Martha Ashby

Martha Ashby, with a rich background as the Editorial Director at HarperCollins for over a decade, is a revered guest at the Art of Writing retreat each year. Her wealth of experience enriches discussions on publishing intricacies.

She shares insights on evolving aspects like HarperCollins' digital imprints, offering writers new perspectives on publishing avenues. Martha outlines key manuscript attributes that attract publishers and candidly highlights common submission flaws, guiding writers through the competitive publishing terrain.

With examples like "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine," she unveils what resonates with publishers, shedding light on factors crucial for literary success. Martha also emphasizes the collaborative relationship between writers and publishers and explores the growing significance of themes in modern storytelling.

Her presence at the retreat offers writers a deeper grasp of the publishing world, fostering informed creative approaches through neutral and insightful discussions.