Something I've been struggling to keep quiet for a while – we are thrilled/excited/delighted to announce the relaunch of WHITE SUMMER on 28th June. It will be backed by a major publicity campaign and the huge following for the author, Luke Bitmead, who tragically died in October 2006, aged just 34. Following the hugely charismatic and talented Luke’s death, the Luke Bitmead Memorial Fund was set-up by Luke’s family to support fledgling writers, particularly those battling adversity to achieve their writing dream. The first beneficiary of the Fund is due to be announced in May.
WHITE SUMMER, a fast-paced, hliarious and stylish comedy, was originally launched in May 2006 and was the first novel commissioned and published by then newborn baby Legend Press. The novel generated a large cult following, partly through Luke’s nationwide book signing tour (many great, timeless memories from that summer with Luke). We also now expect to benefit from our own rapidly-risen profile and the widespread interest in Luke’s hugely entertaining and skillful work to take this book to the next level, which it fully deserves - to make it a major, major hit.
Luke was also the co-author, with Catherine Richards, of HEADING SOUTH, which launched in May 2007. Another brilliant novel!
We have discussed the prospect of relaunching WHITE SUMMER, with a wonderfully vibrant new package, for some time and couldn’t be more excited. Luke is widely acknowledged as one of the most talented young writers to emerge in recent years and it is a tragedy that he died so soon after the launch of his wonderful first novel (I also have a very good story about when he first sent the novel to me - will reveal shortly). At the time it was described by one of the main buyers as 'the best book of its type he'd came across' and now is the time to see the novel and Luke’s writing achieve its deserved success.
It will also be pleasing on a personal level as Luke was the first novelist I commissioned having started the company and he was an amazing part through those first key months - it was difficult to accept that my phone wouldn't ring any minute for another passionate and entertaining conversation on promoting the book or anything else that came to our minds. Later on reflection I realised how important and special his absolutely unswerving faith in Legend Press was - we probably wouldn't be here without it.
I would also like to thank Luke’s family who have been consistently supportive and amazingly active in the drive to continue to push Luke’s writing, through the most difficult of times. They also deserve to see Luke's writing reach the widespread success it deserves.
Can't wait to re-launch this book and will be calling on everyone for their support - one read of it and it will without doubt become the book of your summer!
Tom
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