Legend Press

Buy Hansom Pilot single for just 79p!!!

As many of you may know, my brother is in a band called Hansom Pilot, and they are magnificent. Next week their first single is being launched and can be bought for just 79p at itunes!

Is a hugely important moment for them and they need, and deserve, all the support they can get (reminds me of a similar time of first launching Legend Press books and how important the support was then).

Therefore, please, please order at least one copy - every single one counts towards achieving the level of success they deserve and after all it's only 79p - for that price you would even go home empty-handed from a pound shop.

Here's to the year of Hansom Pilot (joint-top with Legend Press etc).

Tom

Events coming up in May

As it's May tomorrow I thought I would remind you all of the events coming up in May:

12th May - Candi Miller - Talk in Wolverhampton with the Wednesfield Reader's Group 2pm.

15th May - William Coles - Reading and Signing at Glasgow Waterstone's Argyle Street 6pm.

15th May - Nick Griffiths - Author 'In Conversation' Waterstone's London Piccadilly 6:30pm.

17th May - Kevin Chandler - 8 Hours Reading and signing Waterstone's Wilmslow 1-2pm

21st May - Nick + to be confirmed - Waltham Forest Festival - North Chingford Library 7-9pm

28th May - William Coles - Stall at Eton College

Mark Piggott's novel 'Fire Horses' is published on 31st May, with exciting events to follow in June!

Lucy

Can you be young with a bad hip?

Last night I was kindly invited to give a talk to the Society of Young Publishers on surviving as an independent publisher. With Legend Press often having used 'the youngest-tun mainstream publisher' and talking to the SYP, it was slightly ironic that I managed to injure my hip in the day (hopefully only a slight strain - put it down to the sudden regular cycling) and had to hobble around at the speaker meeting.

But that aside it was a really nice evening and interesting to also hear Will Atkinson of Faber and Faber and the very nice owners of the Books for Cooks bookshop (where I now want to go to experience the food cooked on the premises from recipes in their range of books).

Was followed by a drink or two after and nice to have a chance to chat to people from the SYP. I was even recalling first moving to London and joining the group, and how it was quite exciting going to events and see some of the publishing scene (again clearly showing my age).

So thanks to Rachel of the SYP for inviting me and hope I managed to be of reasonable interest - although seeing me hobble slightly may have out people off starting their own publishing company!

Tom

Mark Piggott to talk at Ted Hughes Festival...

Mark Piggott will be speaking at the Ted Hughes Festival on 25th October at 12pm. The festival, in Mytholmroyd, Halifax where Ted grew up is set to be a big event on the literary calender this year from 22nd-28th October. Other writers speaking at the event include Andrew Motion, Keith Sager and Glynn Hughes. Mark will be reading from his novel Fire Horses published on 31st May.

Lucy

Listen to our short story authors...

On 5th April three of our short story writers took part in the Short Story Festival at Foyles. Kevin Chandler, Josie Henley-Einion and E.C. Seaman read an extract of their work from our Short Story Re-invented series. Listen here!

...And Nick Griffiths making a mark at Oxford St Waterstone's

Thanks to all the staff at Oxford St. Waterstone's in London where we had a great afternoon yesterday. It was brilliant to see all seats taken for a talk and signing with Nick, author of the fantastic IN THE FOOTSTEPS of HARRISON DEXTROSE, despite being one of the first (and hopefully not last) sunny days of the year.

If you're going by, make sure you drop in as they have ordered bucket loads which Nick has signed and which are being promoted at the front of the shop. Make sure you pick a copy up of this great and hilarious novel. (note: a friend who got a copy on Thursday's launch, told me yesterday that he hasn't been able to put it down since). Exciting times for Harrison Dextrose and Nick!

Tom

Harrison Dextrose front-of-shop in Cardiff...

Nothing quite like seeing the books out on launch day - especially when promoted at the front of the shop. Thanks for the picture Josie from the Cardiff Borders!

Tom

Releasing 'the Horses'

There are moments when it strikes me how strong our list of titles are for the first half of this year. Whether luck or judgement who knows but, while still a huge amount to do, the potential is very exciting. One of these novels is the fantastic FIRE HORES by Mark Liam Piggott, which launches 31st May. We're already in the process of confirming a range of nationwide bookshop promotions and media coverage. And as a taster, here's a great piece published last week by Manchester University, where Mark completed a MA in Creative Writing.

Hopefully amazing times ahead for Mark and Fire Horses.

Tom

Bad photographer but great launch...

Despite two double bacon bagels, this morning at Legend Press is most politely described as a delicate one. That is the result of a great launch last night for the fantastic In The Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose by Nick Griffiths, which we're all very excited about. The Phoenix Artist Club was a fantastic venue the place was packed throughout the night.

Just realised I only took one picture, and that a badly taken one, of Nick signing the posterboard which will join all the others down the years on display. But to fill in the non-pictured gaps, it was great. And in the end late. But all worth it and onwards tomorrow for the Oxford St book signing. The book of the summer? I should hope so.

Tom

Joy unconfined for the Dextrose....

We did say we were very excited by this book and what better way to set-up for the official launch event tonight - the brilliant IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HARRISON DEXTROSE has hit number one on the Amazon Movers & Shakers chart. i.e. it has jumped up the rankings more than any other book (and the eagle-eyed of you will notice that it has done so at a rate TEN-TIMES higher than any other book!)

No mean feat at all and not only that - it is currently at number four in the hot new releases chart. And this is only the start... Watch out Martina Cole at number one.

You'll no doubt say I'm not one to be wanton with my emotions, but I'm actually quite excited!!

Tom

Nick Griffiths launches

There are 2 days left until the official publication of In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose on Saturday (26th April). Just a little reminder, Nick will be talking and signing copies of the book on Saturday in Waterstone's 421 Oxford Street (near Selfridges). It would be great if you could all come down, listen to Nick and purchase a special signed copy! If you can't make Saturday, or you are a Nick fanatic, Nick will also be appearing at Waterstone's Piccadilly on 15th May for an author in conversation event. The launch party for the book is tonight, so for all those who are coming we look forward to seeing you there!

Lucy

See our authors on Waterstones.com...

We've recently posted unique videos for three of our authors – Lee Henshaw, Nick Griffiths and Josie Henley-Einion - and now the first two are up on the Waterstone's website, along with full profiles and great question and answer interviews. To view just click on Lee and Nick - both are brilliant and you have to see them (involving a self-interview and melon respectively).

Josie's is to follow shortly, but while you're there make sure you place an order for the great books. Waterstones.com has been a breath of fresh air since its launch and from all reports has exceeded expectations. We look forward to working with them a lot more over the coming months and onwards.

Tom

Would you like professional advice on your writing?

If you're a writer, there's a great new chance to have a publishing professional provide a personal critique of your work. Arts Council-sponsored site, YouWriteOn, who we announced a partnership with last month, have launched a service through which you can choose the literary professional of your choice to provide detailed feedback on your writing. You can select from a list of top editors and agents, both independent and from major publishing houses, and they have a range of packages on offer.

There are a lot of author-to-author feedback sites, many of which are fantastic, but this is the first I've come across where you have a way of getting a full critique service from within the publishing industry - which should hopefully be invaluable towards becoming a published author.

YouWriteOn were also battling against Amazon in the press recently, so definitely a site growing very fast! Have told them I expect them to be inundated with this great new service.

Tom

Mark Piggott finds Paradise?!

 

It seemed like Mark Piggott had found paradise: a luxury resort near Broome on Australia’s northern coast. But when stranded in Cable Beach with his family, a series of unexpected events would drive him to the edge of madness… Read about Mark's exploits in Australia... chicken pox and all in 3:AM Magazine.

Legend Press three-years-old today!

Seems to strange after how much has happened and so quickly, but Legend Press is officially three-years-old today! By chance I actually saw the company's certificate of incorporation yesterday, and it's stated there: founded 20th April 2005.

On that day I would have finished my day at my old work and have been at the internet cafe below my shared flat trying to put my initial plans into action. Now I'm still trying to get plans into action, I just have people to talk to about them! (And office and own computer...)

Starting out without any experience of running a company and without any money is very tough, particularly in book publishing, and there have been some hellish times to be here today, but also many great times. A huge thanks to everyone who has supported and worked with Legend Press – everyone is part of the company and can admit that we wouldn't be here without that support.

In particular wanted to say thanks to Luke Bitmead, who was the first novelist I signed up and after a great ten months working together Luke sadly died in 2006. Despite only having just started out, he showed complete faith in me and Legend Press – something as time goes on I realise was more and more special and important.

Still many obstacles to overcome but also an increasing number of opportunities for Legend Press and exciting times ahead! Here's to another 30, maybe even 300 years of Legend Press (although I hope to have retired by then for a break...)

Tom

Read Nick's Writewords interview

Nick Griffiths's Write Words interview is up on the web for all to see! He speaks about his motivations for writing, finding an agent and his feelings on the release of 'In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose' next week. Click here to read the interview.

"Harrison Dextrose isn't published yet, and I am on tenterhooks as to the reaction. But I've had some frankly glowing responses to Dalek I Loved You, which make my heart soar."

Talking about SILENCE

We're very excited about launching the wonderful SILENCE by Josie Henley-Einion in July. Josie came to Legendary fame through having stories published in our last two short story collections, Seven Days and Eight Hours. This is her first novel and we have very high hopes for it. But who can describe it better than the author herself – we were lucky enough to film her a little while ago doing just that. Viola, as I believe they say:

The day after the three days before...

I skipped the gym (which wasn't that much of disappointment if I'm honest) and cycled in early to start catching up on my post-fair emails. I've been in the office well over an hour and so far I have got through one day's worth - looks like there's going to be a lot of typing this morning.

But all worth it, as although I could probably sleep if I blinked too hard, we had an excellent book fair with three days packed with appointments (think I had something like 40-45 meetings over the three days - hoping the notes will all make sense today...) Our books and Legend Press generally received a huge amount of interest and there are also some exciting opportunities that have opened up to develop a worldwide sales network and digital offerings etc - more no doubt over the coming weeks as it is all put into place.

It was also nice to catch-up with friends I mainly seem to see at the book fairs and generally to be in the whole diverse, if exhausting, mix.

One slight pity was that I missed out on the Young Publishing Entrepreneur of the Year Award, announced yesterday afternoon - went to Emma Hayley of Self Made Hero. Congratulations to Emma who has done an amazing job there. Of course I am far too competitive and we are considering starting our own awards next year so I can avoid this bridesmaid role that seems to have developed!

Right, the Legend Press business is waiting - back to these emails!

Tom

Nick Griffiths events coming up

It is almost 1 week until the release of In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose on 26th April. To mark the launch we have organised two exciting events in central London to give people the chance to meet the author Nick Griffiths and buy a signed copy of the book.

On Saturday 26th April Nick will be talking and signing copies at Waterstones 421 Oxford Street (opposite Selfridges) at 2pm.

On Thursday 15th May at 6:30pm Nick will be 'In conversation' at Waterstones Piccadilly. Tickets cost £3, but is redeemable if you buy a copy of the book.

Both events are listed on the Waterstones website, click here to see details.

2 weeks a legend....

After 2 weeks working at Legend Press anonymously, behind the guise of unnamed blogger, I felt I should formally announce myself. My name is Lucy Boguslawski and I'm the new Publishing Assistant, so feel free to contact me whenever (within reason of course!) Apologises for the dreadful picture! I scanned through my photos and this is literally the only picture of me alone. Hence dreadful santa-esque graduation robes and awful smile, whoever thought furry white material everywhere was a good idea I'll never know! I have had a really good couple of weeks working at Legend, organising lots of exciting events and speaking to lots and lots of people, whether they like it or not! I am looking forward to working on all the exciting books we have coming out this year and meeting lots more of you at events.

A response like no other...

Thanks to Hackney Libraries for a couple of great events over the weekend. As part of their activities for Get London Reading Week, they declared Sat 12th April a Library Open Day with a series of excellent events. This included Nick Griffiths and Mark Liam Piggott giving a great talk and signing at Shoreditch Library and William Coles (very moderately assisted by myself) spending the afternoon at Stamford Hill Library.

There were many very interesting conversations, copies sold, which is always nice, and thanks for all those involved in organising the day. I do though have to report one of the rarest lines I've heard to date and one that had us laughing for quite a while after. Mr Coles is a salesman-extraordinaire when it comes to discussing his novel but even he had to pause for a brief second when on inviting someone over to hear of the book he had written, she promptly responded, 'What do you want, a medal?' He did recover quickly however with, 'No, I'd just like you to buy a damn copy.' Always entertaining these events, and we are now considering having Legend Press medals produced for our wonderful authors.

But a great day anyway and look forward to hearing back from those who took copies away and said they'd be in touch with their thoughts!

Tom

Kevin attracts a crowd in Huddersfield

Last night, at a wild and rain swept Huddersfield, Waterstones played host to one of their most successful launch evenings in many a long while. 50 people braved the elements to hear one of our 8 Hours authors, Levin Chandler, give a talk about the parallels between therapy and writing, about the experience of being published, and gave a well-received reading from his own short story Fifty-Minute Hour. Want to catch Kevin again? He will be reading and signing copies of 8 Hours in Wilmslow, Cheshire on 17th May, so come along!

My first Galaxy Book Awards

While last year I went to the trade awards, last night was the first time I have been to the Galaxy Book Awards, as a guest of the British Council who very kindly invited me. In the end it turned out to be a very good night. It was firstly interesting walking down the red carpet for the first time surrounded by cameras flashing, paparazzi calling names, a interview going on and a surprisingly large section of the public there. And absolutely none of it with any interest in me - having hundreds of people look at you to see if you are 'anybody' and then look away dismissively when they don't know who the hell you are could cause havoc with a person's identity.

On arrival I didn't think I would know anyone and would spend a good hour immersed in the seating plan. Luckily I bumped into a friend straight away and recognised a few people I knew as the night went on.

I'm actually not a big fan of award nights as they tend to drag on with dinner and then awards while you're constrained to your table but they clearly had this in mind as to my surprise it was over fairly promptly with food already on the table.

It was all presented by Richard and Judy, sadly I didn't notice them afterwards, and they had a hugely impressive list of authors in attendance, plus the celebrity presenters/authors (I'm fairly anti-celebrity but there is just some instinct of interest in seeing them which I try and usually fail to suppress).

And so onto a couple of drinks after though managed to avoid staying too late, which was probably a good thing. A little jaded today though have enough energy to roll that square of red carpet under my desk. I believe the awards are televised on Sunday so watch out for me, no doubt caught in the most hideous pose imaginable as I believe is known as s*d's law.

Tom

Nick launches later this month - Win an invite!

Nick Griffiths launches his new book In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose on Thursday 24th April at the Phoenix Artist's Club in central London. 'Cooler than David Hasselhoff in a room full of otters' the event is set to be a fun and exclusive affair, as with all Legend launches!

As we're being generous this sunny morning, the first 3 people to order a copy of Harrison Dextrose will win a pair of invites to the event. Order at:

ORDER NOW £7.99           Buy signed copy for £1 extra

                                 

The tougest name for a bike ever?

Having said it for while, but never having got round to it, I have finally got myself a bike. It makes far more sense to cycle to work - faster (20/25 mins as opposed to 45 on the bus in rush hour), healthier, cheaper, better for the environment. It is also, on good days, very nice cycling into London and quite cathartic. Although on my second ride in I did have Fleetwood Mac's 'Go Your Own Way'  in my head, having heard it earlier at work.

I have also been quite lucky with this bike, having kindly been given it by our wonderful designer Gudrun, for the price of a curry on Brick Lane. Very generous. Now, while I have technically pointed bought a bike from a girl, as people from my old work kindly pointed out, rather than having a bell and basket it has one of the toughest names in the world, which is already the subject of much banter in the office and outside. Step forward 'The Aggressor'.

Being suited for off- and on-road riding, I have already described it as like riding a wild lion into work and that buses are cowering in its dominance of the road. I'm exaggerating of course. It's like a part-tamed lion.

Here's to a healthy summer, though I want the sun to come back out again soon!

Tom

Come along to Kevin Chandler's Huddersfield signing

Kevin Chandler, one of the authors of our innovative short story collection 8 Hours, will be signing copies of the book this Thursday 10th April at 7:15pm in Hudderfield Waterstones. Click here to see Kevin featured in the Huddersfield Examiner "It’s very difficult to get published these days, being good isn’t enough. It is hard for new writers to break through, but Legend Press are committed to publishing new material."

Pop along and support Kevin and buy a signed copy of our innovative short story collection!

Eight Hours on the Costa Del Sol

We're often saying the success of our fantastic short story series, 'The Short Story Reinvented', and in particular the recently-launched EIGHT HOURS relies on word-of-mouth. Therefore it is great to see it already making its mark on the Costa Del Sol, courtesy of writing twins CL Raven's sister Sarah and fiance Craig.

'L-R clockwise: by a cannon in Sohail castle; Craig reading it on Fuengirola beach (he got very badly sunburnt reading it, but we couldn't include the picture for censorship reasons) beneath the Spanish flag on the top of Sohail castle & behind bars on the prison door of the castle - the only door of the castle still standing after Napoleon attacked it.'

Apparently, it will next be seen in Guernsey and California. EIGHT HOURS taking over the world, and rightly so! Just make sure you've bought your copy - after all you wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of world domination.

Tom

   

Set to acquire PaperBooks

As revealed in the Bookseller today, some exciting news – an agreement has been made for me to acquire PaperBooks, a fellow independent publisher. I've been wanting to reveal this for a while but it has obviously had to be kept top secret while discussing with Keirsten Clark, who founded the excellent trade fiction publishing company in 2006.

When they first appeared on the scene, I was aware of certain similarities with Legend Press, in terms of ethos and approach and they have a fantastic list of authors who I can't wait to work with and also to build with new commissioning.

The companies are to be run separately, while benefitting from being under the 'same roof' - through economies of scales, resources, skills and the strength of both 'brands'.

Am sure there will be much more to follow, but thought I would let our blog readers know now it's agreed and in the open. Both Legend Press and PaperBooks have hugely bright futures ahead of them and between them should grow to be central to the independent publishing and general publishing sectors. Exciting times ahead!

Tom

Come and see us on at Foyles on Saturday...

Legend Press and several of our EIGHT HOURS authors will be taking part in the Foyles Short Story Festival this Saturday 5th April, which is part of the Get London Reading Week - for full programme click here. Taking place at the flagship Charing Cross Road branch, our authors E.C. Seaman, Josie Henley-Einion and Kevin Chandler will have a slot to themselves at 3.30pm to read from the fantastic collection and to take any questions.

I have also been asked to take part in a panel discussion at 6.35pm, which should be very interesting (for me anyway; maybe less so for those listening to me).

So, if you're in the London area, make sure you come along - should be a great day.

Tom

Advance warning: the book rabbits are coming

There seems to be lots happening online at the moment as the publishing world cottons on to the potential there. As always a lot may appear and disappear with little notice, but one new initiative that has caught the imagination a little is Bookrabbit.com (see also this feature  on the Bookseller website this week).

I was kindly invited to the launch and while it is only open to the trade at the moment (why you can't get much further on the website - goes out to public end of April), there has been a lot of big talk from the inventors and it seems to offer a mix between book groups, bookshops and social networking, so ticks at least a couple of current trend boxes. One memorable point is the technology to scan in a photo of your bookshelf and it will match up the titles, and also link you to people/shelves with similar taste. Can see the book rabbit filth headlines now.

So, we'll wait and see how it pans out but definitely one to keep an eye on (plus liked the fact that we were given carrot cake when leaving  - although took me around 100 paces away from the door before realising the link...)

Tom

PS While being someone who when people say 'isn't he/she cute' I will occasionally throw in a half-hearted 'yes' without really getting it, the rabbit picture above does somehow break though my clearly cold heart - very 'cute' (there said it, though that was tougher than you'd imagine).

Another new avenue for the Legend express

We're always looking for new initiatives and plans at Legend Press, but must admit this one came as a shock even to me. Thanks Kevin, one of own Legendary authors, for the picture. Never mind all these arguments about discounting on books, at £2.10 for an early starter breakfast, that's a real saving.

On the topic of early starters, Kevin you appear to be brandishing that coffee like a man who'd just tumbled out of a beer festival. Luckily your email confirmed that you are holding that coffee as a man who'd just tumbled out of a beer festival.

It was interesting timing for this to come up, but can confirm diners are one area we don't see the Legend Empire expanding to next... yet anyway. Though may have to drop in now for the early starter if I'm ever nearby.

Tom

In the spirit of April Fools Day - some Legendary mistakes

Wondered what to write for today's blog and then thought that as it's April Fools Day (and will be three years since the company started out on 20th April), it would be worthwhile owning up to a few mistakes/infuriating moments. And while we of course talk more about the successes, and we've pleased to have so much to talk about, there have been numerous very angry, very stressful moments caused along the way.

All part of the start-out curve apparently though actually think they continue all the way through as you've constantly looking to try out the new etc - you just hope that the successes build at a faster rate!

So, from the top of my (increasingly smarting now I'm thinking about them) head, a five for you (in no order):

1) First Waterstone's 3for2 order - although they didn't tell me it had to go through wholesaler at that point, how I wished I'd asked a million questions when going through the hell of sorting it out.
2) Leaving a company we previously worked used with nothing to lose but temporarily some of our stock - they immediately held the stock and tried to squeeze us to get it back. A night taking legal advice - quite a sad lesson.
3) Spending money on advertising - although very little (and to be fair in same situation I would so the same as you have to prudently give all angles a go). Makes little difference these days unless done on a vast scale and done well.
4) Dealing with funding/investment (various). Has to be done and can't be helped but takes a huge amount of time away from actually running the businesses and so many seemingly certain avenues promptly close, or change for the worse, for a variety of reasons.  And rather than for the better, a huge cashflow hole opens as a result. After it all, makes me glad Legend Press isn't reliant on outside funding.
5) Taking a blind stab at anything requiring expertise - have quickly learned the importance of having people around you who can offer the expert advice that you don't have, and must be used. Whether supplier contracts, rights or author offers, company deals, it's easy to do something for speed and ease ignoring the fact that you may, or too likely will, regret later. I remember early on trying to entice a rights offer and then five minutes later ringing up my rights friend and saying 'please get me out of this..."

Am sure there are many more. And if anyone says there're part of the fun, they're lying or being ridiculous. They're hell. But need to continue to learn and concentrate on the successes  - coming up to three years in having started without a penny or even a computer is something to remember. Plus I believe I have maintained my youthful looks (mistake no 6...)

Tom