Ithaka signs Always Take Notes: Advice from some of the world’s greatest writers

Ithaka Press, the narrative nonfiction imprint at Bonnier Books UK, has acquired a guide to writing based on the podcast “Always Take Notes".

Sarah Braybrook acquired world English language rights to Always Take Notes: Advice from some of the world’s greatest writers from Patrick Walsh at PEW Literary, with publication scheduled for 12th October, with a public launch and live podcast recording with special guest at Hatchards scheduled for 25th October.

Edited by the podcast’s hosts, journalists Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, the book features contributions from nearly 100 renowned writers, answering questions such as: Where do the best ideas come from? How do you stay motivated? What does it take to become a published author? And how do you actually make money from your writing?

The publisher goes on: “For over five years the hosts of ’Always Take Notes’ podcast have posed their nosiest questions to some of the world’s greatest writers. The resulting book is a compendium of frank and entertaining guidance for living a creative life. From the early failures that shaped them to the daily challenges of writing and the habits that keep them on track, literary luminaries offer guidance to inspire.”

The book features Alexander McCall Smith, Anne Enright, Candice Carty-Williams, Christina Lamb, Colin Thubron, Colum McCann, David Mitchell, Elif Shafak, George Packer, Hadley Freeman, Hollie McNish, Ian McEwan, Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh and more.

Braybrooke said: “Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd have spent years asking some of the most creative people on the planet how they do what they do. Working on this collection alongside them was pure joy, and taught me so much not just about writing, but about how to cultivate the curiosity, tenacity and self-belief that are central to making art.

"From finding a productive routine to developing more confidence in your own ideas, there is a wealth of helpful, big-hearted, and often very funny advice between these covers. I challenge anyone who reads it not to be inspired to pick up a pen.”