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
Congratulations!
How about a late party?
Or did you already have one and not invite me...
Posted by: Lee Henshaw | 23 April 2008 at 08:39 PM
Belated Happy Birthday, Tom and Legend. I feel privileged to have been part of the early days! (Gosh, why do birthdays always bring out my soppy side! ;-) )
Posted by: Sarah James | 23 April 2008 at 08:34 PM
Hey, Happy Birthday! (Bill Coles is always going on about how young you are, Tom, but I hadn't realised you were only THREE! Amazing!)
Keep up the good work. We need independent publishers (and booksellers) more than ever before.
Posted by: Juliet | 22 April 2008 at 12:52 PM
Hurrah! Just don't ever grow old in spirit. Keep sticking them two fingers up to the publishing industry and do things your way. It works!
Posted by: Andrew Theophilou | 22 April 2008 at 09:35 AM
Congrats Tom, 15 more years and I'll be able to buy you a drink...
Posted by: mark liam piggott | 21 April 2008 at 08:24 PM
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Legend
Happy Birthday to you!
Give them the bumps.
Posted by: Josie | 21 April 2008 at 04:09 PM
Happy birthday Legend Press! Wow, you're getting on a bit but still nice and young and fresh in your approach which is what makes you such an exciting company (well the company is anyway Tom, even if you're showing signs of wear and tear by now!)
Hope you're going to celebrate tonight, see you soon!
Emma xxx
Posted by: Emma Howard | 21 April 2008 at 04:03 PM