What does publishing a novel look like behind the scenes? This month we're following the trajectory of THE TREASURE HOUSE by Amy Matthews, from idea to publication, and asking the agent, editors and publishers our burning questions about the publishing industry. This week, we interview the lovely Melanie Hayes, Commissioning Editor at Simon & Schuster UK, to ask what does a commissioning editor do? What does Melanie's journey into the publishing industry look like? What do publishers look for when acquiring new titles? Which genre is the best, and why is it romance? 📚 Our BOTM is The Treasure House by Amy Matthews. Get your copy here: The Treasure House | Book by Amy Matthews | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster AU MENTIONS 📖 BOOKS: The Treasure House by Amy Matthews; Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente; Rumours & Whiskey by Victoria Wilder 📺 TV: Schitt's Creek (2015); The Pitt (2025 - present); House of the Dragon (2022 - present) 🎬 ACTORS: Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams 📰 AUTHORS: Amy Matthews; Elsie Silver LINKS: Watch the full episode on YouTube: @AmyAndBookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on IG: @amyandbookclub Follow the Amy & Podcast on TikTok: @amyandbookclub Join the Amy & Bookclub: Amy & Bookclub Follow Amy Matthews on IG: @amymatthewsauthor Follow Amy Barry on IG: @amybarryauthor Our theme music is “Same Old” by Mass Wisteria. Listen to their music on Bandcamp. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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