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.

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