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Francesca Main Profile
Francesca Main

@francescamain

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Publisher of @Phoenix_Bks , a new literary imprint for stories that make their mark. Views are my own.

London
Joined March 2010
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
News! Thank you to my beloved authors and colleagues for eight wonderful years @picadorbooks and looking forward to the next chapter with the inspiring @kesp and her brilliant team @orionbooks
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
4 years
. @francescamain is moving to @orionbooks in the newly-created role of publisher after 8 years at Picador—Main will launch a new imprint, specialising in "fiction and memoir with literary merit and commercial potential". More about the move here:
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
My baby turns two today! I think the journey we’ve come on can be summed up by last year’s homemade sugar-free banana cake vs this year’s Colin the Caterpillar.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
6 years
Getting ready to leave the house for the first time in almost a week. Must remember purse, keys, and this guy…
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Is lockdown a brilliant or terrible time to adopt a kitten? I guess we’ll find out…!
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
First day at @orionbooks ! Not quite how I imagined it but an easy commute and have found the coffee and loos with no trouble. Now for the books…
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Francesca Main
5 years
In the midst of everything being awful and relentless cuts, @Booktrust are still giving books to babies at their one year health check to promote a love of reading. Thank you Booktrust
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
The editor’s role is to remain supportive but invisible
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Excited and proud to introduce Phoenix — a new imprint for stories that make their mark — and to welcome our first six authors to the list. They are:
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
1 year
Have taken myself for a fancy brunch in New York and the waiter just warmly welcomed an 80something year old lady to her table and asked if she’d like her ‘usual margarita’. A true inspiration.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Asked my toddler to choose a book and he has returned with Albert Camus’s The Outsider
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
10 years
Amy Poehler tells the truth about writing: http://t.co/Hv8N8dbDEZ
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Have never owned a Christmas jumper before but made an exception for this one...
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
I fear for the day my toddler learns that life does not get better than eating a bagel in the bath while two grown adults sing your own personalised version of a Commodores classic, Three Times A Baby
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
My boy turned three today. At first I was sad that we could only invite these guys to his birthday tea but they were impeccably well-behaved, didn’t touch the crisps and were in bed by eight so dream party guests, really.
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Francesca Main
6 years
Last day of maternity leave. What an adventure. Going on a long autumn walk to celebrate. (And then to the pub).
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Spent today sharing the name, logo and first acquisitions for our new imprint with its first six authors which made it all feel excitingly real. Though I did also lose out on a book I loved and will now be having a drink.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
1 year
This is a great piece with a perfect description of editing:
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@reaganart
Reagan Arthur
1 year
I’m late to this, but maybe you are, too: a lovely glimpse of a long editorial relationship, and a classic authorial response to a query: “It can’t be helped, that’s what they said.”
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
8 years
I don't tend to seek approval for my clothes but have decided to return this dress
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Francesca Main
3 years
‘Oh wow, I love it!’ said my three year old, looking around in wonder at… the big Tesco.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Five months after joining @orionbooks I’m about to visit the office for the first time (and unpack the fancy new-desk pen pot I bought in February)
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
No negotiation in my working life has ever reduced me to the level of anguish and despair as trying to persuade a toddler to put trousers on.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
This Is Going to Hurt by @amateuradam has been in the Sunday Times paperback non-fiction bestseller list since publication almost a year ago and is now one of the bestselling memoirs in the UK since records began. Congratulations Adam!
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Francesca Main
7 years
Went to leave some flowers outside Finsbury Park mosque and show some love and solidarity to our neighbours
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Francesca Main
6 years
Now the baby is asleep I’m free to google his various minor ailments, blow them out of proportion and then look at photos of him on my phone
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Sitting in bed with coffee and the final draft of Jessie Burton’s new novel The Confession, which is every bit as riveting, atmospheric, surprising, imaginative, moving, feminist and exhilarating as you’d hope. She’s achieved something truly extraordinary. Can’t wait to share it.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
It’s the last day of my 30s today. If anyone over 40 can attest to it being the best decade yet I’m here for your pearls of wisdom.
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Francesca Main
1 year
Went to my son’s primary school classroom for reading morning — is Julia Donaldson’s The Paper Dolls a guaranteed tear-jerker or am I just really tired from a full-on week at London Book Fair?
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Francesca Main
4 years
Isn’t it weird how not leaving the house for two days, drinking too much caffeine and staying up working late leaves you feeling anxious and maudlin but getting out early for a nice walk in the autumn sunshine makes everything feel fine again? I wonder why no one talks about it.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
One of many now-cancelled things I was looking forward to was my Picador leaving party tonight. Sending love and thanks to my dear @picadorbooks @panmacmillan colleagues and authors and raising a glass to you all from afar. x
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Francesca Main
5 years
News! Delighted to be part of this trio and looking forward to more adventures with Picador.
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
5 years
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Francesca Main
5 years
This time a year ago I was eating a gluey bowl of NHS cheesy pasta — one of the greatest meals of my life, or so it felt at the time. And now I have a one-year-old… Feeling extra grateful today for the care we received before, after and since.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
A year today I joined @orionbooks to set up a new imprint. We now have a name, a colophon, a newsletter, an events series and a growing community of authors I’m incredibly proud of. And soon we will have some BOOKS in SHOPS!
@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
First day at @orionbooks ! Not quite how I imagined it but an easy commute and have found the coffee and loos with no trouble. Now for the books…
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
In case anyone else needs an antidote to the absolute state of things…
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Francesca Main
2 years
It’s my first LBF in three years, we have the long-awaited @Phoenix_Bks launch party tonight and are announcing a sensational new acquisition on Wednesday but I think this week has peaked already
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Francesca Main
6 years
Found myself looking at the Instagram of someone making sea bass with fennel for her baby whilst mine gnawed on a fourth mini rice cake and his own sock
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
10 months
This has not been a bad way to spend an afternoon
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
8 years
My dad safely made his replacement flight and is doing his bit for #Remain in the most British way possible
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
About to present the new imprint to the whole of @orionbooks . Hoping the kitten has now grown out of the unexpected shoulder-pounce...
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Francesca Main
5 years
Just realised it’s a year this week since I returned to work after maternity leave. I’ve found my first 12 months of working motherhood exhilarating, exhausting, chaotic, liberating and an all-round eye-opener.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Congratulations to @amateuradam - in its 58 weeks since paperback publication, This Is Going To Hurt has never left the top five and returns to #1 in the Sunday Times bestseller list this weekend. THANK YOU to all the booksellers, readers and NHS staff who've championed it.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
8 years
This is devastating in every way and should be mandatory reading:
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Francesca Main
3 years
Queuing for a miniature railway in the rain. In August. I have never felt more British.
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Francesca Main
4 years
Completely overwhelmed by all the wonderful messages, enthusiasm and support in the wake of this news. Thank you all so much, it really means a lot. I feel very lucky and grateful.
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
4 years
Main's moving— @francescamain is joining @kesp 's team at @orionbooks , where she will be launching a new imprint specialising in "fiction and memoir with literary merit and commercial potential". Main will move after Easter, with the list launching in 2021:
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Francesca Main
9 months
I feel incredibly lucky and excited to be publishing #TheNames by @FlorenceKnapp_ -- a debut novel that has taken the international publishing community by storm over the past few weeks and has already won hearts all over the world
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Francesca Main
6 years
Continuing my graceful segue into new motherhood by eating dinner out of the pan whilst cooking in case the baby wakes up before it’s done.
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Francesca Main
4 years
For years people have been telling me how much harder it is to learn to drive the later you leave it and, well, they were right.
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Francesca Main
2 years
My kid was supposed to be asleep well over an hour ago yet here I am, lying on his floor in the dark, having to explain how flowers are alive but can’t walk.
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Francesca Main
4 years
Our neighbours are hosting a 2 metre coffee morning outside their house. Bring your own cup. People are doing such kind, creative, funny things amid all this gloom and chaos.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
I once worked on a book by a male author who'd asked his 9-year-old to type it up. One chapter ended with DADDY IS FAT in giant pink caps.
@BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed
7 years
#ThanksForTyping shows how male authors’ wives often do most of the actual work
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
1 year
I'm so happy to be publishing the brilliantly talented @NaomiWoodBooks ' This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things -- nine provocative, biting and funny stories about women refusing to play nice and following their bad energy. Out next July!
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Thank you for all the lovely messages about the kitten! Her name’s Millie and she enjoys books and wine, so we’re getting along very well.
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Francesca Main
9 years
Reader, I married him. http://t.co/45rwO2OGeu
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Francesca Main
2 years
@Alison_Edits I hope you caught all the details. Last week I heard a man on the train say to his friend ‘you really look like an acoustic guitar wanker’ and I still regret not turning round to assess.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
It really doesn’t feel that long ago that I was struggling to get a foot in the door. Vividly remember bursting into tears in Waterloo station after receiving yet another job rejection. If you’re in a similar place please hold on. Keep going. Things change.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
1 year
Took a holiday, stayed off social media (mostly) to avoid Succession spoilers, read two good books, paddled in the sea and felt a lot better. Probably some kind of life lesson in this?
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 months
You can’t beat a thorough copyedit
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Very proud to work for a publisher that has recognised the need for regional offices and excited by the opportunities for diversity and inclusion this will create
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
4 years
. @HachetteUK has revealed plans to open new offices in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Bristol over the next 12 months, following a year-long consultation with staff who have volunteered to relocate. Discover more here: (£)
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Francesca Main
2 months
Just had proofs land for a book I am DYING to press into everyone's hands -- the perfect summer read for anyone who loved Sorrow and Bliss, Romantic Comedy, Really Good Actually, Seating Arrangements or Girls in White Dresses. It is so funny and sad and special.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
‘An editor must never expect thanks (sometimes they come, but they must always be seen as a bonus). We must always remember that we are only midwives — if we want praise for progeny we must give birth to our own’ — Stet: A Memoir
@GrantaBooks
Granta Books
5 years
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of memoirist and editor Diana Athill following a short illness. She was 101. We will miss her immeasurably.
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Francesca Main
6 years
Spelled own name wrong in a Christmas card. A new low.
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Francesca Main
5 years
Got ready in a hurry — dress too short so pulled on jeans to compensate — and have inadvertently recreated my core publishing look from 2004-2006.
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Francesca Main
5 years
This Is Going to Hurt will be number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list for the 59th time this weekend and is the bestselling narrative non-fiction book of the year. It's also now the third bestselling paperback non-fiction book of the decade. Congratulations @amateuradam !
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Francesca Main
5 years
Five years ago today, we published The Miniaturist. What an extraordinary half-decade it’s been.
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Francesca Main
1 year
Just shifted the tone of an email from deranged to peppy to mildly enthusiastic by removing the exclamation marks one by one and if that's not editing I don't know what is.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
2 years
Presenting at acquisitions, making first offer, pitching to author, losing at auction
@emmavj
Emma Jacobs 💅
2 years
LinkedIn. Facebook Instagram. Twitter
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
I signed up to a trial New Yorker subscription and, as predicted, I now own six beautiful, unread copies of The New Yorker.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
Strongly suspect I’ll be spending mine on the sofa in a dressing-gown with stains on it
@bbcthree
BBC Three
7 years
This woman is using her maternity leave to travel the world
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Francesca Main
4 months
Pelted home in the rain to get to Parents Evening, now heading straight back into town for an agents’ party and STILL my son refuses to go to tomorrow’s superhero costume day as a working mum
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
3 years
Sending out proofs of a novel I really love this week
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
If you want to work in publishing but don’t know how to get a foot in the door, apply for this! It’s no exaggeration to say that without the informal version of this scheme* I would not have landed my first publishing job** or worked in this industry for the last 16 years
@BlakeFriedmann
Blake Friedmann Literary Agency
5 years
🚨 APPLICATIONS FOR THE CAROLE BLAKE OPEN DOORS PROJECT ARE NOW OPEN. 🚨 We are currently recruiting for a placement in August 2019 (dates flexible). The deadline for applications is 11:59 GMT on Monday 6th May. More info here:
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Tantalising samples of the three different endpaper designs for The Confession. Finding it impossible to choose a favourite…
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
New job, same authors and colleagues - best of both worlds. Excited for the next chapter at @picadorbooks .
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
7 years
. @panmacmillan promotes editorial directors @francescamain and @TrishJay :
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Proofs coming soon! So excited to be publishing this stunning new novel by Naomi Wood.
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
5 years
. @picadorbooks has acquired a “magnificent�� new novel by @NaomiWoodBooks set in Germany’s Bauhaus art school:
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Francesca Main
5 years
Really sad to hear @thepooluk is closing. Have loved it from the beginning — thank you for all the funny, feminist, fearless writing; for making me laugh, cry, think and decide what to make for dinner; and for all you did to support books and authors.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
6 years
Have inexplicably given one of the teddies a New York accent and it’s proving very difficult to maintain.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Please tell me what you’re making for work-at-home lunches. I’m so bored with mine and also I just really like to know what people are eating.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
This week, @amateuradam is a number one bestseller in paperback and ebook. This is his 52nd week as Sunday Times number one — a whole year! — and he has now broken the record for the most ebook number ones. We couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations Adam!
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Francesca Main
4 months
Adding ‘occasionally experiments with editing’ to my London Book Fair bio
@BBCBreaking
BBC Breaking News
4 months
Princess of Wales apologises for any confusion over Mother's Day family photo saying she "occasionally experiments with editing"
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Francesca Main
4 months
I got to pitch this novel to everyone at Orion today and called it Demon Copperhead for 90s Scotland with a protagonist as distinctive and memorable as Shuggie Bain or Eleanor Oliphant. All of which is true! Your next contemporary Scottish classic is here…
@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 months
'Heralds the arrival of an urgent and unique new voice, as engaging and startling as Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, Morvern Callar or The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and will surely be hailed as one of the great British debut novels' DAVID PEACE
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Francesca Main
4 years
Overwhelmed and so, so grateful for all the wonderfully supportive tweets and the excitement around @Phoenix_Bks . Am keeping my feet on the ground by attempting to potty-train a toddler so forgive me if I don’t reply to everything but all the kind words really mean a lot ❤️📚
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Francesca Main
5 years
The Confession is published today! In the last six years it’s been thrilling to witness Jessie Burton’s extraordinary transformation from debut novelist to million-copy bestseller and this is her boldest and richest novel yet.
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Francesca Main
7 years
So happy and proud to be publishing the next two novels by Jessie Burton — what an adventure it’s been so far. Thank you @mushenska .
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
7 years
. @picadorbooks has acquired the next two novels by Jessie Burton:
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Francesca Main
8 years
Just found this note on the back of an old taxi receipt. Maybe the opening lines of the driver's memoir?
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Today’s submission-reading companion
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Over the moon to have acquired Emma Stonex's literary debut The Lamplighters, inspired by the true story of three lighthouse keepers who mysteriously disappeared from their tower and were never found. It's a powerful, beautiful and deeply moving novel. We can't wait to share it.
@thebookseller
The Bookseller
5 years
. @picadorbooks buys "unforgettable" Emma Stonex novel amid global rights frenzy:
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Francesca Main
3 years
Thank you for all the lovely responses. Undying gratitude to the amazing authors who believed in @Phoenix_Bks from the beginning and wanted to be part of it & for the endless support and brilliance of @kesp @kate_moreton @CaitDavies @FrancescaPear and all @orionbooks
@MauraWilding
Maura Wilding
3 years
Your favourite and mine @francescamain interviewed in @thebookseller today about launching @Phoenix_Bks with such grace, tenacity and ambition. We are so proud and lucky to work with her.
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Francesca Main
9 years
Totally thrilled to have won the #BIA15 for Editor of the Year last night. Thank you for the lovely tweets! http://t.co/lyeuT0DwOj
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Francesca Main
4 years
Went to the supermarket with no makeup on and never has the ‘customer is visibly over 25’ button been pressed so fast
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Francesca Main
5 years
Thanks to all the people who’ve told me I look tired lately (despite recent tinted moisturiser upgrade, I mean honestly) I took the day off to read in cafes and had a manicure and saw the Judy Garland film. I still look tired but I feel a lot better!
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
9 months
She did it! Congratulations ⁦ @NaomiWoodBooks ⁩, winner of the 2023 BBC Short Story Award #bbcnssa
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
8 months
Authors! I'm sending out some early copies of a wonderful novel - think The Hours set in Hackney, set over 111 years and entwining the stories of three women connected by a former factory and the timeless joys and struggles of work, family, motherhood, who to be and how to live
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
When you’re a woman in your 30s
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Francesca Main
9 years
'It's like giving birth to a baby and someone offering you £2 for it'. Devastating comment on modern publishing from Sam. #TheApprentice
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Loved spending this afternoon with Jessie Burton, who came in to sign proof copies of The Confession 💚
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
7 years
An utterly glorious proof delivery just arrived — beautiful boxed copies of Dear Mrs Bird by @ajpearcewrites !
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Congratulations to Jessie Burton -- The Confession has gone straight into the Sunday Times bestseller list! And congratulations to @amateuradam who hasn't left the Sunday Times top 5 in well over a year.
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
4 years
Absolutely thrilled to welcome the stunningly talented @AnieSussie — and her unforgettable characters, Kwasi and Rupert — to the new imprint, and to be reunited with @mushenska for our first debut since The Miniaturist!
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@francescamain
Francesca Main
5 years
Heroes come in many forms. . . Thank you @amateuradam .
@guardiannews
Guardian news
5 years
Every Tory MP sent This Is Going to Hurt as reminder of Jeremy Hunt's record
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