A slightly crazy two weeks - Summer Reading returns from Waterstone's focus the mind but don't put us off sending five books to print. Happy to see that our Greek author, Vangelis Hatziyannidis' FOUR WALLS was the one that did the best and had very few returns - as we are bringing out his second novel, STOLEN TIME, in January, it seems it was a good idea to do a two book deal two years ago. Publishers just use their instincts - who could not want to read atmospheric Greek novels in which people disappear in lightning storms, and secrets are kept in concealed hotel basements.

Parties - we went to the Dedalus Decadent Handbook launch at a subterranean night club off Regent Street. The side streets were full of parties, including an open brazier where a wild boar seemed to be being barbecued. The bouncer was happy to direct me to the Dedalus party when he knew I wasn't another gate crasher. The Gin and Absinthe were free, but the wine and beer wasn't. The Burlesque dance show, after Rowan Pelling's introduction, was entertaining. But I was in the middle of a training course on InDesign so had to leave a bit early...

Then there was the goodbye party for Gary McKeone and his stalwart colleagues at the Arts Council. A very crowded gallery off Cork Street, but actually good to see so much support for the Literature Department, which has done some very good things over the past ten years. Reading initiatives in libraries, support for new Orange Prize writers, translation prizes - too many to note.

And, yes - I think I have finished doing the royalty statements. This bugs me every November - so many sums, but after a good year, it's quite nice to see how much money I owe our authors....