Legend Press

Andrew Blackman to judge London Short Story Competition

Andrew Blackman, author of the brilliant On the Holloway Road will be judging the London Short Story Award: London Glamour and Grime as part of the London Bridge festival. The award is supported by the Times Literary Supplement.

There will be Reading Performance of the shortlisted entries at the Old Operating Theatre. All shortlisted writers will be invited to read their stories at the Old Operating Theatre, and to the Festival Wrap Party on July 25 at the Roxy Bar and Screen.

For full details of the award click here!

Lucy

Publishing Laid Bare featured in the Bookseller

The first Legend Press and Paperbooks conference 'Publishing Laid Bare' was featured in the Bookseller this morning. The story of the day was the discussion regarding the pricing of e-books which took place in the first panel discussion chaired by Stuart Rock, Editor of Real Business. Those involved in the discussion were Emma Hayley (SelfMadeHero) ,Scott Pack (The Friday Project), Jonathan Reuvid (Business writer and Editor) and Mark Thwaite (The Book Depository).

The day was full of a whole host of discussions regarding issues facing the publishing industry and further details of information included in the conference will follow on the blog in the next couple of weeks.

To read the article in full click here!

Lucy

Katy's Work Experience Placement...

Every intern's fears that work experience solely involves making constant cups of coffee and photocopying mindless sheets of paper were 
quickly proven to be unfounded the very minute I walked through the doors at Legend Press.

Tom, Lucy and Lauren are a fantastic and friendly team more than willing to explain the inner workings of what they do and, most importantly, to get you involved with actually doing it.

My work experience offered a wide range of tasks from compiling contact databases for the likes of Dr Who fans to proof reading manuscripts and selling books to Waterstones and Borders - some cases more successful than others! But work progressed outside of the office too, with a booklaunch for the team's first business book; 'Morocco: 
Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean,' to which Embassy members and press alike were in attendance, and also with a 'Publishing Laid Bare' conference at the Imperial Hotel in Russell Square alongside the likes of HarperCollins, The Daily Mail and The Book Depository.

As the above suggests, my work experience has literally offered a wealth of experience from a dedicated and motivated team who are quite simply making a 'legend' (excuse the pun!) out of what they are trying, and succeeding to do, with the publishing world.

All that is left to do is to offer my extremely grateful thanks to Tom, Lauren and Lucy for 
having me here with them at Legend Press.

Our First Conference...

Yesterday saw the first conference from Legend Press and PaperBooks, and proved to be a great success.

Throughout the day, we heard from a variety of speakers from all aspects of the industry.

Panel One focussed on what publishing can learn from other industries with speakers including Emma Hayley - SelfMadeHero and Jonathan Reuvid - Author of numerous successful business books.

Panel Two discussed the effect that different forms of media has on the success of a book featuring speakers such as Amber Pearson - Daily Mail, and Mark Thwaite - Editor, Book Depository & ReadySteadyBook.

Panel Three debated where publishers can realistically sell their books. The Panel featured Steve Potter - Buyer, Book Depository and Chris Meade - Future of the Book.

Finally Panel Four spoke about the future of publishing, the new roles and avenues for success, featuring James Wills - Director, Watson Little Literary Agency and David Roth-Ey, Director of Digital Business Development, Harper Collins.

We're extremely pleased with the outcome, and hope that those listening at the conference found it equally beneficial.

Now onto the next one!...

Lauren

Launch of e-Books featured in the Bookseller

The launch ofour e-Book initiative has been featured in the Bookseller this morning:

'Legend Press is entering the e-book market, with the launch of its first digital book next Monday (29th June).

The first title to be released in electronic format is Legend's Doctor Who-inspired travel book Who Goes There, written by journalist and show expert Nick Griffiths. The book was released in physical format last October.

Lucy Boguslawski, marketing director of Legend Press, said it was "an exciting step for the company". She added: "We are keen to stay at the forefront of publishing and look forward to the success of forthcoming titles with the online community. We chose to launch the campaign with Who Goes There as the title has had great success with online communities, due to the show’s large online following."'

To read the article in full click here! 

Lucy

Launch of first e-Book!

We are very excited to announce the launch our first ever  e-Book this week: Who Goes There by Nick Griffiths.

The e-Book is published in partnership with DNL, offering an exciting opportunity for us, as one of the first small independent publishers to launch an e-book initiative.

The e-book for Who Goes There features an exclusive author video with Nick Griffiths, theme tune and links to author research websites.

Launching the e-Book will be a fantastic way to reach new audiences with our titles, which will particularly appeal to the online community who know and love Who Goes There as well as those who are new to the book!

The e-Book is available to buy exclusively for just £5.99 for this week only by clicking here!

Lucy

Here we go again!

Here we go again!

The new submission for Exclusively Independent is now open. To submit titles, please email the AI (and ms if you have it) to Lauren at laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk

The information will be collated into a submission pack, and distributed to the panel, prior to the panel meeting.

With almost a hundred publishers taking part and submitting up to three titles, be sure not to miss out! The submission call ends 5 July.

We look forward to reading your submissions!

William Coles in the Edinburgh News

William Coles, author of Lord Lucan: My Story has been featured in the Edinburgh News this week with a 10 question interview.

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Arriving at Waverley Station on a gorgeous May morning eight years ago – then walking up the steps to be confronted by this quite breathtaking view.

2 What are your memories of school? Running around under the sprinklers with all the other three-year-olds at Miss Samber's, in Plaitford, Hants. There were about ten of us, all naked in the sunshine.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Arthur's Seat – what a glorious hill to have right in the very heart of the city. It's best at 9pm after a sweltering day in August. I climb it with friends and a bottle of wine.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? High ceilings; cosmopolitan residents; short bikeable distances; and, of course, the Festival. The world arrives at your doorstep.

To read the interview in full click here!

Order your copy of Lord Lucan: My Story now - £7.99 

Lucy

A landmark launch

Last Thursday saw the launch of Morocco: Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean, the first English language guide to all aspects of the Moroccan economy – a economy that is bucking the international recession with a forecast GDP growth of 5.5%.

The launch, at the fantastic Cavalry and Guards Club in London, was an excellent evening and was even attended by the Princess of Morocco, Her

 Highness 
Lalla 
Joumala
 Alaoui. It's not often you get the opportunity to meet royalty and Her Highness was kind enough to say some very nice words and it was a great priviledge to speak to her. The evening was also attended by a number of dignatories and all-in-all a landmark event for Legend Press on numerous levels!

We will now be focussing on doing all we can to promote and sell the book, and, at the start of the exciting new list and greatly enjoying the partnership with the Shashoua Foundation, we hope this is the first of many wonderful business titles to come.

See www.moroccoemergingeconomy.com for further details!

Tom

Lord Lucan website launched

A new website for Lord Lucan: My Story by William Coles has launched this week www.lordlucan.org. The site is to be developed in the next few weekswith information about the book, where it has been featured and background information.

The book is doing really well across the UK, so go into your local bookshop to order a copy! William has been doing events across the UK to promote the book including Edinburgh, Birstall, Windsor, Staines, London and Alresford.

Order your copy of Lord Lucan: My Story now - £7.99 

Lucy

Successful 8 Rooms signing in York!

On Saturday three authors from our fantastic short story collection 8 Room were at Waterstone's in York promoting the book and selling lots of signed copies! The authors Andrew Kirby, Miranda Winram and Guy Mankowski all have local links to the area and it was great to have an event that included so many authors. The event was a great success, out-selling the last event in Leeds and we look forward to lots more events across the country to promote this brilliant collection.

Lucy

'ENGROSSED' in Lord Lucan

Lord Lucan: My Story by William Coles has been reviewed on popular literary blog Alcott and Earhart.

"Whilst I find the way the story has been presented needlessly confusing, I did quite enjoy this in a way. I think. Enjoyed is probably not the right word. ENGROSSED perhaps, marvelling at the pig-headed nature of the upper classes. And, it must be added... I do feel slightly anxious now, working in London as a nanny. I SERIOUSLY hope I'm not exterminated in some future domestic brawl. That would be truly horrific.

Although, considering the current apathy I am experiencing as the mindless nature of my job begins to grate in it's seventh month... there is the possibility that a death threat might liven things up a little bit. "

To read the review in full click here

Order your copy of Lord Lucan: My Story now - £7.99 

Lucy

EI at The Library Show...

Yesterday, Exclusively Independent was on the road as we headed to The Library Show in Birmingham.

'Established as the annual meeting place for the library community across all sectors - public, academic, school and workplace. The show has more exhibitors than any other UK library event.'

The event was aimed at bringing together different services offered to schools and libraries, as well as a collection of publishers and guest speakers.

It was really interesting to speak with librarians from a range of sectors including schools, prisons and hospitals, and gage their reaction to the promotion.

When time was spent purely discussing the project with different people, it seemed the reaction was welcoming, which is surely a good sign!

With new avenues to now explore, we're hoping that EI can take off in additional routes, reach an even wider amount of readers and continue to promote independent talent.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.lishow.co.uk/

Lauren

Silence on Swiss Radio

'Silence' by Josie Henley-Einion was reviewed on World Radio Switzerland last week. The book had a mixed reaction with the reviewers, on a show that is notoriously harsh on all books. The show is specifically about small publishers. Below are a few of the comments. 

“Amazingly fresh voice. Very, very in your face… It’s not for anybody who is squeamish about the realities of growing up in foster homes, and about violence, and sexual abuse. But I think it’s a powerful book because it’s not afraid to tackle topics that are controversial. One of them is the way society treats lesbians, and another is communication between people… And also the role of the media and how a person is portrayed in the media when there is some kind of crime.”

“It’s wonderful that a small press gives a new writer an opportunity. It is the kind of book that probably a big mainstream publisher would not have published.”

To listen to the show click here

Lucy 

Last 20 tickets for Publishing Conference

As you may know Legend Press and Paperbooks are arranging a publishing conference on 25th June in Central London, bringing together top industry experts to discuss the issues currently affecting publishing and the future of the book industry.

We only have 20 tickets left for the conference, so if you would like to book a place or request further information please email conference@legend-paperbooks.co.uk. Tickets are £80+ vat, which covers a whole day of seminars by leading industry experts, refreshments and lunch.

Speakers include representatives from Waterstone's, The Book Depository, The Daily Mail, Book Brunch, Harper Collins and the Watson Little Literary Agency.

Lucy

EI to host second event!

As part of 'Celebrating Fulham Week', Exclusively Independent will be hosting its second event at Fulham Library, Thursday 2nd July 7:30pm.

The last event at Hammersmith Library was a huge success with authors from all different genres coming together to discuss their work, and share their experiences in how they became published authors.

This time, we will again host that variety that EI strives to demonstrate. Featured at the event will be Kill Grief by Caroline Rance (Picnic Publishing), What's Wrong With Eating People? by Peter Cave (One World), Salt & Honey by Candi Miller (Legend Press), Three Jumpers by Michael Marr (PaperBooks) and Jack Highfield: Chaos Unleashed by Alec Silifant (Meadowside Children's Books).

Along with the authors, there will be representatives from the Publishing Industry to take part in 'Celebrating Fulham Week'.

The event is a great chance for us to celebrate the success of the project, and once again, showcase independent talent at its finest.

Lauren

8 Rooms Leeds Event...

On May 30th, Short story authors Andrew Kirby and Miranda Winram hosted a book signing at Waterstones Leeds.

We hear the event went really well and judging by the photos, had a good turn out!

The next event for 8 Rooms is at Waterstones in York. This one will be attended by Andrew Kirby, Miranda Winram and Guy Mankowski.

Great timing as Miranda was featured in York Press, her local newspaper just last weekend.

Stephen Lewis talks to first-time author Miranda Winram about her inspiration: 'Her untitled short story, included in a national anthology entitled 8 Rooms, opens with a young woman named Farah waking up in hospital.

The confusion and disorientation is beautifully captured – a tune jingles around in her head, words drift in and out.

Gradually, as she recovers, she realises that her face is covered with terrible burns. She doesn’t say anything: but from her tension whenever her husband Zeb is mentioned, hospital staff begin to guess Zeb caused her injuries.'

So if you're in the area, do show your support, and you'll get three authors for the price of one!

Lauren

Morocco: Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean

With the launch coming up, we're very excited by the interest our business book, published in conjunction with The Shashoua Foundation, is receiving. With high-profile events in both London and Morocco over the coming weeks, the book seems to have caught the imagination as the first English-language guide to the country's economy – one of the most exciting current international markets.

We're also very exciting to be spreading our wings further by including the first of hopefully many successful international business books to our quickly-growing list. We are also thrilled by producing such a substantial and different type of book, offering a wide range of new challenges.

For those interested in Morocco, investment or just great books, go straight to www.moroccoemergingeconomy.com to see more details a special pre-launch price offer.

Tom

2nd to last again!.....

Last night a Legend Press collective entered the Pop Bitch Quiz in Southwark organised by author Nick Griffiths. The team consisted of me, Tom, Lauren and our brilliant designer Gudrun. Unfortunately this collection of fine brains performed abismally again, coming second to last. Although there was a marked improvement in points scores.

With questions last time mainly about serial killers and Nick's obvious interest in Doctor Who we swotted up, but to no avail. It was questions about food and films stumped us once this time

Next time we will find the specialist topic out before the evening and recruit accordingly... maybe third from last next time...

Watch this space.

Lucy

8 Rooms event in Devon

Emma Seaman's book signing at Waterstone's Newton Abbot was featured in the Mid Devon Advertiser last week. Along with a great chance to get a signed copy of our latest short story collection 8 Rooms the event featured a masseuse giving free hand massages. To see the article click the link below: 

Mid Devon Advertiser - 29th May

The event reflected the subject of Emma's story, which is the 5th in the collection. Emma's story follows a character called John who whilst havinig his back massaged reflects on his life and fantasises about his beautiful Polish masseuse, Hana.

Lucy

Order your copy of 8 Rooms now - £7.99 

Mark Piggott - Showbiz blog

Mark Piggott, author of the brilliant Fire Horses has been busy researching the latest showbiz gossip on www.homedefenceuk.com

Comedian Al Murray has discovered the unfunny bone?

 

A magistrate has condemned a man who failed to damage a car belonging to JK?

 

The cause of the big bang has been discovered?

 

 

"A judge has slammed an Okehampton man for failing to damage a Ferrari belonging to big-hatted popster Jamiroquai.

According to magistrates Bob Thompson, 32, was seen not vandalising one of JK’s many high performance motors despite knowing it belonged to the pint-sized singer.

“I do feel ashamed of myself,” admitted the defendant. “I was in this hotel bar when this short, ugly, talentless bloke with a hat the size of a hay-bale came in for a drink.”

“It soon became apparent by his offensive personality that I was in the presence of chart-tastic moron JK. When I looked outside I saw one of his flash motors and for some reason something didn’t snap.

“I will always regret not damaging a car belonging to JK. I’ve learned my lesson and now I’d like to put an end to the matter.”

Lucy

Order your copy of Fire Horses now - £7.99 

Morocco: Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean

The release of our first business book published in partnership with the Shashoua Foundation has attracted attention on iamcolourful.com.

With a launch at The Cavalry & Guards Club in Central London later this month, we are really excited about the release of this unique investment guide. The book is the first comprehensive guide to investment and business in Morocco to be published in the English Language.

There is currently a great deal of interest in Morocco, as the country's economy is one of very few who are defying the current global economic downturn. 

To read the article in full click here!

Lucy

On 10 June, we will be taking EI to Birmingham to exhibit at the Library and Information Show.

The event will enable us to speak with Librarians from across the country hopefully work with Libraries reaching a wide collection of readers.

Exclusively Independent is currently showcased in Hammersmith and Fulham Libraries. Judging by the feedback, the scheme is progressing really well, with a positive reaction to the monthly selection.

Being displayed at the event will be: Three Jumpers by Michael Marr (PaperBooks), Salt & Honey by Candi Miller (Legend Press), Crime & Punishment adapted by David Zane Mairowitz (Self Made Hero), Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui (Alma Books), What's Wrong with Eating People? by Peter Cave (One World Publications) and Saxby Smart: Private Detective - Eye of the Serpent by Simon Cheshire (Piccadilly Press).

It was difficult to select titles that reflect the variety that EI so passionately support. We feel that the titles chosen reflect an assortment of genres, and a vast demonstration of independent talent.

'Established as the annual meeting place for the library community across all sectors - public, academic, school and workplace. The show has more exhibitors than any other UK library event.'

For more information about the event, visit http://www.lishow.co.uk/

Lauren