Whilst completing her matric year during a pandemic, Rhenish Girls’ High School matric student, Emily Hart, also managed to secure an international publishing deal, on 23 July.
“I honestly did not expect it all to happen this fast. After a week of submitting my novel to almost 20 different publishers, I got a call from Europa Editions. Two weeks later, I signed the contract,” said Emily.
The crime fiction novel, which does not have a name yet, is set to be published in England, Italy, Germany, France, and Portugal before Christmas this year, Emily said.
“I was motivated by my love for writing and felt compelled to share a story of redemption and shine a spotlight on the issues of self-worth, dealing with one’s past, and finding hope in the future,” added Emily.
According to Emily, she began writing the novel in 2018, when she was in grade 10.
“Thanks to lockdown earlier this year, I had enough time to finish the manuscript and send it out to publishers,” Emily said.
For Emily to have signed this deal was a true testimony to God’s goodness and the power of prayer. It was also wonderful to feel like her hard work had paid off, she said.
Emily Hart received the exciting news of her publishing deal on 23 July. According to her mother, Mandi Hart, Emily started showing an interest in writing from as early as grade one. PHOTO: Supplied/EmilyHart
No easy feat
The novel’s crime fiction narrative meant that Emily had to job shadow a detective, as well as dedicate time to researching criminology, and the nature of gangs and drugs, she said.
“I have learned so much more about criminology and will forever be impacted by those studies,” Emily said.
Despite all the research that went into the book, there were still moments of self-doubt, Emily added.
“But I realised that so many people let these fears stop them from even trying, and I didn’t want to be one of those people. You don’t have to be great, you just have to have enough courage to start,” she said.
According to Emily Hart, sometimes she finds herself creating plot lines or dialogue scenes in her head during school. During those few minutes in class when the teacher gives them a break, she’ll write those ideas down on sticky notes, or the back of math worksheets. PHOTO: Supplied/Emily Hart
Making her parents and teachers proud
This achievement is a dream come true for Emily, said her mother, Mandi Hart.
“When she told us in grade six that one of her goals was to receive a publishing deal before she finished matric, we spurred her on. We are so very proud of her and believe that this is just the start,” said Mandi.
During her schooling years at high school, Emily has shown insight, empathy for others and a wonderful creative flair in her written work, said Ingrid Hofhuis, Emily’s English teacher.
“[Emily] has a unique talent and I’m delighted that the world will now get to see the work of this exciting young writing prospect,” Hofhuis added.
After school, Emily Hart is interested in studying a BA in Language and Culture at Stellenbosch University. Alternatively, Emily might take a gap year and explore the option of missionary work. PHOTO: Supplied/Emily Hart