Part of me desires an agent and a publishing contract with an established publisher’s; part of wishes that I could go it alone. Self-published my work under a new publisher’s (say Shepline Publishing?) that could then maybe publisher other books. Maybe it needn’t be just a dream…?
Ottakar’s pushes self-published début
Katherine Rushton (The Bookseller, 10 February 2006)A self-published début children’s book is to be promoted in all branches of Ottakar’s, with children’s director Wayne Winstone describing author Kamal Deep Lather as “an exciting new talent”.
The Changeling (Tarragon Publishing) is the story of 12-year-old Peter who “struggles to stay humand and contain the animal” when the sun goes down, and is planned as the first in a six-part series.
Lather, and IT consultant, published the novel with his lawyer sister, Nina Lather, under ther Tarragon banner, in order to protect its
copyright following rejection by publishers.After a review appeared in Book and Magazine Collector, the hardbarck of The Changeling sold out, with the duo selling gilded, hardback copies for up to £155 each. Dealers have subsequently offered “blank cheques” for all 1,000 copies of the first print run of the second book, The Wall.
Ottakars has now offered the paperback edition of The Changeling (£6.99, October) three-for-two slots in all stores, at no charge to Tarragon Publishing. Winstone said: “By putting it into our multiby offer it will reach readers up and down the country.” Keith Stewart, manager of Ottakar’s in Witney, described the book [as] “an incredibly confident début with huge potential”.
Nina Lather said: “Although it’s a difficult market to get into, as long as you have the right product, it’s achievable. We’ve been delighted by the response.” Distribution is through Gardners.
Related weblinks: Tarragon Publishing
That’s really interesting. I don’t think it should be an impossible dream, and I like the sound of Shepline Publishing.
Not entirely sure what they were on about when they said “in order to protect its copyright following rejection by publishers”. Copyright is copyright, all said and done. Is it not?
J. R. Hartley
Can’t think why it isn’t possible – after all, bands have been putting out their own records for ages. What you probably would require is lots of time and dedication.
A mate has just self published a paperback book – it looks incredible!
Re: J. R. Hartley
It’s the distribution/publicity that is the thing. Of course this sort of thing is getting easier with the advent of Amazon (you can list your own books just like ‘normal’ books).
If you can get one chain interested like in this example then yes, it should be possible. And with Singapore printing, you might even be able to afford the books!!
Re: J. R. Hartley
Did anyone hear them on Simon Mayos show?
Re: J. R. Hartley
Theres been a buzz about Kamal Lather at the London book fair. He’ll be a good one to watch.
Re: J. R. Hartley
Ive heard Kamal Lathar is in talks with large publishers abroad regarding his book The Changeling. Will let you know when I know more.
Re: J. R. Hartley
Who are you?