These last few weeks have been a frenetic time of checking and rechecking final proofs for my Children’s Book of Richard III. I am relieved to say that, at just gone midnight last night the book finally went off to our local printing firm, Soar Valley Press. I’ve used them before and so I know that they are four friendly, accommodating, award-winning printers. They hope to get the books to us in three weeks’ time.
Here is an exclusive peep at the front cover:
I'm so pleased with Alice's illustrations and design work. She has turned my book into something very special. You can see more of her work on her website, Alice Povey Illustrations.
So far, Independent Publishing has not been as scary as I had expected. I mentioned in an earlier post about the disparity of heading styles. I've certainly learnt a lesson from that, but this last week has been full of insecurities over spellings, word usages, spacing on the pages; all those small things that can make such a big difference. For example, on one page I’d put battle field as two words even though I know that it’s one word. On another page I’d repeated a word three times in one sentence. It was easily corrected but what amazes me is that five people have proof read this and I’ve proof read it many, many times. I suppose there will still be the odd mistake hiding amongst all those words but if you buy a copy and find one of them, I don’t think I want to know about it… ok, ok, you can tell me but please be gentle!
If you want to order an advanced copy please contact Lynn Moore at The Reading Shop. Lynn Moore is not only my publisher; she is also the owner of one of the few Independent Children’s Bookshops left in the UK.
Quite soon there will be launch parties to arrange and school visits to plan but before all that happens I have to get back to working on my Cemetery Research Project. I’ve fallen seriously behind schedule… but it’s been worth it.
For those who didn't catch the announcement, the High Court Judges have ruled that Richard III will be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral in Spring 2015.
I think this is a most gloriously attractive cover, Ros. well done Alice. As for tiny errors.. you can check and recheck and they still creep in. I was told of a few in D&D and I swear I'd done a line by line check. If it's any consolation, I've found them in Terry Pratchett ...so there! Looking forward to launch date...is there going to be a FB/Twitter party?
ReplyDeleteFab cover for your book Ros, well done Alice, and stop whittling over the words now. I am sure you have taken every care. Its going to be great!
ReplyDeleteGreat cover - and you must be relieved to have your life back - until it comes out and you are caught in all the marketing frenzy. But you must be so proud of this, Ros - it's wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteLovely cover and it's all quite exciting. Enjoy the frenzy, don't worry, and just know that kids are going to be learning about Richard III thanks to YOU. (and adults shall enjoy it too)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, this is a wonderful achievement. Will the book be available in the United States? Great that Richard III gets to stay in Leicester and get a proper burial there. I think that was the right decision.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI simply can't wait to see the finished book and hold it in my hands now! I've read chapters already of course...but just can't wait to see the whole thing.And I do think that the artwork is just right!
ReplyDeleteI love the colours on the cover. You must be so pleased that its ready to print. The best of books have small mistakes in them don't worry,the children will soon let you know.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Well done Alice, Ros and Lynne. It looks wonderful. Well worth waiting for, and what's a few more weeks after six hundred years!
ReplyDeleteIt's looking fantastic Ros. Well done and to Lynne and Alice too. I know it's been incredibly hard work but it's well worth it. Looking forward to holding a copy in my hand!
ReplyDeleteYour cover is gorgeous! Now it's just a matter of... three... more... weeks... of... waiting. Tick, tock, tick, tock. Congratulations! It's totally worth it. Before you know it, you'll be holding that beautiful book in your hands. (And it's nice to know the decision has finally been made about his remains.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely cover! Congratulations. ~Miriam
ReplyDeleteHi Ros .. ah it's Spring 2015 is it .. that is good news and will do much for Leicester .. and your book.
ReplyDeleteAmazing cover work - I agree with you .. Alice has done you proud ... So pleased that it's been sent to press and now it's back to work!!
Good luck with catching up with the cemetery project and then organising all the promotional work for Richard .. you certainly have lots on .. and I hope all is on schedule with other aspects.
I'm delighted you're supporting your local independent books shop .. cheers and I'm so pleased for you - cheers Hilary