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About

The Full Story

Rachael Hardcastle is an Amazon international #1 bestselling author from the UK. She writes mostly fantasy and adventure books for young adults and teens.​

 

Rachael believes in entertaining readers by offering them a temporary escape from reality. Her stories are fun, fast-paced and addictive—the ideal vacation companion. Her relatable characters embark on meaningful journeys, get into tons of trouble, but overall discover the depths of what it is to be human. Through her emotive novellas, Rachael hopes to encourage you to look within; to find your story.

 

Rachael knows that through writing, we face our darkest fears, explore infinite new worlds, and realise our true purpose. Creative writing helps us to understand what that purpose is.

 

​​Since starting her self-publishing experience in 2010, Rachael has worked with many individuals to help make their dreams of publishing a book reality, including school children! Her imprint, Curious Cat Books, has been responsible for producing gorgeous children's books, memoirs and more since 2017.

 

But Rachael wants you to tell your story; she delivers talks and workshops and visits communities to share invaluable advice and experience, inspiring you to write and journal your way to a memoir, poem, or even a full-length novel too.​

 

See what you're capable of... reach out to book your event today.

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"I fell in love with creative writing in my teens, not only because it allowed me the ability to visit imaginary worlds, play different roles, meet unique characters and, of course, explore magic and mystery (which is why I now write fantasy!), but for its benefits to my mental health and personal development.

 

It didn't take long before I realised how expensive and frustrating publishing a book could get, especially without a big publishing house to back me. But I desperately wanted to give it a go myself. So, I trained first of all to become a copy-editor and then started my independent publishing company, Curious Cat Books, to help people like you get started on your journey. 15 years later, I'm excited to share my experiences (the successes and the failures!), my finished books, and some top tips from working within the industry with you.

 

Whether you're here to discover your next favourite book, or you'd like to give writing a go yourself, I've carefully crafted a variety of talks and workshops to inspire and/or educate groups of any size. This includes social groups, schools, and of course, other writers. It doesn't matter if you're new to writing or simply curious what 'self-publishing' actually is, I can happily tailor something to meet your needs and hopefully solve whatever writing/publishing frustrations you're experiencing!

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​You don't need to have any technology or equipment to book a talk with me, either. I'll bring everything along, and I'll talk in-depth about your chosen topic/s for up to 2 hours, leaving extra time for a Q&A at the end in case you've got anything else to ask me. I'll also then stay to offer signed copies of my books at a discounted price, and access to merchandise that's exclusively available at my in-person events. If you're anything like me, you'll want to take away a souvenir!

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I hold Public Liability Insurance, and I am DBS checked.

 

For those 2 hours, my starting fee is only £59.00. For longer workshops or school visits, please give me a shout first for a quote, as I'll need a bit more information to ensure I can deliver exactly what you need, when you need it."​​​​​​​​​​

Rachael's imprint has published books by authors across the UK, and worked alongside them to copy-edit and coach the independent publishing process. She is so proud to have worked with them all. Please look them up to support their hard work and talent:

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  • Carol Mace - The Terrific Trip of Douglas Drip (pre-school picture)

  • Pamela Pedder - Moving Day (pre-school picture)

  • Pamela Pedder - The Queen's Visit (pre-school picture)

  • Kate Ainsworth - The Fabulous Mr Frank and the Cupcake Catastrophe (pre-school picture)

  • Kate Ainsworth - The Fabulous Mr Frank and the Trouble with Bubbles (pre-school picture)

  • Adam Cornish - The Ghost Butterfly (pre-school picture)

  • Suzie Moone: Patacake Cat (pre-school picture)

  • Alanna Betambeau - Brother Butterfly (pre-school picture)

  • Alanna Betambeau - The Noisy Fairy Neighbours (pre-school picture)

  • Alanna Betambeau - Harriet's Hibernation (pre-school picture)

  • Alanna Betambeau - The Singing Snail (pre-school picture)

  • Craig AS Naylor - The Bear With No Hair (pre-school picture)

  • David Hardcastle - Bluetooth & the World Wide Web (middle grade)

  • John Brookes - Henry (middle-grade)

  • John Brookes - Ash the Claustrophobic Mole (middle-grade)

  • CH Degosserie - The Six Children (middle grade)

  • Bronwyn Harrison - Lost At Sea (middle-grade)

  • Kier McGuinness - Generation Dead (adult)

  • Peter Kay - Show Me the Way to Santiago (adult/non fiction)

  • Peter Kay - A Very Alternative Coast to Coast (adult/non-fiction)​

  • Low Ash Primary School - Tales of the Agoge Book 1 (short stories)

  • Low Ash Primary School - Tales of the Agoge Book 2 (short stories)

  • Low Ash Primary School - Children of War Book 1 (short stories)

  • Low Ash Primary School - Children of War Book 2 (short stories)

  • Low Ash Primary School - Survival of the Fittest (short stories)

  • Gail J Schofield - The Lost Photos of Eastbrook Hall (adult/non-fiction)

Let’s Work Together

So far, lots of authors, organisations, businesses, charities and social groups have been able to learn more about self-publishing, and find a new book to enjoy. Thank you all for working with me in the past, and also to the many media outlets who have kindly featured or interviewed me. I can't wait to see all the amazing books you produce!

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I'd love to add more to this list of people I've been able to reach and inspire so far. If the above is of interest, please get in touch with me today for a chat:

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Low Ash Primary School, Horton Park Primary School, Shipley Triangle, Shipley Market, Bradford Market (Oastler), Hanson Academy, Wrose Library/Wrose Carnival, Harrogate Library, Women's Institute, Girl Guiding, Promoting Yorkshire Authors, Waterstones Bradford, WHSmith, Made In Leeds TV, Higher Coach Road Arts Group, Tyersal Club, Interlude Tea Rooms, Coffee Love, Spooks of Haworth, Millers Book Exchange, Whitby Bookshop, Leeds Indoor Market, Keighley Indoor Market, Impact Radio USA, WNZK Detroit, BCB Radio, Royal Radio, Telegraph and Argus, BBC Leeds, Drystone Radio, Windhill Community Centre, Harrogate Books and Beverages, Yorkshire Youth Market, Leeds Indoor Market, Create a Story You Love Podcast, Go Indie Now Podcast, Origin Stories Podcast, Mirage Podcast, Dungeon Crawlers Podcast, New Destinations Harrogate, The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed Podcast, Michelle Cronauer Podcast, Indie Book Showcase, Idle Trumpit, The Bradford Review, and more...

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