What sparks a thrilling murder mystery? How does a book evolve from manuscript to bestseller? Delve into the world of “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” with exclusive insights from author Holly Jackson and editor Lindsey Heaven. For readers eager to explore the suspense and intrigue of this acclaimed YA novel, and perhaps even searching for a Pdf Of A Good Girls Guide To Murder Book to start their reading journey, this Q&A offers a behind-the-scenes look at its creation.
Author Holly Jackson on Crafting Mystery
What drew you to the murder mystery genre?
My fascination with murder mysteries and crime thrillers has always been strong, whether in books or on screen. However, the true catalyst for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” was the captivating world of true crime podcasts and documentaries. I became deeply immersed in this genre and wanted to write a book that captured the essence of a ‘real’ amateur investigation.
Were there unique challenges in making a teenage girl your detective?
Not at all! I saw Pip being a teenage detective as a powerful advantage, brimming with narrative potential. One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing was figuring out how Pip could leverage everyday technology as crime-solving tools. Being a teenager, she lacks the resources of law enforcement, but this becomes her strength. Adult characters often underestimate her, and Pip cleverly turns their underestimation into a weapon in her pursuit of the truth.
What did you appreciate most about collaborating with Lindsey on this book?
Given the true crime inspiration, I envisioned the book having a ‘true crime’ feel, incorporating multimedia elements and found-footage style items to create an immersive reading experience. Lindsey embraced this vision from the very beginning. While these elements sometimes presented formatting challenges during editing, they ultimately enriched the final book. I’m incredibly grateful for Lindsey’s unwavering support for this dual format and for her championing of the book itself.
What was the most difficult aspect of writing the book? What are you most proud of?
In any crime thriller, there’s immense pressure to deliver THE BIG TWIST. It’s an expected genre convention, and the goal is to strike a balance between shocking the reader and making the twist feel somewhat foreseeable in retrospect. Coming up with an original surprise for readers well-versed in crime thriller tropes was the biggest challenge. Books in this genre often hinge on their final reveal, and I’m relieved that, judging by reviews, I largely succeeded in creating a satisfying twist.
What advice would you offer to authors publishing their first book?
My advice, which I often struggled to follow myself, is to remember the heart of this career: the joy of storytelling. The publishing process can sometimes overshadow this, especially when you’re meticulously editing at 3 a.m. or stressing over word count. It will be stressful. But ultimately, remember your core task is to tell a story you yourself would love to read, and that’s an incredible privilege.
Image: Author Holly Jackson, known for “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” sharing insights into her writing process and inspiration.
Editor Lindsey Heaven on Discovering Talent
What excited you most about Holly’s manuscript initially?
It was simply the most captivating manuscript I had ever encountered. We, the editors, were instantly hooked on Pip’s investigation from the very first page. We were messaging each other late into the night, eager to see how the story unfolded.
What writing qualities make Holly stand out as a significant talent?
Holly’s strong sense of social justice resonates powerfully, matched by an incredibly authentic YA voice and a truly addictive mystery. Her writing style transcends the YA category, attracting a growing adult readership. She is commercially astute, uniquely distinctive, brave, and the most detail-oriented author I’ve ever worked with, caring deeply about every nuance, from character dialogue to punctuation.
How did you collaborate with Holly on her manuscript? Were there changes you requested?
Crime novels often rely on a degree of unbelievable coincidence – the improbable event that sets the plot in motion. Holly and I discussed at length how far we could push this suspension of disbelief. One of her remarkable strengths is her ability to take readers on an almost unbelievable journey while maintaining their complete engagement. She pushes the boundaries, and I believe readers love her books even more for it.
What motivated you to become an editor?
My first publishing experience was work experience at Barrington Stoke, then operating from the owner’s home. Barrington Stoke publishes books for children with reading difficulties like dyslexia, commissioning mainstream authors to ensure these children read engaging, non-stigmatizing books. Witnessing how children’s books could entertain, transform lives, and unite children through a shared love of reading was a life-changing moment. I knew then what I wanted to do.
What advice would you give to debut authors?
Understand your story and your unique voice, but be open to constructive criticism. Through challenges, you’ll discover what truly matters to you and refine your work from good to exceptional.
Image: Editor Lindsey Heaven, Electric Monkey, discusses her experience working with Holly Jackson and her passion for discovering new authors.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is available from Electric Monkey. Explore the gripping mystery that has captivated readers and consider obtaining your own copy, perhaps even seeking out a pdf of a good girls guide to murder book for immediate access to this thrilling read.
