Esther Harris is the co-founder of book PR and design agency Bookollective. She has twenty years’ experience as a journalist and regularly helps writers achieve editorial coverage across print, online, TV and radio.
The Bookcollective team were voted among The Bookseller Rising Stars 2017. Esther also mentors writers as part of the WoMentoring Scheme and runs Literacy Live, a new live book event that is part of the Victorious Music Festival.
What was the last book you read?
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
What did you read it on?
Old School paperback
What’s next on your reading list?
We Were 8 Years In Power
You are stranded on a desert island. What three books would you want with you?
The Godfather – dark, stormy classic gangster that I always re-read Sense and Sensibility – to disappear into a genteel and classic love story with so much punch Letters of Note – packed full of heartbreaking wisdom and goodness.
Go on, let us know your musical guilty pleasure
Janet Jackson – soundtrack to my youth.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Are You There Beyoncé? It’s Me, Esther
What was your first job?
Editorial assistant at a magazine.
What is the silliest thing you have on your desk?
Barbie aeroplane
Tell us about a passion you have outside the business.
I love dancing with glow sticks and neon!
What are the most common traps for aspiring writers?
Rushing the first book out when it’s not good enough. It doesn’t matter if it takes 10 years and it’s good. It does matter if it takes 5 minutes and it’s not.
If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Awwww you’re worth it!
What was your favourite childhood book?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
If you love doing it, just keep doing it. Forget about the publishing deal. Just keep loving it and getting better and put yourself out there and that’s enough.
Esther Harris is appearing at our Writer’s Summit on Saturday 1 December. Book your tickets here.