About Maria and Testimonials

I'm the author of two non-fiction books published by Simon and Schuster and have also self-published two motoring books, so I can give grounded, practical advice about both approaches.   I've lectured on how to get published at Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford Brookes universities and at many literature festivals including Ilkley, Daphne du Maurier, Warwick Words and Winchester Writers' Festival.

'Your workshop was, for me, one of the best of the festival. It was so informative and entertaining – and I've never seen attendees make so many notes.' Rachel Levy, Events Manager, Bath Literature Festival

'I want to thank you for such an excellent workshop at Ilkley Literature Festival. I've had such enthusiastic feedback from participants who clearly got a lot out of it.' Rachel Feldberg, Director, Ilkley Literature Festival

TESTIMONIALS

Cat Cubie, author of Sleep baby Sleep published by Thorsons (good for a website quote)

Maria is a guiding light in the (often) baffling world of writing a book and getting it out there. She's supportive, straight-talking and extremely knowledgeable.

Anna Turns, author of Go toxic free: easy and sustainable ways to reduce chemical pollution published by Michael O'Mara

Once I had a first book deal on the table, Maria helped answer lots of my questions about contracts and the publishing process, plus she was a catalyst in terms of helping me secure an agent – thank you Maria!

Liana Stemp, author of Three Little Birds published by Matador

I had a 1-2-1 Zoom session with Maria and I have to say it's the best thing I did on my publishing journey. I didn't have any experience of the industry but with Maria guiding me through the options I was able to make the right decision for my book and achieve my goals. I'm immensely grateful to Maria for her help.

Katreen Hardt

Maria is a delight, opening our eyes to how publishing works and very professional. I highly recommend.

Emma McCann

I had a 1-2-1 with Maria and found it so helpful. It helped me clarify what I needed to do and feel less overwhelmed. And because she gave insights into how publishing works I was able to work out where to focus my energies right now. Definitely recommend.

Greer Glover

I recommend Maria McCarthy. Good, honest, reliable advice. If you're serious about publishing a book you need this kind of advice.

Jane Powell

I recommend this. Maria is very sharp and full of practical advice.

Amanda Whyte

I've had some great sessions with Maria and would recommend

'I want to thank you for such an excellent workshop at Ilkley Literature Festival. I've had such enthusiastic feedback from participants who clearly got a lot out of it.' Rachel Feldberg, Director, Ilkley Literature Festival

'Many congratulations on the superb feedback forms for your recent dayschool, 'Path to Publication'. These really are outstanding and many students took the timeto write comments particularly praising your style and delivery.' Tom Sperlinger, Course Director Humanities, Bristol University

'Maria's workshop at Salisbury Arts Festival was well-prepared, informative and entertaining. The long queue of people wanting to talk to her afterwards was an additional tribute to her skills.' Debbie Rigg, Salisbury Festival Director

'Thank you so much for giving us such an excellent talk on Publicising your Book. It was packed full of just the right sort of tried and tested information with the perfect balance of realism and enthusiasm.' Emma Boniwell, Society of Authors