Canongate scoops 'practical guide to writing' by Maggie Smith

Canongate has snapped up Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life, a "guide to creativity and the craft of writing" by author and MFA creative writing lecturer Maggie Smith.

Senior commissioning editor Helena Gonda acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Nicole Bond at Simon & Schuster. Canongate will publish the book in hardback, e-book and audiobook in April 2025, with a paperback to follow, and alongside Atria in the US where Jenny Xu will be editing the book.

"Dear Writer will be anchored by 10 letters on essential elements of creativity: attention, wonder, play, surprise, vulnerability, vision, restlessness, tenacity, connection and hope," the synopsis says. "Each accessible, inspiring letter is followed by short, craft-focused essays and generative writing activities that demonstrate the principle in action, providing tools that readers of all experience levels can apply to their own creative practice."

Smith said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to have Canongate publishing Dear Writer. I believe that creativity is our birthright as human beings, and that it is for all of us. Given Canongate’s groundbreaking books and commitment to outside-the-box thinking, I know they share that belief."

Gonda added: "Maggie is such a generous writer, and her personal experience of transforming events through putting them on the page is nothing short of inspirational. With this encouraging and stimulating book she distils her wisdom to help encourage others in their own writing practice, whether they are seasoned writers, amateurs, and everyone in between."