Need support of the book chains

As you will probably know, Queer Fish in God's Waiting Room officially launched last weekend and in recognition of its huge potential and interest both Waterstone's and Borders put the novel into their front-of-shop price promotions. Quite a rare coup for a first novel and promises excellent things for a great book.

However, having dropped into a couple of branches on the way back from meetings, has been a bittersweet week. Yesterday (5 days after launch) I was told at both a Waterstone's and Borders branch that it wasn't out yet due to unpacking backlog and an unnamed Borders member of staff told me last weekend, assuming I was a random customer, that it was because they were 'bone-a*sed lazy'.

Fair play for honesty I guess but after the hard work to get the books into the promotions, and with the chains wanting major publicity to run with the launch, as a small publisher (or any publisher) we need the support and organisation all the way down to the individual shops. After all, it will cost them business but us, with so much planned and invested, a whole lot more. A bit disappointing – also as we will be judged on first week sales, taken out of our hands in this case, and February is a short promotion month after all so lost days vital.

But to end on a more positive note, put my head round the entrance (quite a feat) of the major Charing Cross Road Borders today and there is was, the first book I noticed on the front table. Hopefully will now make up for lost time.  Actually, as it's Friday and a nice day - a special weekend promotion: if you buy a copy, take a picture in the store and send it in I will send you an extra signed copy absolutely free. Email to tomchalmers@legendpress.co.uk

Have a good weekend and take those pictures.

Tom

Comments

[Josie]

Perhaps the Borders staff are sitting around reading the book. From my experience, just a few pages can make you feel stoned – have you infused the paper with something or is it Lee’s surreal words?