relationships with new authors and see this as a great opportunity to
identify talented writers, with a view to potentially working with them
in the future."
Ollie
will provide written feedback to all authors who submit their short
fiction, but stressed that only the best stories received would be
published on the Red Telephone blog.
Any
stories featured on the Red Telephone blog remain the property of the
author, to use in any other way they see fit. There is no charge for
submitting your short fiction to The Red Telephone.
To submit your short fiction to the Red Telephone, or if you have any queries, please email admin@theredtelephone.co.uk.
Along with your story, please include: - - 50-word biography
- Any relevant weblinks
Meanwhile, the Red Telephone 2011 YA novel competition is open until 31st December 2011. For more information, please visit http://theredtelephone.co.uk/2011YANovelCompetition.aspx.
18/8/11
Alex Smith recently took time out to comment on her experiences as our 2009 novel competition winner: -
When
I entered The Red Telephone novel competition back in 2009, I completely put it
out of my mind afterwards, as I knew I would be up against contestants a lot
older than myself. I never expected anything to come out of it. So
imagine my amazement when I found out I was the winner.
My
first reaction was, “are you serious?” I couldn’t take it in until I saw Calling
For Angels in print and even now, I still find it difficult to believe.
Working
with The Red Telephone on the novel was a fantastic experience. I had a
lot of help, as I had no prior knowledge of how a book was published. I
was involved in the various stages of development in the production of the
book, from meeting the cover artist through to the editing process and it was
really exciting to see my novel transformed.
One
of the most memorable moments was the book launch in November 2010 and I felt
really lucky that The Red Telephone organised the event. Gill James came
to support the launch, which helped to publicise the book locally. It was
great fun for my family and friends to actually see the novel.
After
the launch, The Red Telephone publicised Calling For Angels by sending
it off to reviewers and organising a US blog tour. It’s pretty scary to
think people are actually reviewing your book but I guess that’s what happens
when you get a book published!
What
I also really liked was that both Gill and Ollie sent me links to new competitions
and opportunities, which led my involvement with the Guardian
Children’s Book Site. I really enjoyed working with The Red Telephone and it was a great introduction to publishing for me, as a first-time writer - Alex Smith
Another wonderful review for the terrific Calling For Angels: -
"If you want a brilliantly written, encouraging, positive, optimistic, non-violent, everything-but-shallow, realistic,
sweetly innocent, yet exciting and intense novel, a novel to which they
will easily relate, treat your teen bookworm to Calling for Angels." (Ivana Maric, Willing to See Less)
8/7/11
We now have a Facebook page (welcome to the 21st century, right?) The details are below, click the like button to join us: -
14/6/11
Due to unforeseen technical problems, our website was forced offline for a week or so, but the problem has now been permanently resolved. Apologies to anyone who may have been inconvenienced in any way.
You can also keep in touch with us via Facebook and Twitter. We always post important news updates to both of those channels, as well as this website.
27/5/11
Babel by Gill James is out now. This futuristic adventure for young adults, set on the dystopian planet Terrestra, is the second volume in the Peace Child Trilogy.
Babel and volume one of the trilogy, The Prophecy, are also now both available for Kindle, priced at £4.60 each in the UK.
View Babel in the Kindle store
View The Prophecy in the Kindle store
13/5/11
Babel is now available for reviewers, via the LibraryThing early reviewers scheme. Sign up to request a copy: - http://www.librarything.com/er/list#11243917
21/4/11
As we gear up to Babel's publication, a batch of PDF Early Reviewer copies are to be made available through LibraryThing. We will post the link as soon as.
21/4/11
Our 2011 YA novel competition is officially open.
We are looking for another sensational YA author to follow in the footsteps of Alex Smith and join our roster. More information is available at the competition's page: - 2011 YA Novel Competition
Entrants -Please do make sure you read through all the information we provide on the webpage. If you have any questions afterwards, feel free to email us - submissions@theredtelephone.co.uk.
Good luck!
28/3/11
Yet more praise for Calling For Angels, this time from Liz Bankes at Armadillo Magazine -
This
book might appear to fall into the ‘paranormal romance’ category, but
the characters and the world in which they live are as naturalistic
as in a book by Jacqueline Wilson. The supernatural elements just add a
magical feeling to a realistic and relatable story.
The relationships
between characters are not intense and tortured as in some teen
romance fiction (might be thinking of a certain Bella and Edward…), but
are touching and funny. Em jokes around with both Kai and Zak and the
characters use humour and sarcasm to mask their true deeper feelings.
It
is this ‘light touch’ on the part of the author that makes Em, Zak and
Kai so easy to relate to and that makes the story emotionally
engaging. Alex Smith’s storytelling is simple and charming – she
doesn’t weigh the writing down with unnecessary description and she
doesn’t overstate the emotions of her characters. I also thought that
the dialogue, and Em’s narration, showed a good ear for the way
teenagers really speak and think – I wasn’t surprised to discover that
Smith was 14 when she wrote the book. What is perhaps more surprising
is that she has such control over her writing voice at so young an age
– I can be only impressed (and slightly jealous!)
Overall,
I’d say that this is a funny, sad and magical book that would be very
much liked by young teenage readers (and not-so-young teen-at-heart
readers too).
25/2/11
We're very pleased and proud to announce that Alex Smith has been selected to work with The Guardian on their new website, Young Guardian Books.
Alex, whose debut novel Calling For Angels is available now via Red Telephone Books, was chosen from many applicants to be a part of the new venture. Her first assignment was to film an interview with the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize-winning author Michelle Paver and this will air on the new website, which is set to launch on Thursday 3rd March (World Book Day).
Everyone at the Red Telephone and Bridge House Publishing is excited, though not surprised, by Alex's amazing progress. She is still only 17 years of age and we are convinced that she has a big future ahead of her.
17/1/11
More praise for Calling For Angels: -
"I absolutely loved the ending – it was beautiful and bittersweet and
actually brought a tear to my eye, which I did not expect at all... (Calling For Angels) is definitely a good start to the career of such a young author." - Chrissie's Corner (http://www.chrissiescorner.co.uk/?p=3505) "I think Ms. Smith is very, very talented ....Calling For Angels is a cute
story, one that highlights universal experiences with love and loss,
and one that is written with a surprising maturity given the young age
of its author. Ms. Smith clearly has an extraordinary capacity for
storytelling."(Jenny, Supernatural Snark)
3/1/11
Happy New Year, everyone!
Just an early heads up to let you know that Babel, the sequel to The Prophecy by Gill James, is set for release at the end of February. More to follow very soon....
23/12/10
The reviews have been coming through this month for Calling For Angels and so far, every single one has been really positive. We're extremely proud of Alex's debut novel and hope you get the chance to pick up a copy.
Here are a few highlights from the reviews so far: -
"This is a wonderful debut novel... The story was sad, funny, romantic, emotional and has a wonderful ending. I recommend this book for teens and the young at heart. Great Job, Alex." 5/5 (Melissa Burmester, Books R Us) http://www.booksrusonline.com/2010/12/review-of-calling-all-angels-by-alex.html
NB Melissa gave the novel 5/5 on Amazon.
"Calling For Angels is an emotional rollercoaster...There are some laugh out loud funny bits, as well as places that made me cry, they were so real. For a debut written when Alex was 14, I can see why this won The Red Telephone's 2009 novel competition". 4.5/5 (Michelle, Clover Hill Book Reviews)http://cloverhillbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/calling-for-angels-by-alex-smith.html"This book was a breath of fresh air... I think it's a brilliant young adult debut. I read this story in one sitting and I loved it." 4/5 (Val Ruiz, Truth Be Told)http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2010/12/calling-for-angels-by-alex-smith-review.html
30/11/10Calling For Angels can now be ordered in the UK, for £6.99 + p&p. A simple click here and hey presto!
In other news, the Hertfordshire Mercury have continued to support Alex, who has been appointed to the editorial team of the forthcoming Young Guardian Books website: -
http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Hertfordshire/Ware-student-to-review-books-for-Guardian.htm
25/11/10
Pictures from the launch night of Calling For Angels at Caffe Yum in Hertford (a fine venue!)Proud author Alex Smith with her genius debut novel
Alex signing copies of the novel for fans
Alex and Red Telephone editor Gill James
13/9/10
The Hertfordshire Mercury have picked up
on Alex Smith, the local gem in their midst - let's hope for more coverage of
Calling For Angels from them as we build up to launch!http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Leisure-Lifestyle/Alex-writes-like-an-angel.htm
1/8/10
This great review of The Prophecy is worth reprinting in full, I think! I particularly like the attention to detail, such as providing a suggested listening. Thanks to Jazz Johnson, of About Books Blog....
What I Thought of This Book
Ollie Wright at Red Telephone Books sent me a review copy of this. I would just like to thank Ollie before I get started. Now on to the fun stuff.
You know those sci-fi novels
that are so crazy and scientific you don’t know what happened? This is
not one of those. Yay! The Prophecy is advertised as futuristic science
fiction adventure for young adults. It is all of that with several
fantasy elements thrown in. I thought the book was very much like its
theme, which focuses on the inclusion and acceptance of other cultures.
I personally thought that a wide variety of people would like this,
even if you are not a young adult or don’t usually read science fiction.
It took a couple of pages to get
into the story. However, that is not uncommon with the science fiction
genre. There is quite a bit of set up involved in that genre and it is
usually important. I didn’t have an issue with that. I thought the
explanations of the futuristic tools and gadgets were handled very
well. I could imagine them very easily. I like the idea of people
living on different planets with different cultural backgrounds. I also
thought it was an interesting choice to base the prophecy in the story
on the biblical story of The Tower of Babel.
The writing style was different
from what I’m used to, but I enjoyed it. Gill James wrote in a way that
you were able to experience things though the main characters eyes. I
usually feel like characters are friends that I visit for a while, but
with this book, I often felt like I was the character. Super cool!
I have always been fond of
stories contain miracle children or chosen ones. Since Kaleem is close
enough to being one of those, I suppose it was a given that I was going to
like this book. I really loved the sections about his mother as well.
The Prophecy is going to be part
of a trilogy. As I was nearing the end of the novel, I got worried Gill
was going to leave me hanging when the book was over. I was relieved
that she did not. She closed enough of story line that I felt complete,
but left enough for the story to continue.
I thought it was a very nice
relaxing book. I would definitely read the not yet published sequel if
I had the chance. Of course, The Prophecy is currently only published
in the UK. Thus, if you want it you will have to pay for it in British
pounds. You can find all the info on how to get The Prophecy on the Red
Telephone Books website.
Facts I Found Interesting
I suggest looking on Gill James’ website. She wrote her own biography on it, and I just think it is adorable for some reason.
The Movie
No movie. I saw it like a movie in my head, so maybe they will make one some day.
Music To Read By
Favorite Albums
When I started this book, something about it said classical music to me. Thus, I listened to some Mozart and Bach.
I found out later that I could listen to anything while reading this
book. I could put my mp3 player on the highly rated playlist and enjoy
a variety of music. On the final chapters of The Prophecy I listened
to, The Boy Who Never by Landon Pigg and Waking Up by One Republic.
The Prophecy Playlist
Kyrie Eleison - Mozart Earth (Instrumental Version) - Imogen Heap Different Names For The Same Thing - Death Cab For Cutie Caring Is Creepy - The Shins The Boy Who Never - Landon Pigg Prelude, Cello Suite #1 - Bach Alone In Kyoto - Air Secrets - One Republic Reverie - Debussy Funeral/Rebuilding Serenity - David Newman
16/5/10
Bridge House's new anthology Gentle Footprints, starring Richard Adams, was featured in this week's Independent on Sunday: -
Back to The Prophecy - Maggie of Maggie's Bookshelf has interviewed Gill, after enjoying the book. You can read the article here.
13/5/10
Another good review for The Prophecy, this time from Corinne Leegstra at Lost For Words: -
5/5/10
Smashing review for Gill's The Prophecy, from Lauren James of I Was A Teenage Bookgeek, here.
6/4/10
The Prophecy is reviewed here, by Maggie Desmond-O'Brien of Maggie's Bookshelf, scoring 3.5/5.
31/3/10
The prizewinners for our 2009 competition have been selected and notified. Many thanks to all who entered!
More soon on the winning novel, Alex Smith's Calling For Angels.
21/2/10
A review of The Prophecy has been posted here by Trillian711.
19/2/10
We have now shortlisted four of the entries to our 2009 competition.
13/2/10
100 Stories For Haiti is now available to pre-order from Bridge House Publishing. It's incredible how quickly Greg McQueen has managed to put this project together and we're delighted to be able to help.
12/2/10RT's parent company Bridge House are pitching into help the relief effort in Haiti, through the publication of a new anthology, 100 Stories for Haiti. Pre-order details will be posted on this website as soon as we have them.
11/2/10Gill James and The Prophecy were featured in the Radcliffe Times last week - here's a link to the article, on This Is Lancashire.
11/2/10
The Red Telephone Novel Competition 2009 - Longlisted Entries
- Tori Ley Davis - Darkseed: Awakening
- Beth Fisher - Losing Agir
- Richard Gibney - The Online Adventures of Poj and nilfisk
- Michele McGrath - Ghost Diaries
- Helen Shay - The Fixed Lands
- Tamsyn Lee Simmons - Everleigh House
- Alex Smith - Calling For Angels
Congratulations to the longlisted authors and many thanks to everyone who entered. We will be selecting the three prize winners in due course.
Thanks again!
Ollie @ TRT
25/1/10
To celebrate the publication of ‘The Prophecy’, author
Gill James is visiting schools across the UK to give free readings.
In her free school
visits, the author reads excerpts from the novel and takes questions from the group.
Gill also offers
schools the chance to extend the free visit to a HALF-DAY or FULL-DAY
SESSION, which includes workshops
for pupils on topics such as: -
- The
writer’s life
- Getting
published
- How to be
successful in learning a foreign language
Workshops can be adapted for any school age group.
To book Gill, or for further information about the visits, please contact Ollie Wright via admin@theredtelephone.co.uk.
11/1/10
8/1/10We have now compiled a longlist of six from the many excellent entries to our 2009 competition. These six authors will be contacted shortly.
More news when we have it!
22/9/09
Check the microsite on the left-hand navigation bar for more information on The Prophecy, which is available now on Amazon.
17/6/09
Cover art for The Prophecy has been completed...
13/6/09
Welcome to Red Telephone Books. Announcements about future releases and events will be posted here. For now, please check out details of our competition.
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