Josie's debut novel 'Silence' launched to a crowd of people and a camera crew at Waterstone's Cardiff on Saturday. Here is a video of some of the event! The book is available to buy now on the online shop now for just £5.99!
Order your copy now -
£5.99 
Lucy
To celebrate the re-launch of 'The Remarkable Everyday' on 30th August we have a special offer for those who order from our website! Simply get 3 people to order a book from www.legendpress.co.uk, and we will send you a free copy of our other two very popular collections of short stories, Seven Days and Eight Hours. Simpy email info@legend-paperbooks.co.uk the names of the people you have referred and we will send you your two free books!
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99 
Lucy
Ahead of Josie's fantastic novel 'Silence' being Waterstone's Welsh book of the month for August the book is already being promoted front of shop in Waterstone's Cardiff and displayed in the Welsh themed window! Josie is busy doing lots of interviews at the moment and will be doing a mini tour of Waterstone's in Wales in August. 'Silence' is available to buy now from our online shop!
Lucy
Last Thursday Andrew Blackman was awarded the first Luke Bitmead Writer's Bursary, along with a publishing contract with Legend Press for his fantastic submission On the Holloway Road. The novel will be published some time next year. Here is a picture of Andrew being awarded his gigantic cheque by Luke's mother and sister Elaine and Tiffany.
We look forward to working with Andrew and publishing his excellent novel!
Lucy
Author of note (and The Well-Tempered Clavier) turned reviewer over the last week for the prestigious Wall Street Journal as he reviewed The Invention of Scotland by Hugh Trevor-Roper.
And I see Bill even got a plug at the end for his fantastic novel - which you'll no doubt want to buy right here:
Josie Henley-Einion's debut novel 'Silence' was launched on Saturday evening at Waterstone's Cardiff to a crowd of friends, family and fans. The event was filmed by S4C and will be shown as part of a documentary interview in September. The event, which was a great success, marks the start of Josie's mini-tour of Waterstone's in Wales to promote her book as Waterstone's Welsh book of the Month for August travelling Waterstone's Swansea (9th Aug), Aberystwyth (16th Aug) and Newport (23rd Aug).
Lucy
Unpublished author Andrew Blackman, from North London, has been announced as the winner of the 2008 Luke Bitmead Writer’s Bursary and was awarded £2,500 as well as a publishing contract with Legend Press for his novel On the Holloway Road. Two additional prizes were awarded on the night to 2nd and 3rd place writers James Higgerson and Andrew Kirby. The shortlist of 11 authors were selected by a judging panel comprising Legend Press, best selling authors Sam Mills and Zoe Jenny and Luke’s family, from hundreds of submissions.
We are delighted to announce Andrew as the first winner of this fantastic award. Life is often incredibly tough for aspiring writers if they do not have the financial backing to match their ability, no matter how talented. This award goes someway to addressing that balance and helps turn ambition into reality. From working with the unforgettable Luke, I know he will be delighted at the opportunity the bursary creates and we can’t wait to start working with Andrew on his superb novel.
Lucy and Tom
Mark Piggott's fantastic novel 'Fire Horses' has been reviewed in Time Out. View by clicking here
Mark will also be appearing on radio tomorrow night from 11:30 on Resonance FM 104.4 FM.
Order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
Josie's novel 'Silence' appeared in the Metro on Tuesday, we should have a scan of the article to be posted up very soon! The book and her launch party this Saturday 26th July at Waterstone's Cardiff also get a mention on the website.
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
This evening we will be announcing the winner of the first Luke Bitmead Writer's bursary. We are looking forward to meeting all the shortlist in person on what will be a very special and exciting evening.
We are delighted to be working with Luke's family to ensure Luke's name and memory lives on. Luke would have loved the idea of another struggling talented author being supported on the ardeous road to securing their first publishing deal.
Lucy
It was a nice surprise yesterday to see Borders have included the unspeakably brilliant IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HARRISON DEXTROSE by Nick Griffiths in their Discovery Bay - to quote: 'Fantastic new authors who's books you are yet to read and discover.'
Not sure if that should be 'who's' or 'whose', but still another great promo idea by Borders and nice to see they (rightly) love Dextrose.
And if you haven't already ordered, read, reread a copy, surely you must realise that you're missing out and get straight onto it now? Twice top selling book on Amazon and Times pick, no less.
Tom
Literary on-line blog View from Here has gone into print, but only in America at the moment. However, Mark Piggott's extensive interview on the blog last month had now be viewed on the online preview edition by clicking here.
The website offers book reviews, author and industry interviews, creative goals, inspiration for writers and original short fiction, brought to you by an international team of writers.
Lucy
The news of Josie Henley-Einion's book 'Silence', published this Saturday is making the headlines across the web - with the news story being covered by Diva Magazine.
"It’s great to have my first novel named as Book of the Month. I worked so hard while writing it, without hope of it seeing anything other than a niche market. I am now starting to see the fruits of that labour as it is close to publication. As Waterstone’s Book of the Month, Silence will be in promotions throughout August and I’ll be visiting some of the stores in Wales to sign copies. I wouldn’t have imagined that a book so explicitly lesbian would be promoted in the mainstream, but it is and I’m glad. Here’s to liberation!" says Henley-Einion.
Read Josie's blog here or Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
Josie appeared on HTV Wales on Saturday night. We don't currently have a video clip, but here is a still from her interview. Josie's novel Silence is published this Saturday 26th July. The novel is Waterstone's Welsh book of the Month for August - we are planning a tour of Wales for Josie who so far will be appearing at Waterstone's in Cardiff, Swansea and Aberystwyth.
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
Josie will be appearing on ITV Wales next week to speak about her life and hopefully get a good plug for her writing! - Josie's debut novel 'Silence' is out next week on 26th July. We are hopefully going to get some clips for the website, which should be up in the next 2 weeks.
Josie has also be interviewed for S4C, who are possibly also filming her launch party at Waterstone's Cardiff next Saturday. This interview will be televised in September.
Get the book before the rest by pre-ordering at our on-line shop!
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
Many will be shocked, gutted and furious to hear that the Aggressor, my bike, formerly featured on the website, was stolen at the start of last week. It was actually due to be taken in to get mended (what is the world coming to?) but, still, for nostalgia reasons it will be sorely missed and I can only hope it has broken free and is back on the road somewhere.
And yesterday my new bike arrived - the Mongoose Crossway 250. Not as robustly named as the Aggressor, but a fine piece of steel nevertheless. Can't say how good it was to be back cycling in this morning. But one issue, my former bike had a second nickname of the Lion King of Kingsland Road (being yellow and it's territory of choice at the time). Any suggestions for the Mongoose? Need to think of something - how else would I fill my days.
Tom
In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose by Nick Griffiths has had another excellent review, this time in his local N16 Magazine. The reviewer calls the book a 'sarcastically swashbuckling saga' with a 'cliff-hanging climax'.
Order your copy now - £5.99
On 25th October Nick will be publishing his second book with Legend Press called Who Goes There, the sequel to his hugely popular book Dalek I Loved You. To view Nick's journey and learn more about the book visit: www.whogoesthere.org.uk
Lucy
Next Saturday 26th July is the official launch of Silence by Josie Henley-Einion- with the launch party being held at Waterstone's Cardiff on the night from 6:30pm. If anyone lives near this is an open event so you are all welcome to come, just email your names to lucyboguslawski@legend-paperbooks.co.uk
This event will be followed by book-signings at various Waterstone's stores across Wales in August to coincide with the front of shop promotions for Welsh Book of the Month!
The book can be pre-ordered now from the website shop!
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
On Thursday 24th July, at an exclusive event in London, we will be announcing the winner of the 2008 Luke Bitmead Writer's Bursary and celebrating the re-release of White Summer. The event wil be held in The Yorkshire Grey on Grey's Inn Road, Central London.
We have 20 free tickets to give away for this exclusive evening to the first people who email me at lucyboguslawski@legend-paperbooks.co.uk. (Up to 5 tickets are allowed per person).
If you are unable to make it to the event, why not purchase a copy now at the special discounted price.
Lucy
Normally I don't like to go on too much about book returns, discounts etc as like to come from a that's-the-way-it-is-so-get-on-with-it camp, but yesterday it occurred to me clearer than ever that the book market, in times of global financial concern, is as much a threat to itself as from outside.
I received our sales and remittance reports over the last week and, unless their is some error, which is unlikely, around 60% of expected income was absorbed by recent returns from outlets (many of which from last year). How can you effectively plan as a business, particularly as a small company, when there is no guarantee who will receive even half of the money you have generated? With huge difficulty, near impossibility in fact.
Though over three years we have battled this and have managed to generate quite a few good additional streams of revenue (in fact it's probably not fair to call them 'additional' in this current environment). Whether from rights, talks etc, publishing services or from the several partnerships we've formed, it actually begs the sad question 'why bother with book sales?' when in that same time spent trying to sell every book possible, other income can be generated, permanent income.
I know what someone from an outside business persepective would say, but book sales are meant to be the 'bread and butter' of the business and what it's all about. Add into the mix that copies of Harry Potter are to be sold at £1 by the happy to loss-lead supermarkets, and we're in danger of the chains and other 'traditional' booksellers going out of business, and publishers either going the same way or turning their back on book sales and becoming middle agents of content and services (and, a separate question, where would that leave the agents and others traditionally involved in the publishing process?)
And all this from the rules set within the industry. While others are driven to distraction by global financial issues beyond their control, publishing needs to wake-up (although there are signs it is trying) and find a business model that works, as the current one doesn't. It's that simple. Otherwise, forget digitalisation and all other changes, it will simply bring the centuries old book market down from within.
Tom
PS am actually in a good mood today but thought it was about time for an honest comment piece - and please leave your comments whether you agree with me or not!
Here is the brilliant new cover of the new edition of 'The Remarkable Everyday', which is published on 30th August. This is the first book in 'The Short Story Re-invented series', and the first book ever to be published by Legend Press. The new cover fits perfectly with the whole collection, and we are looking forward to getting more publicity for this great collection. Guidelines for the 2009 short story collection will be posted up soon.
This new edition can be pre-ordered now from the shop
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
Next from our Speakers' Corner event last Saturday is a video of Jae Watson, author of the amazing Journey (order this brilliant novel at discount below). Jae cleverly tried to go incognito but can just about be recognised under the hat and glasses. Plus the slight Liverpudlian twang finally gave it away.
Tom
We are very excited to announce that 'Silence' by Josie Henley-Einion has been chosen for Waterstone's Welsh Book of the Month in August. This is excellent news for the book, which will be promoted front of shop in every Waterstone's across Wales!
'Silence' is published later this month on Saturday 26th July. This will be marked, on the day, by a launch party at Waterstone's Cardiff. The novel will be backed by a major promotional campaign, with 2 interviews on ITV Wales, which have already been filmed.
Pre-order your copy now - £5.99
Lucy
After an excellent review in Time Out last week, Fire Horses by Mark Liam Piggott has been shortlisted for 5 Live book of the month. This well-deserved accolade is just one of many exciting recommendations the book has had since publication.
Mark will be returning to his home town Hebden Bridge to do a reading and signing session in the local bookshop at 10th August.
If you have not had a chance to read this fantastic book, then why not order a copy now!
Lucy
As regular readers will know, my brother is in a great band, Hansom Pilot, who have just released their first single, 'Gotta Get Outta Here'. They're talented, ambitious and deserve all the support they receive.
Following appearances on ITV unsigned bands and finalists at a national band competition, they are currently part of a vote by BMI, with the winner receiving support from one of the music industry's main unions.
And the good news is they're winning, but there is a long way to go - so please kindly vote here (only takes two seconds).
PS if you leave me a message, I'll even get them to give you a signed CD (or if they're not allowed, I will trick them into signing one of mine and will send that instead). A top offer!
Tom
As promised, here is Josie speaking at the famous Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park last Saturday. Can't wait for her novel SILENCE to come out on 26th July - and by the sound of it the excitement is very much shared by readers across the UK (some exciting news tomorrow...)
Tom
Nick Griffiths' novel In the Footsteps of Harrison Dextrose has had an excellent mention in the Big Issue.
"Boyish humour abounds as Alex has unruly encounters with funny-accented locals, and his final discovery is more than he bargains for."
Read more by clicking on the image to enlarge!
Lucy
The latest issue of Small Press Review contains an excellent full page review of 'The Well-Tempered Clavier' by William Coles.
'This is a delightful story that tumbles along, building tension again and again as both Kim and India throw caution to the wind putting their illicit love affair in constant danger of exposure.'
If you haven't yet read this brilliant book it is of course available from our online shop!
Lucy
As many of you may know Legend Press recently acquistionned fellow independent publisher PaperBooks. This is an exciting new venture for both the businesses and authors with a planned 50% increase in the number of titles published each year until 2010!
PaperBooks have an impressive array of titles including Jessica Gregson's internationally acclaimed The Angel Makers, Mark Hayhurst's comedic Friday at the Nobody Inn' and the excellent Cry of the Justic Bird by Royal Society of Literature prize winner John Haylett.
We are also pleased to announce three new titles are also to be published by PaperBooks after the Summer; Gary Davison's Fat Tuesday (30 August), Paul Burman's Snowing anf the Greening of Thomas Passmore (27 September) and Mike Martin's Three Jumpers (25 October).
Beth
In addition to our publishing work, if I told you that we also have a model in the office, no doubt you will immediately think about time I cashed in on what nature has given me - stating it can only be modesty that in the past has held me back. Particularly those few aware that as a child I won second prize in a postal modelling contest (very Monopoly-esque).Well, it's actually not me that's hitting the front covers in a variety of wicker-related poses, but our very own Lucy B(oguslawski) (pictured).
Working at a previous publisher, Lucy 'I no longer do the tube' was picked out to model for upcoming publication 'Fashion Trims' (out Sept). Not wanting to show-up others in the office, she has so far failed to bring in the advance copy that arrived last week. I am personally starting a campaign to see the pictures and post them up. Think it's only a matter of time before Legend Press/Paperbooks are a regular feature in Hello...
Tom
As part of the London Lit Plus Festival, Legend Press held it's own 'Independents Day' event (will say Lucy came up with that name, being the day after 4th July, but privately I know it was me). Appropriately for authors and publishers attempting to get their voices heard as part of the independent sector, it was held at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park. One of the best-known areas in London, and further afield, for free-speech.
Jose Henley-Einion (pictured), author of shortly-to-be-released SILENCE, and Jae Watson, author of JOURNEY, were brave enough to stand up and talk about their books. Parts were also filmed and videos will be available shortly.
It didn't rain and was good fun - plus great to have an opportunity to get the word out there about these great books and to highlight the gems that the independent sector offers.
Tom
I dropped into Borders today on the way back from a meeting there and was pleased to see the sparkling new edition of the fantastic WHITE SUMMER by Luke Bitmead in promotion.
Launched on Saturday we feel confident that this can become the book of the summer (and deservedly so) - although it was raining at the time, but now the sun is out again, which I'll put down the the amazing effect White Summer has.
Have you ordered your copy yet? Excellent, you'll love it/why the hell not? (delete as appropriate). If you're in the latter camp, you can correct this right now! Simply order below for the top summer read:
One of our '8 Hours' authors Kevin Chandler has a new website out to promote his writing, which can be viewed by clicking here! Kevin has posted up two readings of his work, one from his short story 'Fifty-minute Hour' and one from another manuscript called 'Listening In' in which he sports a fetching wide- brimmed hat!
Links to all our author blogs can be found at the bottom left of this page.
Order your copy of 8 Hours now - £5.99
Lucy
Tom arrived back in the office this morning from his publishing trip to Argentina - less a bike that was abandoned at Canada Water. Not a great start to the day! Tom's trip to Argentina has been featured in their newspaper El Ciudadano- so if anyone can read Spanish Click Here, otherwise take a look at the picture!
Lucy
Tomorrow sees the relaunch of Luke Bitmead's fast-paced and vibrant comedy 'White Summer'. Here is just some of the glowing reviews the book has received:
‘Great stuff. Wonderfully witty and sexy.’ Deborah Wright, bestselling author
‘Reading White Summer is like a breath of fresh air’ Roundtable Review
‘White Summer is a page-turner, punctuated with humorous incidents that will ring true to all men and women.’ BBC Oxford Radio.
‘A sparkling debut from an author with an eye for details and wit.’ Essence Magazine.
Lucy
28th June - Re-release of White Summer by Luke Bitmead.
28th June - Catherine Richard's, co-author of Heading South will be doing a book-signing at Birstall Borders from 1pm.
5th July - UK Indepedence Day - Legend Press authors will be travelling to Speaker's Corner Hyde Park to do readings!
24th July - Winner of Luke Bitmead Bursary announced.
26th July - Launch party of Josie Henley-Einion's novel Silence at Waterstone's Cardiff.
On Saturday 5th July Legend Press authors will be going to Hyde Park Speaker's Corner to read/talk/preach in public about books (Legend Press books in particular!)
We shall be starting at 12pm sharp so come along and listen. We are not quite sure what's going to happen, so it should be interesting to say the least!
The event is part of London Lit Plus - an open literary festival for London running for two weeks from 5th-19th July!
Lucy
Just a quick note to remind you that I'm still around. Currently in Argentina on a publishing tour arranged by the British Council. A very rare opportunity (sad to report very rarely get taken anywhere exotic with work) and has been fantastic so far. We're in Buenos Aires for two weeks with the exception of three days next week in Rosario (2nd biggest city in Argentina).
We're being worked hard as lots has been packed into an unbelievably good programme but is a fantastic experience personally and work-wise. Buenos Aires is an amazing city and can't praise it enough as a place you must stay in at some point if at all possible. Before anyone calls me a jammy git, I will be back to work and the grindstone on the 30th and am still on email in the meantime should anyone need to get hold of me.
Buenos dias!
Tom
The View from Here online Magazine, are having a week of postings about Mark Liam Piggott and his fabulous debut novel Fire Horses - with a review and two part interview to be published. There is also a competition to win a signed copy of Mark's book later in the week!
The first part of Mark's interview is available to read now, with the second installment to follow on Friday. Here's a tasty:
What's your ideal night out/in?
Out: a pub with friends, solving the world’s problems with humour.
In: a meal with my wife and kids, then they go to bed without a fight leaving us to drink wine and watch something funny. Boring, eh?
No I don't think so, but then I'm 41 myself! What's your favorite program at the moment?
Peep Show – absolutely brilliant writing, acting and above all its concept – that we all have this image of us that we think is how others see us and its poles apart from what they do actually see. I mean, I look like an angry, yobbish Northerner, whereas in fact I’m only an angry, yobbish Northerner on the outside – inside I’m crying.
Lucy
Another excellent review for Mark Piggott's debut novel Fire Horses has just come in from Revish.com.
"As a debut novel it shines, both in the quality of the writing and the insights into mankind and modern history."
"Blur's, Modern Life is Rubbish, sums up this book well. Yet despite this, or because of this, there is hope and redemption threaded throughout the book. Mark Piggott shows us the rubbish, but embraces it and produces art and a life for Joe that has beauty once Mark has shown you how to look."
To read the review in full click here.
Lucy
Congratulations Rob Ainsley for winning Legend Press Author of the week. Rob's book 50 Quiky Bike Rides is published by Eye Books and is out now!
How does it feel to be Le
