Policewoman's open submission memoir to Two Roads

John Murray Press imprint Two Roads has acquired a true crime police memoir, Girl on the Line: Life – and Death – in the Metropolitan Police by Alice Vinten.

Senior editor Kate Hewson pre-empted world rights direct from the author through Two Roads’ open submissions email, the imprint's first acquisition through that route.

Girl on the Line tells the story of life on the streets of London as a female constable, following PC Alice Hearn through 10 years in the Met, from rookie to constable.

The book will cover her dealings with violent criminals, domestic situations, terrorism threats, procedurals, petty crime and foot chases to encompass all aspects of life in uniform and to paint a portrait of a complex city and the personal cost of upholding the law.

Hewson said: “Girl on the Line is as riveting as any crime thriller, but at heart it’s an incredibly human story of what it means to work at the hard edges of society. It’s rare to find a writer at the beginning of their career with as assured and deft a touch as Alice, and we are thrilled to be publishing her. To have found this book through our unsolicited submissions route is even better, and a reminder that making publishing more open benefits publishers as well as authors.”

Vinten said: “I am absolutely delighted that Two Roads has offered me the opportunity to share my memoir. I think it's extremely important that the everyday experiences of uniformed police constables continue to be shared with the public. My hope is that Girl on the Line will give readers a real insight into life as a woman on the front-line of policing in London; and with impeccable timing, as the Met has recently appointed its first female commissioner.”