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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author and PR veteran Jeremy Murphy talks about what inspired him to write his new media career book, Fuck Off Chloe.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author Jeremy Murphy about his life and career in the media, what inspired him to start writing, and the work that went into his new book, Fuck Off Chloe.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I like to think of myself as a writer first, then a PR veteran (ugh). I started as a newspaper reporter/ copy editor, then went on to become a feature writer and columnist. Seven years into my career I switched to PR for a big media company, where I stayed for 14 years.
In 2016 I started my company, 360bespoke, and in 2022 wrote my first book. I have a much more pretentious bio I’m told one must have here.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I never did. It happened by accident. I was posting snotty lists of things I hate about PR on a private Facebook group for industry people, and an executive with a publishing company was among the members. She contacted me about turning the lists into a book. Two days later I had a deal.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Drinking and watching lots of mindless stuff on YouTube. It was COVID and I was very bored (and drunk). Macallan should really pay me.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Two months. Once I realized my pissy lists could not fill a full book I had to think of new content.
What made you want to write Fuck Off Chloe?
See “Macallan, drinking.”
What were your biggest challenges with writing Fuck Off Chloe?
Editing myself. I had generated a lot of inappropriate content that I thought was funny (“How to Identify the Office Cunt,” “Match the Terrorist Group to the PR Agency”) but the publisher was skittish. “Someone has to buy this book, Jeremy. You’re offending everyone.”
What was your research process for Fuck Off Chloe?
Sitting at the bar pissing myself with new content I wrote on my phone and tested with friends. It’s not at all serious or well researched. I could have thought back to years of therapy I am still paying off, but that’s a very sad topic and I wanted people to cry laughing.
How did you plan the structure of Fuck Off Chloe?
I didn’t. It kind of just wrote itself, like a mental download. After, I organized the chapters to keep it random.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Fuck Off Chloe need?
I had a good editor who understood my humor so not much was edited except I had to remove the word “cunt” several times. I had 10 uses and had to lose eight of them.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Don’t. Your publisher is likely to have hundreds of other books they are releasing so you’ll be bottom of the pile and wind up doing all the promotional work yourself. Also, checking rankings on Amazon will become an addiction. You’ll want to track down and hurt the one person who leaves a two-star review (I will find you!) On the other hand, it’s very cool to have something official with my name on it that isn’t a past due notice. And the reviews have been very positive.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
There is the possibility of a sequel. Apparently, the infestation of Chloes is not limited to media.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes, because there wasn’t much effort in writing it. That came natural. The heavy lifting and anxiety comes in getting people to read it but the response has made it worth it.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
https://www.jeremy-murphy.com/
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/F*ck-Off-Chloe!/Jeremy-Murphy/9781510770300
https://www.instagram.com/fuckoffchloe_/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/smurfy331/?hl=en
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