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On Saturday we have two fantastic books coming out: Lord Lucan: My Story by William Coles and The History of Us by Philip Leslie.
It will be great to see these two brilliant and different books on the shelfs tomorrow and we hope you enjoy them.
Order your copy of The History of Us now - £7.99 
Order your copy of Lord Lucan now - £7.99
Lucy
Tom and I had a very interesting day in Eton yesterday selling copies of old student William Coles fantastic books The Well-Tempered Clavier and Lord Lucan: My Story at their famous 4th of June celebrations. We attended the event last year, which also wasn;t in June, so we are a little confused by the name.
Despite the awful rainy weather morale was boosted by delicious bacon sandwiches at lunch and almost 100 books sold.
The Well-Tempered Clavier, which is a love story set in Eton went down very well with the ladies, and there was a great deal of interest in Lord Lucan: My Story which is not published until Saturday.
Pre-order your copy of Lord Lucan now - £7.99
Order your copy of The Well-Tempered Clavier now - £7.99
Lucy
The Well-Tempered Clavier, renamed Prelude in America has received an excellent review on popular literary blog www.curledup.com. Below is a taster:
"Despite its over-the-top style, Prelude is surprisingly passionate and excruciatingly compelling. The vast Windsor Castle with its blaze of summery light along with the gently flowing Thames provide a beautiful accent to the lovers’ sensual interludes. The irony of the play Othello echoes throughout, and the interplay of the musical preludes add an uneasy tension, the symbolism of the piano rather fortuitous as Kim and India’s hands mirror each other, their journey along the rocky path of passion eventfully signifying their doom."
To read the review in full click here!
Bill's latest book Lord Lucan: My Story is out this Saturday, and is available to pre-order now from the online shop, or using the link below!
Pre-order your copy of Lord Lucan now - £7.99
Order your copy of The Well-Tempered Clavier now - £7.99
Lucy
Lots to report in terms of what stage Exclusively Independent is at...
Firstly, the final ten titles for the next cycle of EI have been selected! They are:
The Budapest Protocol by Adam LeBor (Reportage Press)
The Visionary and other Poems by Emily Bronte and Chris Emery (Salt Publishing)
8 Rooms by Various Authors (Legend Press- of course!)
Empires Apart by Brian Landers (Picnic Publishing)
Go With Me by Castle Freeman (Duckworth)
Yucky Love Thing by Michael Catchpool (Gullane Childrens Books)
Jack Highfield: Chaos Unleashed by Alec Sillifant (Meadowside Childrens Books)
Sweets from Morocco by Jo Verity (Honno Press)
I Live Under a Black Sun by Edith Sitwell (Peter Owen Publishing)
Big Book of Betsey Biggalow by Malorie Blackman (Barn Owl Books)
I'm really pleased with the selection this month. It's great to see such strong titles covering fiction, short stories and childrens books.
Next on the agenda for EI, is that the call for the second national cycle is now open. Any age, any genre, we're interested in variety, so whatever you feel sums up independent talent, send it in!
To submit titles, or find out more about the project, email Lauren at laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk
The good people at Legend have asked me to keep a blog. I tried to tell them that blogging holds no appeal for me, mainly because I’ve absolutely nothing to say that isn’t already being said by half a billion other people, but they’re very persuasive at Shoreditch HQ…
As always in a crisis I turn for help to ‘The Skiver’s Guide’ by Diana Wynne Jones. Two nuggets of wisdom leap from the page: ‘Never do anything unless you absolutely have to,’ and: ‘Never…look unwilling to do something. If you are cornered…look bright and busy, as if you intend to do what you are told. Never do it, of course.’
What I’ve decided, then, to make it seem that I’m writing a blog entry, is to set a (nearly) impossible book quiz (with a mystery book shaped prize). All questions relate to books that are either undeservedly out of print or undeservedly neglected. Answers at an unspecified future juncture. A search engine will be of no use.
1)What is the name of Brad Gowan’s babysitter?
2)Whose father is the late 105692 Major D E Wood, Royal Durham Fusiliers?
3)The narrator of which novel falls in love with Chloe Fox?
4)The story of Willie’s cousin is told in how many novels?
5)What happens to Graeme Drury, in this Australian novel?
6)What giant, mechanical creature does Charlotte Bush ride on Christmas Eve?
7) Mr Hind is a lesser-known master at which school?
8)Who is the proprietor of Mercury Motor Cycles? (Nickname will suffice. Supplying the person’s full name would ruin one of the jokes in the book.)
Clue: only one of these questions, possibly the easiest, refers to books aimed at adult readers. This quiz is not open to professional librarians. Please email answers to info@legend-paperbooks.co.uk
Philip
Philip's novel 'The History of Us' is published by Legend Press on 30th May 2009.
One of the more ambitious projects we're been involved in and one we are incredibly excited about is the business book we're publishing in conjunction with the Shashoua Foundation and Morocco's Ministry of Industry, Trade and New Technologies.
Edited by Jonathan Reuvid, acclaimed author and editor of over 35 titles, the book offers a comprehensive guide to all areas of one of few global growing economies, as well as being the first such guide in the English language.
Launching on 14th June, we're expecting Morocco: Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean to be a landmark book and to prove a huge success.
We're also delighted to offer a special pre-launch offer on the title, which can be taken advantage of right here.
Tom
On Saturday, Jenni visited Waterstones in Llandudno for her first book signing for '8 Rooms'.
The weather was apparently dreadful which wasn't ideal for an event, but that didn't stop the day being a great experience for the author.
Hosting the event along with Jenni, was a collection of other local authors and writers, sharing work from all different genres.
The staff at Waterstones were extremly helpful and welcoming, so a big thank you for their help in arranging the day.
We hope to arrange another event, either at the same shop, or elsewhere in Llandudno for Jenni. So if you live in or around North Wales, keep an eye out for any events that may be in a shop near you.
Lauren
This Saturday, May 16th, we've got some exciting events lined up for four of the eight short story writers.
These will be book signings where readers can come and chat to the authors, and pick up their own signed copies.
Upcoming events:
Emma Seaman - Waterstones Newton Abbot 11am
Guy Mankowski - Waterstones Newcastle Emerson Chambers 12-2pm
C J Carver - Borders Bristol 2-4pm
D. E Rhylis - Waterstones Llandudno 11-3pm
Posters are up displaying the events, along with some notices posted on the shops websites.
So if you're out and about this weekend, why not stop by and pick up your own copy!
Lauren
An update on one of our partnerships – with UK leading writers’ site YouWriteOn. We launched the free publishing service last Autumn, offering the chance for writers to take advantage of POD technology and the possibilities of self-publishing with wider author choice on covers etc. We were absolutely inundated with the response and were delighted by a number of success stories - including one author being in the top ten for titles sold by Blackwell’s in Scotland, another selling over 2,000 copies of her novel and numerous cases of great media coverage. We also faced many great challenges, from implementing the most efficient systems to submission of files for production. As a result, we have added a number of new features which are ensuring the smooth running of the project and to provide clarity for customers have created a separate name for the service, New Generation Publishing. Furthermore, we have created a dedicated website, www.newgenerationpublishing.info, which details the service additions, provides clear submission guidelines, details some of the successes to date and offers a comprehensive FAQ to answer writer questions. We’re very pleased to be working with YouWriteOn on this ambitious project and hope it can go from strength to strength, offering a new avenue of success for authors. Tom
After the fantastic success of the first Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary last year, Legend Press and Luke’s family are pleased to announce the opening of entries for the 2009 Writer’s Bursary on today, Luke’s Birthday. The award was set up shortly after Luke’s death to support and encourage the work of fledgling novel writers, with the top prize being a publishing contract with Legend Press.
We are pleased to be continuing this brilliant bursary for a second year, and hope to follow in the success of last year’s winner Andrew Blackman, who published his debut novel On the Holloway Road with Legend Press in February.
Submissions from writers will be accepted from today 13th May to 31st August 2009, with the winner announced in the week of 27th October 2009.
Only adult fiction is eligble for this bursary, no children's books or non-fiction. The judging panel will consist of Luke’s mother and sister, Legend Press and also two best-selling authors; top Swiss fiction writer Zoe Jenny and UK novelist Sam Mills. Entrants must be aged 16 or over. There is no upper age restriction for entry but all submissions must be from first-time, non-published authors – particularly those who are talented but whose personal or financial circumstances are making it especially hard for them to focus on writing as a career.
Novels must be already completed before entry. Unfinished manuscripts will not be accepted. Please submit 3-4 sample chapters initially by email to bitmeadbursary@legendpress.co.uk
Writers must also submit a personal statement outlining why they would particularly benefit from the bursary. This will form a key part of the judging process.
The 2008 bursary received hundreds of entries and we look forward to reading your work and discovering more talented authors.
For all enquiries please email bitmeadbursary@legendpress.co.uk
Tom, Lucy and Lauren
The Legend Press and Paperbooks conference 'Publishing Laid Bare' on 25th June was featured on the Bookseller website today:
"Waterstone’s Greg Eden, Play.com’s Caroline Mileham and the Book Depository’s Mark Thwaite and Steve Potter have signed up to appear as panelists at the first-ever Publishing Laid Bare conference.
The one-day conference, which is being organised by independent publisher Legend Press, will take place at the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square, London on 25th June. The event is aimed at independent publishers and speakers will consider various topics, such as whether newspaper reviews still have influence, whether getting books into the high street is a "waste of time or still valued ground" and the future of publishing."
The conference, which is sponsored by Gardners Books and Lightning Source will include a large number of industry experts including Nicholas Clee, Amber Pearson (Daily Mail) and Charlie Redmayne, Head of Harper Collins digital.
Tickets for the event, which runs from 10am-5pm, are £100+VAT, including lunch and refreshments. Please contact conference@legend-paperbooks.co.uk for more information or to book your place
Lucy
The fantastic The History of Us by Philip Leslie is published on 30th May. We are really excited about the release of this beautiful novel, an emotional and exquisitely written story, that would be an excellent read for your holidays abroad or in the gloomy UK!
Told in three parts, The History of Us, follows the two and a close friend, bonded by love, but also by a single tragic moment in their shared lives. As their story unfolds, we hear many whispers, shifting our understanding of that tragic day and how love, even when taken away, can be everlasting. This is their story.
Pre-order your copy of The History of Us now - £7.99
Lucy
The Well-Tempered Clavier by William Coles was published in America by Soho Press at the start of the month under the title Prelude.
The book is attracting lots of media attention, including this review on the 'Pop Culture Junkie Blog'. Below is a taster:
"While other student/teacher relationships in books seem to have one character taking advantage of another I didn't feel that so much in this book. I felt like they were on equal footing and were really there for each other. I never saw India as a predator and I found their relationship rather sweet. It actually seemed to me that Kim was stronger than India, I guess you could say in that way she used him, to prop herself up but it worked for me. I thought the choice to use music as a way to connect them (student to teacher) added a beautiful theme to the story.
I loved how the story was told, with Kim looked back on the events from 25 years later. It was nice having his reflections rather then just being in the moment with him. I also liked how upfront we know that this love doesn't last. And that Kim was able to admit that his own jealousy and paranoia helped end their relationship.
Overall I thought this was a beautifully told story that shows how one summer can change your life forever!"
To read the review in full click here!
Lucy
We are pleased to see this morning that an American blog vasigauke.blogspot.com has picked up on Sarah's review of Harare North published in the Scotland on Sunday last week. They comment:
Manyika's focus in the Harare North review is different from (and soberer than)most that have been published in the big UK papers. She knows what she is talking about. Not to say that there is anything wrong with not knowing what you are talking about when you review a book, because any reader response tends to have its merits, etc, but I like how she focuses on the language use in the novel. She writes:
"Such a potpourri [of speech patterns]runs the risk of being confusing or distracting. Yet this same language might be interpreted as part of the novel's brilliance for it reflects a protagonist who has appropriated London's many speech patterns, thereby making it difficult to put him into the straitjacket of one single immigrant experience. The protagonist becomes an everyman, albeit not a likeable one, who captures the reader's attention and compels them to keep reading."
Her review is important because she brings a writer's perspective to her reading of the novel and her understanding of the issues is informed by her first-hand knowledge of the Zimbabwean situation. We need more reviews like this one.
Lucy
A book review by Sarah Ladipo Manyika was published in the Scotland On Sunday last week. Sarah reviewed Caine prize winning author Brian Chikwava's novel Harare North:
'The unnamed protagonist of Harare North is no ordinary asylum seeker. He is not, as he claims, a victim of Mugabe's repressive political regime, but a political thug for whom things have gone wrong. Once in London (aka Harare North), he finds a Brixton squat where he lives with "illegals" including a woman who rents her baby, two eco-friendly drug addicts and several rats. So begins an astonishing debut novel by Brian Chikwava.
One of the most striking aspects of this novel is its language. Written in the first person, the voice is erratic and not easily identifiable. While portions sound authentic for a Zimbabwean of this character's background, others are more reminiscent of cockney, "posh" English, Jamaican patois or West African pidgin. Such a potpourri runs the risk of being confusing or distracting. Yet this same language might be interpreted as part of the novel's brilliance for it reflects a protagonist who has appropriated London's many speech patterns, thereby making it difficult to put him into the straitjacket of one single immigrant experience. The protagonist becomes an everyman, albeit not a likeable one, who captures the reader's attention and compels them to keep reading.
Anyone who has read Chikwava's short stories, including his award-winning 'Seventh Street Alchemy', will know that the author has a gift for evoking place. With deft descriptions reminiscent of Samuel Selvon's Lonely Londoners, a reader will smile in recognition at the "ice-cold sun hanging in the sky like frozen pizza", or the curious civility of Londoners that is friendly only in form. Chikwava employs wry humour to comment on a country that names its pubs after deceased monarchs and appears more concerned with dead whales floating down the Thames than human corpses.
Harare North is a powerful immigrant story, but it is also much more than this. It addresses, amongst other things, society's fear of unruly youth and the struggles of a growing underclass.
This book is one of those that come around every couple of years offering something new, and not for novelty's sake, but in the sense of revealing something vital about the times in which we live.'
Lucy
A little blog stolen from Andrew Blackman's site http://andrewblackman.net/ this morning:
"I had a wonderful trip to New York. The book-related reasons to go were to sign copies at the Columbia Alumni Book Fair and to give a speech at the Jack Kerouac Literary Group, both of which went very well.
Outside of the scheduled events, it was great to spend some time in New York City, where I lived for six years before moving back to the UK in 2006. I managed to catch up with friends from my various incarnations: a corporate banker at Citigroup, a student at Columbia and then a journalist at the Wall Street Journal. And then I spent time just wandering down memory lane. Of course things have changed, but most of the old favourites are still there. As I list them, it’s interesting how many of them are food-related! Anyway, in my old neighbourhood on the Upper East Side: hot pastrami on a poppyseed bagel from Tal Bagel (I used to live in a little apartment upstairs), breakfast at the old-fashioned Mansion Diner, and little choux pastries filled with custard from the Choux Factory. Further downtown, brunch at Danal’s was a must. Then there was Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the various riverside walks in Manhattan, and of course a lazy, sunny afternoon lying on the Great Lawn in Central Park reading a book and trying not to get hit by frisbees. And visiting friends in New Jersey gave me an excuse to rent a Corvette for a day and hit the gargantuan American highways."
Order your of On the Holloway Road copy now - £7.99
Lucy
Interest in 'Who Goes There' by Nick Griffiths is still very high, with the book being a popular favourite with Dr Who Fans, but also fans of great comedy books.
We noticed on our google alert this week that the book is currently being read by author John Connolly and has been mentioned on his blog
The brilliant book is available to buy from the online shop
Lucy
We are now entering the fourth cycle of Exclusively Independent!
Submissions are welcome from publishers across all genres, and can be new or backlist titles.
We try to incorporate the books that whole heartedly stand for independent talent. They showcase what it is to be independent, and demonstrate creative talent at it's finest.
As I've mentioned before, over the last few cycles we have had submissions covering every corner of the publishing industry. It is this variety that is attracting readers and defines Exclusively Independent.
Distributed nationwide by Gardners, the project has no limits; reaching readers no matter what their tastes and interests.
The scheme aims to give all submissions a level playing ground, therefore the final ten titles chosen by the industry panel, will try to incorporate fine examples of the diverse work submitted.
The call for submissions closes on May 10th.
For more information on how to submit, contact Lauren on laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk or call 0207 426 0340.
This month Tom has been helping judge an international short story competition organised by Chapter One Promotions.
Tom comments: I was delighted to judge the short story competition this year. I was unsure and interested in what we would receive - I thought there would be a great response though you can never be certain on the direction guidelined submissions will take.
What we received was excellent - a fantastic range of stories covering a multitude of styles, angles and themes. The average quality of writing was very high with very few dipping below a highly competent mark. There were some which were enjoyable to read and others that clearly stood out as having that little bit of extra edge.
Particularly covering such a range, it was difficult to choose winners and on a different day I could have swayed differently. But we really liked the ones we chose for winning places and are confident they each offer something very special."
The winners of the competition were:
First Place: The Shed by Robert Grossmith
Second Place: Witness by Mary Colvin
Third Place: After the Storm by Catriona Graham
To read the full list of winners click here
Lucy
