Authors for Philippines appeal

By now you've almost certainly heard what's happening in the Philippines. It's desperately awful, and hard not to feel that all efforts to help are just going to be fractions of what's needed.

But we can raise money so that the aid workers out there have the resources they need to save and improve lives - and if you want to help out with a donation and you happen to love books, there's an absolutely brilliant charity auction that started today.

Authors for Philippines is offering an incredible range of one-off bookish goodies from a huge list of totally amazing authors and editors. Every bid you make (and please make lots!) will mean more money for the Red Cross's Typhoon Haiyan appeal - you get to do a great thing, and you'll get some fantastic rewards in exchange.

As you've probably heard, Murder Most Unladylike won't be out until May 2014. But I am offering one very special advance proof copy of the book, signed to whoever you want and personalised in any way you'd like (I will draw and write any message that is not actually obscene or libellous, although I do warn you that I am very bad at art).

If you enjoy this blog, and if you're looking forward to Murder Most Unladylike, please bid. And if you aren't, just bid on someone else's bookish offer. There are critiques from editors, school visits, signed Neil Gaiman books and one-off Alex Smith illustrations, editorial advice from authors, tickets to launch parties ...

This is an incredibly worthy cause, and I think it's important for us to do anything we can, no matter how small, to help out. So, what are you waiting for? Start your bidding now!