Private Lives

Acknowledgements

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, signing the contract with my agent, Nelle Andrews, was without a doubt in the top three good decisions of my life. Her dedication, tenacity and mama bear instinct for her authors is second to none.

Another top-drawer decision was saying ‘I do’ to James Linard, the best person I know. Living up to the ‘tricky second album’ stereotype, this book has been hard to write at times. There have been many (entirely necessary) revisions which have led to many morning-chorus panics, cancelled holidays and James emptying the dishwasher for the 4,503rd time in a row. While I’ve wept and wailed, James has been steadfast and clear-sighted. Thank you so much, always, my love.

Our boys, Otis and Quinn, have written their own books alongside this one and have helped by getting me out of my own head – mostly by wrestling or leaping on me from a great height or handing me a worm to rescue. Thank you, sweethearts, for always reminding me of what really matters. I love you guys so much.

I would never have believed it possible to actually write for a living were it not for the constant unwavering love and belief of my parents, Sandy and Edward Elgar, both of whom inspired a love of literature in me and my sisters.

Thank you to my excellent bros-in-law, nieces, nephews and God-kids. You are the best.

Thank you to my wonderful friends both old and new. If my characters had friends half as good as you, they’d never end up in such terrible states.

Halfway through writing this book the brilliant Frankie Gray left Transworld for pastures new. Thank you, Frankie, for steering the early ideas and for gently making me understand why the first full draft had to be totally rewritten.

I was nervous working with someone new halfway through a novel, but I’ll never forget Thorne Ryan, my new editor, saying, ‘Don’t worry, we’re going to get on.’ She was bloody right. Thorne’s instinct for a great story and her incredible brain power blows me away. I feel very, very lucky to work with someone I admire so much.

The first time I met Ola Olatunji-Bello she made such considered, brilliant editorial suggestions, I knew immediately she was another complete natural. Thank you both for your incredible patience and care.

I’d also like to heartily thank the excellent Anna Carvanova and Anna Nightingale, both of whom I have no doubt have amazing careers in books ahead of them.

Thank you to Eloise Austin for being at the marketing helm. Huge thanks to publicist Becky Short – surely one of the most engaging and fun people in publishing.

Barbara Thompson has been incredible on copy-editorial, spotting things that totally passed me and others by – thank you. Thanks also to Viv Thompson, Holly Reed, copy-editor Eleanor Updegraff and proofreader Rachel Cross.

In the sales team I’d like to thank Deirdre O’Connell, Phoebe Llanwarne and Rhian Steer.

In international sales, the appropriately named Cara Conquest – thank you.

In production, hearty thanks to Phil Evans. I’m indebted also to the brilliant Beci Kelly for the amazing, dizzying cover design.

I’d also like to thank my old boss and friend Del Campbell, who offered me a job even though I’m sure I seemed entirely unsuited to the role. Your early belief in me in my former role and now as a writer has meant more than you probably know.

Thank you to all the service users past and present. The ones who love what they do, the ones who feel indifferent and those who want to leave the industry. I hope the two former groups can work safely, legitimately and free from stigma and discrimination. For the latter group, I hope they find any support they might need to leave and do something else.

Finally, thank you so much, reader, for coming all this way with me.

Emily x