

👩🏫 EDITOR HOUR: Ask Me Anything w/ Editor Clare Hey
** This is a LIVE session and will not be recorded. **
Curious about what it takes to get published?
Editor Hours is your chance to connect directly with top industry professionals and ask burning questions—all in a lively, interactive session designed to help you get one step closer to publication.
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Clare Hey.
Submit questions about:
What makes a manuscript stand out to a major publisher
How to craft a compelling hook or one-line pitch
Trends in commercial, women’s, and reading group fiction
The editorial process: what it’s like to work with an editor at S&S
What “fresh voice” means and how to achieve it
Advice for debut authors seeking traditional publication
Even if your question isn’t answered directly, you’ll gain invaluable insights from hearing an editor share their expertise and break down the publishing process.
How It Works
1️⃣ Submit Your Questions: Ticket holders will receive instructions on submitting questions upon purchase.
2️⃣ Show Up Live: Join us on Zoom for a 60-minute, ask-me-anything-style session.
3️⃣ Listen & Learn: Watch editors answer questions, share insider advice, and offer live feedback.
⚠️ Please note: While we aim to address as many submissions as possible, attendance and ticket purchase does not guarantee feedback. Priority feedback goes to London Writers’ Salon members (Silver and Gold). If time permits, we will turn to questions from ticketed attendees.
Perks for Gold Members 🏆
Priority Feedback: Gold members’ questions and query letters will be addressed first.
Recorded Insights: Can’t make it live? Gold members can submit their questions in advance and receive a private recording.
👉 Not a Gold member yet? Find out more about Gold Membership here.
🎟️ Limited tickets available for non-members. Secure your spot now!
About Clare Hey
Clare Hey heads up the adult fiction team at Simon & Schuster UK, overseeing the overall strategy of the list. Her publishing career has spanned roles at HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Orion, before returning to S&S in her current leadership position.
Clare is passionate about discovering brilliant authors and bringing their books to the widest possible readership. With a keen eye for strong storytelling, fresh voices, and compelling hooks, she primarily publishes across women’s fiction, reading group fiction, and historical fiction.
✍️ Daily Writing. Inspiring Interviews. Creative Friends.
Join the London Writers' Salon from the comfort of your home.
Join our free daily Writers' Hour writing sessions, intimate interviews and workshops with world-class writers, or become a member to connect with fellow novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, playwrights, poets & more around the world.
Attend Salon Workshops for Free. Become a Member.
By becoming a member of London Writers' Salon, you'll get free access to interviews and workshops like this every week. Plus, you'll join our cosy online community and get expert support and accountability to enhance your craft and publish your best work.