Legend Press

Legend Press to manage re-launched Books etc website!

Some exciting news to announce for a Friday - following the very sad demise of Borders and Books etc with it, the Borders database and Books etc name were bought from administration by Capital Organisation, which has asked Legend Press to manage the soon to be relaunched Books etc website!

It was absolutely gutting to see Borders and Books etc go from the high-street before Christmas and so to have been allowed a role to play in keeping the fantastic and important Books etc name going is a huge and fantastic challenge – one we hope to meet with our usual mix of enthusiasm, innovation and hopefully dynamism!

The plan is for the site to relaunch mid-February and we believe there is definitely room in the market for a online retailer offering packed with personality, mainstream and original choice, and we hope Books etc will provide it. With Capital Organisation, we look forward to working with existing and new customers (and the site is intended to be tailor-made for the customer, starting off with Capital canvassing their opinions on what they would like), publishers and all others to making the site a success.

Of course we will be pressing ahead with our brilliant books and this should prove another original and fantastic opportunity for us!

Tom

Introducing the 10 Journeys authors

Everyday for the next 5 days (excluding the weekend of course!) we will be introducing to you the 10 authors featured in our 2010 short story collection 10 Journeys due for release in April 2010. The first two authors both featured in last year's collection 8 Rooms, so this blog is more of a reminder than an introduction.

Guy Mankowski was raised on the Isle of Wight before being taught by monks at Ampleforth College, York. After graduating with a Masters from Newcastle University and a Psychology degree from Durham, Guy formed ‘a Dickensian pop band’ called Alba Nova, releasing an EP. Guy now works as a psychologist in Newcastle. Guy’s writing also featured in Legend Press’s 2009 short story collection 8 Rooms. Guy’s story The Willows is about an elderly man’s recollection of a summer in which he first experienced love, jealousy, the transience of life and the pressures to conform to a prescribed world.



A.J. Kirby has published two novels and a large number of short stories in a variety of media, including print anthologies, magazines and journals, on-line and as downloadable pod casts. Andy was awarded third prize in the Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary competition 2008 judged by a panel including best-selling authors Deborah Wright and Zoe Jenny. Andy’s writing was also featured in Legend Press’s 2009 short story collection 8 Rooms. Andy lives in Leeds with his girlfriend Heidi and lucky black cat Eric.

Lucy

In Dependence reviewed in the Nigerian Guardian

In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika has received a great review in the Nigerian Guardian by Anote Ajeluorou. Below is a taster:

A man who does not know where the rain started beating him will not know where the rain stopped beating him. This is an Igbo proverb made famous by Nigeria's legendary writer, Prof. Chinua Achebe. And, in an era where history has become a mere appendage in the nation's schools' curriculum, it will indeed be hard to determine the two planes of existence in the proverb in most of Africa's socio-political context.

The situation is precarious to the extent that every right-thinking person has begun to ruminate on how to re-chart the trajectory of Nigeria's historical evolution, especially in the light of its failings since independence.

The spirit of optimism engendered before, during and after independence in the country and all over Africa did not only fade away, it also gave way to despair, underdevelopment, total reversal of the dominant ethos and complete anomie.

Five decades after, there seems no clue to reclaim the lost glory of the so-called 'giant of Africa.'

These are the issues captured in Sarah Ladipo Manyika's In Dependence together with inter-racial romance, herself a product of the contact between the West and Africa. Considering the fervour with which such neologisms like Pan-Africanism, Negritude, Uhuru, Black Consciousness and the rest of them were bandied about at the time, it becomes a wonder that they all fizzled out even before the first decade of independence was over. And till date, some four or five decades later, African nations are still struggling to come out of the doldrums. And so, Manyika, who married to an East African, provides a historical sweep of the dying period of colonialism to the heady days of independence and what has followed till now. By so doing, she is charting anew the course of Nigeria's tragic story for the young ones who may never encounter her History in the formal sense.

To read the interview in full click here!

Lucy

The progress of Mrs Dextrose

Looking for Mrs Dextrose by Nick Griffiths is out later this year. This highly anticipated follow up to In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose is a humorous and surreal novel covering strange lands and quirky characters. Having found his long-lost father, Dextrose goes on a weird and wonderful adventure to find the mother he never knew he had.

Nick Griffiths is busy penning the end of Looking for Mrs Dextrose and you can follow his progress daily on twitter at http://twitter.com/mrsdextrose. This should be alot of fun and feel free to shout at Nick if he isn't keeping to his publisher deadlines!

Lucy

EI Submission Call Now Open!

The new call for Exclusively Independent has now opened!

 

All Independent Publishers are welcome to submit up to three titles by emailing in the AI and ms. For more information, or to submit work, please email the address below.

 

We look forward to receiving them!

 

Lauren

laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk

Bonnie Greer on VoxAfrica

VoxAfrica filmed an interview with Bonnie Greer last Thursday 19 January, while taking part in an event as SOAS University.

Click here to link across to the show, Bonnie's piece is roughly 43 minutes in.

VoxAfrica is the first Panafrican, bilingual and independent TV channel.

Many thanks to Micol Carmignani for his help organising the footage. Be sure to have a look at VoxAfrica TV, either online, cable or on satellite for the most current affairs from Africa.

Lauren

Where's the 'State of the Nation' Novel? - feature by Mark Liam Piggott

Came in this morning to a fantastic feature by Legend Press's own author Mark Liam Piggott in the Independent, exploring where the contemporary novel is today. Reflecting on the dominance of historical novels in the recent Booker shortlist, and on the eve of the Costa Prize announcement, Mark asks where is Britain's current Houellebecq or Roth?

It's a great article, raising some very valid questions, as well as being full of great comment from writers including Martin Amis, Chris Cleave and Toby Litt, and here at Legend Press we are incredibly passionate about pushing new, powerful contemporary voices and so support the drive wholeheartedly.

Mark is also the author of the fantastic Fire Horses, and his second novel Out of Office is due out on 27th March - make sure you've read the feature and stocked up on both.

Can also be read online here.

Tom

If I Never - 'an exceptional work of art'

If I Never by Gary William Murning has received a great review on reader blog Mandythebookworm. Below is an excerpt:

'If I Never is Gary Murning’s debut novel and I must say it is an exceptional work of art. It is a well-written novel... If I Never is a page turner and especially the last quarter of the book I did not want to put it down, I just wanted to find out where we were going to end up next. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and I will be keeping my eye out for future works by Gary.'

To read the review in full click here.

Lucy

Bonnie Greer featured on BBC2 Review Show

Bonnie Greer, author of the brilliant Obama Music appeared on The Review Show on BBC 2 on Friday night, on a special programme marking the 1st year of Obama's presidency.

If you did not get a chance to see the show you can watch it on IPlayer by clicking here!

Bonnie will be speaking at Waterstone's Piccadilly on Thursday 4th February at 6:30. To see information about the event click here! This should be a fantastic event and we hope to see lots of you there.

Lucy

Kingston University Press events - Gill Gregory

Gill Gregory won the Kingston University Press prize for The Sound of Turquoise, her experimental memoir, judged by Kathryn Hughes, Rachel Cusk &Hanif Kureishi . Gill has been busy promoting her book at a series of events and has more planned, see below for details.

READINGS & SIGNINGS

Thursday 21st January, 8pm: ‘From Russia with Love & Affection’, Gill Gregory reading and talking about The Sound of Turquoise at West End Lane Books, West End Lane, West Hampstead. RSVP Danny info@welbooks.co.uk or tel. 0207 431 3770. FREE entry and WINE. West Hampstead tube station, Jubilee line.

Saturday 30th January, 12-3.30pm: Gill Gregory signing and talking informally about The Sound of Turquoise at Waterstone’s, Bath, 4-5, Milsom St., Bath, Avon, BA1 1DA. For details contact Clare Lewis – manager@bath.waterstones.com 01225 448515

Sat & Sun, 6th – 7th February, 11am – 4pm: Gill Gregory signing The Sound of Turquoise and talking informally with customers at Waterstone’s, Clapham, 70, St. Johns Rd, London SW11 1PT. For details contact Emma Ballard at manager@clapham.waterstones.com 0207 978 5844.

Saturday, 20th February, 11am – 3pm: Gill Gregory signing and talking informally with customers about The Sound of Turquoise at Waterstone’s, Wells, 30-34, High St., Wells, BA5 2SG. For details contact Helen Proudman or Paul Lynch at manager@wells.waterstones.com 01749 677881

Saturday 6th March, 11am – 1pm: Gill Gregory reading and talking about The Sound of Turquoise at Waterstone’s, Bridport, Unit 1, 21-21A, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JX For details contact Jan Jaggard, Tel. 01308 458925 manager@bridport.waterstones.com

Saturday 13th March, 11am – 2pm: Gill Gregory signing The Sound of Turquoise and talking informally with customers at Waterstone’s, Bristol, llA, Union Gallery, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 8XD. For details contact Mark Scott, enquiries@bgs.waterstones.co.uk 0117 925 2274

Saturday 27th March, 11am – 4 pm – Gill Gregory signing The Sound of Turquoise and talking informally with customers at Waterstone’s Taunton, The County Hotel, East St. , Taunton TA1 3LU 01823 333113 manager@taunton.waterstones.com Dave or Natasha

Saturday 10th April, 11am – 3pm – Gill Gregory signing The Sound of Turqoise and talking informally with customers at Waterstone’s Dorchester, 44 South St., Town Centre, Dorchester DT1 1DQ. 01305 257123, manager@dorchester.waterstones.co.uk James or Phoebe

Lucy

Paperbooks website temporarily unavailable

Just a quick note to let you know that the normal Paperbooks website is temporarily unavailable and is currently being updated by the technical powers that be.

However the website is still available for viewing at http://forward.legendpress.co.uk/paperbooks/

The website will be back to its normal self very soon! Meanwhile if you are interested in learning about 'A Tale of Two Halves' our fantastic writing competition for authors click here!

Lucy

New Selection of EI announced!

 We have now had the panel meeting and I'm happy to announce that the following ten titles have made it into the selection:

In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose by Nick Griffiths (Legend Press)
The Obelisk by E.M Forster (Hesperus Press)
The Stone Gallows by C. David Ingram (Myrmidon Books)
All My Shows are Great – The Life of Lew Grade by Lewis Chester (Aurum Press)
Cut on the Bias edited by Stephanie Tillotson (Honno Press)
Duckling Chronicles by Emilie Christensen (Winged chariot Press) Baber’s Apple by Michael Marr (PaperBooks)
Falling through the Clouds by Anna Chilvers (Bluemoose Books)
The Dark Side of Love by Rafik Shami (Arabia Books)
Deadly Waters by Pauline Rowson (Fathom)

Great to see a Legend Press and a PaperBooks title in there. Lots of variety as per usual, I hope you see something you like!

Lauren

Gary William Murning Interview

Gary William Murning author of the brilliant If I Never has just been interviewed on writer's website strugglingauthors.co.uk. Below is a taster of the interview.

Your first book, If I Never, is out now and doing very well. Is there anything about the book you want to tell us that’s not in the blurb?

'Well, funnily enough, yes! The first thing that struck me when I read the blurb (which I didn't actually write), was how successfully it gave a sense of what the central elements of the plot were. But, of course, given the limited space, it simply couldn't mention the way in which I tried to break a few rules and write the kind of novel that plays with convention. Something that most readers have grasped quite readily is the fact that, in places, I quite deliberately push it as far as I can -- layering plot and character, adding twist after twist and generally having a great deal of fun in the process. In some ways, I have to admit, I was sticking two fingers up at those who had told me in the past that a novel has to be written a certain way. I wanted the plot structure to suggest the unpredictable, unrelenting nature of life and, fortunately, the vast majority have the seemed to understand that.'

To read the interview in full click here! 

If I Never is currently available as part of our January sale

Order your copy of If I Never now - £3.99 

Lucy

Introducing Legend Business

We are delighted to announce a new imprint, Legend Business, with the plan to build a wide-ranging, interactive and dynamic list of business titles. Legend Business will this year publish the Investor’s Guide to the UK, sponsors including HSBC, and have 2-3 other titles in the pipeline for 2010.

Last year Legend Press widened its list to include business books last year with the launch of Morocco: Emerging Economy of the Mediterranean, in conjunction with the Shashoua Foundation. The book’s editor, Jonathan Reuvid, author and editor of over 30 business titles, will be Legend Press’s partner in the imprint.

Business titles will range from more specialised to commercial and will be available in a variety of formats, including hard copy, paperback and e-book. They will also be supported by one of the most interactive business book websites.

Tom Chalmers, Managing Director of Legend Press, commented: “Publishing the Morocco books last year was a fantastic experience and highlighted a huge opportunity. Never before has interest in business and the importance of finance been more paramount, and with a mixture of professionalism and innovation we have extremely ambitious plans for Legend Business.

“We are also delighted to be working with Jonathan Reuvid – we could not have asked for a more experienced, skilled and quick-thinking partner and we are very excited about growing Legend Business with him.”

Lucy

10 Journeys authors announced

We are delighted to announce the then authors we have selected for our 2010 short story collection '10 Journeys':

- Cassandra Parkin, Interview #17
- Anne Devereux, What if you Slept
- Arianne O'Connell, Ukini Nageni
- A.J. Kirby, The Curious Case of Jenni Wen
- Dave Foxall, I'm afraid to Fly
- Paul Burman, At the Rawlings
- Josie Henley-Einion, Dear
- Brendan Telford, Angel Wings
- Alistair Meldrum, The New Head of Deaths
- Guy Mankowski, The Willows

This year we received hundreds of submissions for the collection and we were really impressed with the quality of writing and range of story ideas sent in, so a big thank you for everyone who submitted their stories. It was a really hard decision narrowing down the final ten but we feel we have a fantastic collection and 10 talented authors to work with this year.

10 Journeys will be the fifth collection in our 'Short Story Re-invented Series' and will be published in Spring 2010.

Lucy

IndieBooks launches The Book Petition

At the beginning of December 09, we launched IndieBooks.net a retail site dedicated to showcasing independently published titles. The site now offers three exciting new features including launch invites, a subscription basis, and a groundbreaking nationwide campaign, The Book Petition.

The Book Petition is a campaign that aims to support the independent sectors. Viewers simply leave their name, and thoughts on why we should support the written word. After reaching 5,000 names the appropriate authorities will be approached to ensure they continue to support the book industry.

Also added to the site is an exciting new incentive, enabling direct interation between the publishing industry and the consumer. Customers purchasing three copies from IndieBooks will receive two invites to a book launch. Legend Press will be the first publisher from the site to offer this incentive, as we invite customers to come celebrate the launch of a new title.

The site now offers a subscription service, where customers can receive updates on the new selection of 50 titles each month. The bestselling 25 books roll over every four weeks, to be joined by a new collection of 25 titles.

The reaction among publishers has so far been fantastic with those from the major independents through to one-person-bands putting their books forward. With features on authors, publishers, event listings, and advice for writers, IndieBooks is set to become the centre for those looking for quality writing.

So have a look, and while you're there sign your name on The Book Petition showing your support for independent titles!

Lauren

Bonnie Greer at SOAS

Tonight (Tuesday) Bonnie Greer will be hosting an event at the School of Oriental and African Studies - SOAS - from 5:30-7:00pm. Taking place in the Brunie Suite, admission to the event is free.

VoxAfrica TV will be filming, and conducting some short interviews and vox-pops.

Waterstones Gower St will be selling copies of Obama Music on the night, so for your signed copy, make sure you get there early!

For anyone who doesn't make it there tonight, I will be posting up some links from VoxAfrica TV, enabling you to view footage of the event.

To find out more information about SOAS, visit www.soas.ac.uk

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG

Lauren

Babble and Squeak by Mark Kotting

As you send the final books of the year to the printer, you breathe a slight sigh of relief and then try to catch up with some of the work mountain. However, now we're in a New Year and with 2010's exciting list of books in front of us, I am ridiculously excited about getting stuck in and launching them.

And first comes the fantastic Babble and Squeak by Mark Kotting, out 27th February. This brilliant, funny and powerful novel has been described as 'Darkly comic and moving' by comedian Sean Lock, and here's a taster:

'Joe Carhill's a fish and chip man; he's had a bad year. He finds himself at a silence retreat. Unbeknown to him he holds a murderous secret. Hospital, prison and grief follow him like the fish he's dipped.
 
A loyal wife and a daughter with secrets of her own, but will it be enough. Joe's frying, down but not out. He'll need friendship, loyalty and a borrowed nighttime prayer.'

Part of the excitement is down to fact that we believe we are now in a position to truly make a huge commercial mark for new writers. Additionally, and most importantly, we are lucky enough to have some truly phenomenal writers and books to publish.

All starting with Babble and Squeak!

Tom

Review copies...

No, we haven't gone back to basics with covers. We had a bit of an office book stocktake last week (it's very important to have copies of all our books at hand should they be needed - plus nice to see them there) and found a handful of review copies of previous titles, used a long while before publication for reviews etc.

They well be now worth a fortune, but if anyone would like a copy of the original original, just let us know - may even get the author to sign the gift. Of course having been wowed by the amazing novel you will want to review online anyway...

Tom

In Dependence - 'one of the best reads of 2009!'

In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika has received an excellent review by popular blog Incessant Scribble:

'This book is stirring; it’s a beautiful story of two people from different racial backgrounds who let societal pressure push them apart. You can immediately tell that Manyika is very familiar with the issues at hand and she handles them beautifully with a prose that has a British feel to it... In Dependence is one of the best books I have read this year. Pick up this book.'

To read the review in full click here!

The site also includes a great interview with Sarah about her passions, writing and reading habits. Below is a taster:

This book is bound to leave an impression on readers and get them thinking. Do you have any interesting feedback from readers you can share with us?

The very first email that I received on my website still makes me smile. It came from Lagos and went something like this … 'Dear Sarah Your book sounds interesting but please, what I REALLY want to know is where you bought your necklace.' But on a more serious note, I’ve been very touched by the emails I’ve received from readers who have found something that spoke to them in the novel. Quite a few readers have said that they would like to see the book turned into a film.

Whose works do you read most frequently?

Having grown up in different parts of Africa (Nigeria and Kenya), I have always been drawn by stories set in the continent, and now that I live abroad I find myself particularly drawn to immigrant stories. I have, for example, always loved the work of Sembene Ousmane (film, short stories and novels). Another favourite writer is James Baldwin who writes clearly and simply with a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of history and a subtle sense of humour. I am drawn to many of Chinua Achebe’s essays for the same reasons as well as to Teju Cole’s new and brilliant work, Every Day is for the Thief. Recently, I’ve been reading and enjoying more short stories. I love the social satire in Edith Wharton’s stories, just as I love the eye for the diasporic in Jhumpa Lahiri and Rishi Reddi’s work and the startling innovativeness of Haruki Murakami. I am increasingly drawn to women writers, returning to writers such as Virginia Woolf and Mariama Ba and discovering newer writers such as Marilyn Robinson, Laila Lalami and Petina Gappah.

What do you think about life, love and music?

Life, love and music … where does one start?! I’ll take the easy way out and say that if a reader wants a glimpse into some of my thoughts on all of the above, they can start with my novel and short stories. But I’m particularly glad you brought up the subject of music because music features quite prominently in In Dependence and few people have asked about it. One of the beauties of the period that I was writing about was that it brought together such incredible musical talent ranging from Sarah Vaughan to Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba, all of which feature in the novel.

Read the interview in full by clicking here!

Lucy

Bonnie Greer featured in the Metro this morning

Bonnie Greer, author of the brilliant Obama Music was interviewed this morning in the Metro. Just in case you didn't get a chance to see it, view the interview by clicking here.

Were you happy with how Question Time went?

I took it in my stride. I just went on there and was myself, I didn't have any expectations.

What feedback have you had from it?

People have told me I reflected what they're thinking - let's cut through the political rhetoric and talk about our lives. People don't think they're being looked at as functioning with any intelligent capacity - we're put in boxes, focus groups, and the Westminister village village goes on and talks to itself.

Lucy

Gary William Murning interview

Gary Murning has just done a really interesting interview on the mandythebookworm blog. Click here to read the interview in full. Below is a taster:

Who is your favourite character in If I Never and why?

I like them all for very different reasons, of course. George for his sheer nastiness (wonderful to write), Price for the way he grows through the novel, Carla, again, because her selfishness was a delight to write, Richard for his innocent need to protect his mother… but, I suppose, ultimately, Tara is my favourite character. I like her particular blend of strength through vulnerability. Even though I wrote her myself, I sometimes reread the passages concerning her and get the feeling that there’s even more there, quietly buried between the lines. I like when a character does that to me.

Are any of the characters based on real life people?

The really boring but, I’m afraid, honest answer to that is, no. These characters exist only in my head and on the page (oh, and now in the heads of my readers, of course!) However, all writers are inevitably inspired by the things they see and experience themselves — so it’s probably safe to say that certain aspects of my characters exist in some of the people I’ve encountered over the years.

How did you come up with the cover for the book? Sometimes when I look at it I see a man hanging, is that the impression you wanted to create or do I have it completely wrong?

Actually, I didn’t come up with the cover — that’s not my job. How it works, with my publisher, at least, is that a meeting is held between my publisher and the designer and initial ideas are discussed. Three quite different mockup designs are produced and they are then shown to me. Most publishers don’t do this. By and large, the author is stuck with whatever cover the powers that be decide upon. With Legend, however, I was asked for my thoughts. I looked at the three designs and had a very clear favourite — and, thankfully, we were all in agreement!

I’d never actually thought of the young man on the cover as “hanging”, but now that you mention it I can certainly see what you mean. For me, it represents a young Price contemplating his life’s future landscape. The way the background bleeds through him, for me, suggests the inseparable nature of the two… the impact the world and those around him have upon Price.

Lucy

Just a quick note...

As you know, the current cycle of Exclusively Independent should be in shops and libraries from the start of each month. This month has been rather tricky thanks to the holidays and then a surprising amount of snow, therefore we have decided to extend the cycle by one week.

The new stock will be flying into stores from 10 February as opposed to the 3rd.

Hopefully the stock should be in place by now, but if not, bear with us and the titles should be in place soon!

Thanks,

Lauren

Obama reviewed in the Black Arts Alliance Magazine

Obama Music by Bonnie Greer has received this great review in the Black Arts Alliance magazine. The book is described as a must-read and encourages readers to 'take some time out to listen to a history that plays mellow chords of social knowledge and observation'.

'I truly believe that this book has been waiting to spring forth for a very long time before fate stepped in; it was the placing of the then senator Obama in Bonnie Greer's home town of Chicago that allowed it to be born.'

Lucy

Gary William Murning featured in Writing Magazine

Gary William Murning, author of the brilliant If I Never has been interviewed in Writing Magazine this month. Here is a scan of the article. For more information on the magazine visit their website by clicking here!

Lucy

Exclusively Independent Submission Call now Closed!

The call for the next cycle of Exclusively Independent has now closed.

Thank you to all of the publishers who submitted this time around, we have a really strong collection of titles to choose from, for the new year.

The submissions have been collated into the submission pack, and will be sent to the panel. The panel meeting is 20 January, so keep an eye out for the new ten titles to be announced!

If you have any question about the scheme, or want further details on how to submit, please email the address below.

Lauren
laurenparsons@legendpress.co.uk

Announcing the latest novel by William Coles

We were looking to announce the latest novel by one of Legend Press's most prolific authors William Coles this week, when we came across a news story that seemed particularly relevant - the tragic death of a 93 year old man, the only official survivor of the two atom bombs to hit Japan - Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

William's novel Mr Two-Bombs (published on 26th June 2010) is a fictional story about one man who manages to survive the atom bombs in the last fortnight of World War II.

The two bombs which hit Japan in 1945 changed the course of history. Told from the only survivor's perspective, the novel explores the personal and global effects of the atom bombs.

We will be posting further details about the book soon on the blog.

Lucy

There he was... gone!

I had a call out of the blue this afternoon from the wonderful Prince's Trust to say that Conservative Leader David Cameron wanted to visit a Prince's Trust supported business tomorrow morning, and they were kind enough to think of me. (Having allowed me to meet Gordon Brown and attend a Buckingham Palace garden party over the last year, this was yet another unique opportunity they were putting Legend Press's way).

So I booked our building's boardroom for the meeting they wanted to hold afterwards and told the girls (something about outfits and did I have to be there). However, I then received a polite call from the Conservative party to check on office size and appropriateness for pictures etc, and then another following it to say thanks but they had decided to hold it at the Prince's Trust building instead. And all this within an hour. Naturally I hold my view about evidencing support of young/small businesses and the importance of actually visiting playing a part of that but I will say no more and do appreciate being asked by the Prince's Trust.

In fact, they were kind enough to call and invite me the meeting, but I do have my pride (more importantly, a huge amount of work to complete).

Right, back to that work...

Tom

Bonnie Greer Events for the New Year...

First week back and we have two great events to announce for Bonnie Greer and the fantastic Obama Music.

Tuesday, 19th January: Bonnie will be hosting a talk at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) from 6:00-8:30pm. Taking place in the Brunie Suite, admission is free. For more information, contact cas@soas.ac.uk or call 0207 898 4370.

Thursday, 4th February: 'In Conversation with Bonnie Greer' - Bonnie will be discussing her new novel from 6:30pm, as well as signing copies. Admission is £3, however this is redeemable against purchases of the book. Tickets are available in store, or call 0207 851 2400

So pencil them in the diary as each event promises to be a fantastic evening!

Lauren

January book sale now on!!!!

We are pleased to announce our January Sale across all our titles when purchased from our online shop! All titles are half price for a limited period only, including free p&p! We have a fantastic range of titles across genres so we hope you find something you fancy. Come browse our shop by clicking here or by following the link in the right hand column!

Happy Reading!

Lucy

2nd Publishing Laid Bare Conference announced!!

We are delighted to announce the 2nd annual 'Publishing Laid Bare Conference' to be held on Thursday 24th June 2010 in Central London.

The central aim of the publishing conference is to offer ‘straight-talking’ advice and useful information from leading industry experts, while mapping out where the future of the book industry may lie.

Building on the success of our first conference last year the event is fast becoming one of the most talked about publishing events on the calendar. Using a panel-based format including some of the most influential people in publishing, and from the outside business world, speakers will debate the current hot topics in the industry.

The conference will be tailored to its attendees’ requirements, with delegates actively invited to submit questions prior to the event to be included as part of the discussion.

Provisional speakers for 2010 include: Andrew Franklin (MD of Profile), Tom Tivnan (The Bookseller), Alexandra Heminsley (Sky and BBC Radio 2), Sam Leith (former books editor of the Telegraph), Steve Potters (The Book Depository) and Scott Pack (Director of The Friday Project).

Sponsors for the conference include Lightning Source and Judy Fisher Associates.

Tickets for the day onference cost £125 (+VAT), with a current early bird rate of £95 (+VAT). For more information please email conference@legend-paperbooks.co.uk.

Lucy

More quotes for 'The Sound of Turquoise'

The Sound of Turquoise by Gill Gregory (Kingston University Press) has received two more excellent quotes:

'A magical read. The Sound of Turquoise is one of those rare books that makes you take stock of your own life-story and reaches out to what is good in the world.' - Agnes Cserhati, editor of Rufus Books, Toronto

'Beautifully written and so, so gripping. The sensuous details are delightful. A wonderful book.' - Harmeet Ghumann, textile designer, India

Order your copy of The Sound of Turquoise now - £10.99 

Lucy

Exclusively Independent Call Now Open!

New Year and a New Exclusively Independent list!

The titles are currently making their way into bookshops and libraries, so it's time to open up the submission call.

Publishers can submit up to three titles simply by emailing in each AI.

The submission call closes Sunday 10 January, so send your titles in, and be sure not to miss out!

If you have any questions about the project, or want to submit titles, please email the address below.

Lauren
laurenparsons@legend-paperbooks.co.uk

Happy New Year from Legend Press!!

Just to say hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. We hope 2010 is going to be fantastic year and a landmark one for our publishing company. Thanks for all of the support over the last year, and years before, and we look forward to continued support this year as we do all we can to promote fantastic writers and the fantastic book in general! We plan for 2010 to be the year of the Legend!

Happy New Year to all.

Tom, Lucy and Lauren