Welcome to The Literary Edit! Formerly The Unlikely Bookworm, in November 2017 this website underwent a rebrand to become The Literary Edit, a dedicated destination for all things bookish and stylish travel with a literary twist.
I’m Lucy, founder and editor of The Literary Edit, and a long standing bookworm with a passion for brilliant books, independent bookstores and literary festivals. Based between London and Sydney, The Literary Edit will bring you the best in all things bookish – from weekly book reviews, to beautiful bookstore features, to literary city guides and beyond.
The Unlikely Bookworm began in 2012 to document the books I was reading from the BBC Big Read; a list of 100 books I challenged myself to read before my 30th birthday. You can see the list here, and read about how it felt to finish them all here. As well as weekly book reviews, I often write bookish features, including my favourite summer reads, spooky stories, and the best American greats. You can read about some of my best-loved books here, and find out what my all-time favourite book is here.
Fusing my love for books with travel, you can expect to see some book-themed travel on The Literary Edit, from the best hotels for book lovers, to a storied stay at an overnight library.
As well as writing here, I also contribute to Stylist Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Fit Traveller and Hip & Healthy.
Should you wish to subscribe you can do so here and if you’d like to work together, please visit this page.
Dear Lucy:
Your Uncle Mike put me on to you, and I am enjoying reading about your Holy Grail of digesting the top hundred books—a worthy and exciting challenge.
We have met on several occasions and are “shirtail” relatives: I’m the American married to Beryl, your Aunt Angela’s sister. We live in Sanibel, Florida and come to Eastbourne in the summer; in fact, we saw you at Mike and Angela’s home this past summer. along with your mother Prue and Anthony.
i, too, am a blogger and have written on sundry subjects since March 2009. I’ve written 254 blogs in that time. If you would care to sample my blogs, I write under the name of fleshpotflashes.blogspot.com.
In any case, I will follow your brave new world of books with pleasure. Having read in English literature, I’m a bit of a bookworm, as well.
Keep up the good work. Beryl joins me in warm regards.
Affectionately,
Alex Flesh
Hi Alex,
What a lovely message to come home to after a very grey day in London! Of course I remember you – I’m sure we’ve talked about books on many occasions, my favourite being Gone With the Wind! It certainly is a Holy Grail of books to get through, but as I love reading I’m finding it so much fun. I’ll absolutely have a look at your blog as well. Do let me know if you (or Beryl) have any books to recommend so I can give them a read as well.
Lots of love to you both xx
The closest thing to “the great American novel” is “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, my personal favourite. They have made two films of it (Alan Ladd, then Robert Redford as Gatsby), both of which missed the mark. I understand a new version with Leonard DiCaprio is in work. Fitzgerald at his best writes poetic prose to raise goose bumps on your skin. It is a must read and a book for the ages.
To whom it may concern:
My name is James Conrad and I have written a novel called The Ideal Man, about twenty-nine-year-old Grace Watts, who is feeling stifled in her marriage to David Watts, a successful real estate agent. He is financially secure, but is insensitive, unimaginative, sexually inept and sometimes cruel. As Grace seeks meaning in her life, David becomes annoyed at what he considers “erratic behavior” and frustrated that his wife refuses to let anybody dominate her. Furthermore, he is tempted by the affections of Lana Dyson, his colleague from the real estate agency who is waiting for his increasingly fragile marriage to disintegrate so that she can have him all to herself. However, Grace remains with him because she has a fear of being alone.
Grace crosses paths with Anthony Parris, an artist who opts for one-night stands because of a fear of intimacy. She becomes disgusted when she sees him in the arms of many different women, but when she unwittingly attends one of his exhibitions, she becomes increasingly drawn to him herself. In turn, Anthony learns that Grace is a dependable confidant. As David begins to let Grace down more and more, Anthony proves – much to her surprise – to be a strong ally. But will he believe her when she expresses her feelings for him?
The book is published by Fine Tooth Press and has been in print since November 14, 2011. It is also available for the Nook and soon will be made available for Amazon’s Kindle. I would love to ask, what steps should I take to secure a review with your website? Please let me know. I thank you much for your time and consideration. The link to where the book can be purchased is enclosed below, and on that page you will find the page count, price, ISBN and all other relevant information. An electronic copy of the book can be made available upon request.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ideal-man-james-conrad/1102292829?ean=9780982200957&itm=1&usri=the+ideal+man+by+james+conrad
Thanks again,
James Conrad
P.S. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter @RealJamesConrad
Hey Lucy,
I know we don’t know each other, but I was browsing the SYP’s Fb page and somehow ran into you (and other people who seem to be members of it, I assume) then got to your blog.
Before joining SYP I thought of asking around a bit, how is it like to be a member – and more than that, do you ever manage to go to their events and stuff? To me, this would be a lil’ problem as I live in Portsmouth, but I could make it to London from time to time.
Thanks so much and I’m looking forward for hearing from you, as I’m not sure yet on whether to do it or not.
Hi Anca,
I’m so sorry for taking so long to get back to you – I haven’t had a chance to blog for ages! I would definitely reccommend joining the SYP if you’re interested in publishing as it’s a great way to meet people, find out more about the industry and do a bit of networking. Obviously most of the events are held in London (or Oxford) but you also get newsletters and regular emails so I think it’d be worth joining. if you got any more questions feel free to email me at theunlikelybookworm@hotmail.co.uk xx
Just wanna say you have a pretty cool blog going 🙂
Hi Jeyna, thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you like my blog! If you’ve got any book recommendations (particularly from the BBC Big Read) do let me know 🙂
Lucy,
I have been reading your blog for a while now – and I’m subscribed now! – I absolutely love how you write. You voice is both charming, witty, and honest. I am also a 20-something. I was hoping to do an author interview with you if you are available. Please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Shannon A. Thompson
Great blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are
so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any ideas? Thank you!
Hi there, thanks so much for your lovely comment! I would definitely start with a free platform like wordpress which is what I did – but would definitely advise paying for a domain name – it’s only about £10 a year and means you don’t have .wordpress in your blog URL. Wordpress also have some great premium themes which you pay a little bit extra for – I started with a free theme before moving onto a paid one and then got a wonderful website designer to create the latest look. Hope that helps! xox
Heya Lucy,
Hope you are well… just wanted to say I love the website – I hope the Australian adventure is going well.
All the best from a windswept London!
Jamie
Cool story. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Lucy, I wanted to contact you firstly to tell you I love your IG feed 🙂 and to ask you if you would be interested in being a guest blogger/brand ambassador for Yoga Junction?
Yoga Junction is an online store that promotes a balanced lifestyle by inspiring people to do yoga and meditate. Our target customer is a girl that loves yoga, enjoys a green juice by won’t shy away from Friday night drinks with the girls – balance right?
I just recently discovered you on insta and instantly liked your vibe. I love that you are passionate about literacy and yoga (of course) but mostly I like the way you connect with your fans.
I am new to all this but know that the relationship needs to be beneficial for both of us. If you are interested and want to get an idea of what we’re about check out Yoga Junction which is my urban wear brand.
If you think we are the right fit for you and you are liking the look of what we are doing, I would love to hear from you. Best wishes Tamara x
Hey Lucy,
Did you use to live and organize parties in Whitechapel about 11-12 years ago?
I have very positive memories and if it is you, I am happy I found you
Best regards
Mira
What a good idea! (to read 100 books and blog about the process). I’m excited to dig into your site.
Thanks so much Emily! Hope you enjoy my blog xox
Hi, love the concept of your blog. Glad to see you have an interest in travel books. I have written a book title Immersed in West Africa which is listed on Amazon. My book shares my adventures on an eight week trip to five West African nations. I would love to have you review my book if this story line is appealing to you.
Hi Terry, thanks so much for getting in touch. Unfortunately as I’m currently reading my way through the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die I’m not accepting further books for review, but I wish you all the best with it!
Great website! may i ask which theme you are using . I just started blogging and I would really appreciate if you could visit my blog and give your feedback
https://thecosycorner1788007.wordpress.com/
Hello Lucy,
I’m a 22-year-old author and I wrote a book to overcome anxiety due to toxic relationships. it’s a fast and smooth reading.
In the book i show three fundamental principles: the Self, the Other and the Place; the balance of which leads to completeness. You’ll see an overall and systemic vision of human beings and their relationships: the inner ones between the plurality of the ” Self ” and the social ones.
I sincerely hope it can leave you something.
Contact me back if you are interested, see you soon!
Frederick
Hi Frederick, thanks so much for stopping by. Unfortunately I’m not currently accepting books for review, but I wish you all the very best with yours! xo
Love your blog! I’m emailing you about my free ebook “Together in Tears”, available on my site, #Amazon.com. I’m hoping it’ll grab your attention and add it to your piles of TBR books that you already have. This book is somewhat fiction and non-fiction combine. You can’t probably imagine how a person can go through so much until your feet are in their shoes. Thank you kindly and contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Thanks for stopping by Gemma. Unfortunately I’m not currently accepting books to review but I wish you all the best with Together in Tears! xo
Greetings,
I ran across your blog and thought how great it would be to work with you. I’m a retired police officer with a great autobiography to share. It is quite timely for today’s events and will surely inspire and test your emotions…. take a chance and check it out ! I’ll be more than happy to mail you a copy , Thanks!
Hi Bobby,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately I’m not currently accepting books for review but I wish you all the best with your autobiography.
Thanks,
Lucy