Friday 8 February 2013

Anthology Update

Happy Friday everyone! Once again THANK YOU for the staggering support and amazing contributions to Andrew's anthology. I was totally bowled over by the candour and emotion evident in these pieces. This is going to make a great collection for anyone needing an uplift or just a bit of inspiration. Here's a pic which represents Andrew's reaction to all the people who've been supporting him!

This weekend, I will start compiling the entries and deciding on a running order. Originally, I was going to randomise the entries in the interests of fairness, but I've gone off that idea. I would like the anthology to go through peaks and troughs, heavier stuff interspersed with some of the lighter flash fiction. I've sent out emails to all contributors asking for bios to attach to the pieces, and a title where one was not apparent. Many, if not most have already replied - thank you! In some cases, the title appeared to be in the post title, so I've taken that - feel free to correct me if this is wrong.

I hope to release the book by late February, early March at the latest. I still have one contributor who couldn't make the deadline but will get her piece to me next week. It would be hugely appreciated if you would be able to help spread the word on launch day, or any time during that week. Once I've confirmed a date I will post another linky list in order to sign up.

One date that is confirmed is my "real world" book launch to be held in Carluke Library in my own town on Saturday 16th March! I ummed and ahhed about doing this (being mortally afraid of speaking in public), but in the end decided it really would be a good idea to build interest in the local area, especially as our local paper is already following Andrew's story. I'll be organising materials for the launch soon - posters, bookmarks. One problem is the lack of physical copies, as this is an Amazon book. I'm thinking of just ordering a small number of paperbacks from CreateSpace once it's released and having them at the launch. Does anyone know if there would be any issues with this?

Well, that's about it for now. More updates will come soon. Have an amazing weekend!

37 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nick, that is wonderful! Yes, let me know the date and I will spread the word big time. And buy a copy of course!!
I know other authors have used CreateSpace for physical books. Think that would be a good idea at the book launch.
Glad it was such a success and honored to be a part of it.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Best of luck with the anthology. It's great that the local paper are already on board with the story - they are great for helping raise profiles.

J.L. Murphey said...

Nick,
Even though I didn't make the cut off for entries, I did blog for you and Andrew.It was a very worthwhile cause.

I have nothing but good to say about my experience with Createspace. As Alex says buy yourself a copy. Buy dozens and approach an independent book seller in your area for book signing. They will drop ship to the location for you.

As far as an r-launch goes, let me know too and I will advertise it also.

I wish I had been part of your blog hop for Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Nick this wonderful news,
I didn't enter the blogfest but have overcome advesary myself. You see 20 years ago was diagnosed with Epilepsy
which still has a stigma. There are so many types of the illness, fortunately I have a mild type.
From the onset of my diagnosis I said Epilepsy was going to live with ME and not the other way round. I have travelled to and from the States, flown to Ireland and have lived in Spain. Have attended many concerts, I still get the odd discrimination but it don't and won't worry me,
Good luck with your book.
Yvonne.

S.P. Bowers said...

It was so much fun reading all the entries. I can't wait to see it out in print! Good luck.

Julie Dao said...

Nick, that is fantastic. I'll do what I can to help promote the book when it's out. Excited for my own copy!

Elise Fallson said...

Does this mean I'm going to be a published author?! :D

In all seriousness, it was great to be a part of your bloghop and to be able to contribute to Andrew's campaign. I wish him the very best for his future.

I'd also be interested in purchasing a copy in physical print and hope that will be possible when the book becomes available. :)

DRC said...

Hi Nick
Sounds like a wonderful idea you have here. My apologies for not being able to enter anything. Still, I'm sure you have more than enough fantastic entries.

We used createspace when it came to our book launch. My second book was only thin and cost me £1.50 a copy, however the only issue some of us found was that the larger the book the more expensive it becomes. If you've got a wopper on your hands it may be best shopping around for local printers and price comparing. Other than that we had no issues regarding createspace. It's a great service.

I may not be a master in this subject, but if you need any help, let me know, and if you still need cover ideas I'll offer my service :)

Luanne G. Smith said...

This was such a great idea. I'll of course give the anthology a loud shout out when you've got it compiled and ready to go on Amazon. I do think using Createspace is the way to go. People will want to buy physical copies as well as e-copies.

And you're the editor, so arrange it the way you think best.

Al Diaz said...

Great news, Nick! I will be happy to spread the news of the release as soon as you confirm it. Anything else I can support you with, I certainly will. My best to you all!

Cortney Pearson said...

So glad you're getting it put together, and I love that picture of Andrew! Good luck getting the entries organized and getting everything situated!

Romance Reader said...

Best of luck with the anthology. I am sure it will be very successful.

Maria

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick ... it might be an idea to do two books - perhaps ... but I'm sure local printers/ the newspaper would have some contacts to send you ...

I looked into using a print on demand set up for a cousin in Vancouver - they had offices in Eastbourne .. but they're global .. it may be too costly ... but they may have a charitable element somewhere - This is the website:

http://cpibooks.com/uk/manufacturing-locations/our-manufacturers-in-the-uk/antony-rowe/

equally go the Createspace route .. I'm sure there are plenty of bloggers who will help guide etc ..

I'm just delighted you've achieved so much interest ... very well done ... and I'll definitely promote ..

Cheers Hilary

Mark Means said...

It sounds like you have a clear vision on how to get this done, which is awesome.

I'll echo others in saying that it was a pleasure to contribute, in my small way, to the work.

I'll definitely help spread the word as well as buy a copy, when it's ready, so keep us informed :)

Kyra Lennon said...

Be VERY careful ordering from Createspace. The postage is insane, and if you want to get them to you quickly, you'll have to pay more. You might find it cheaper to order paperbacks direct from Amazon. :)

Best of luck with it!

Anonymous said...

It was heart-warming to read all the submissions. All the best to you as you pull this collection together.

J.L. Campbell said...

So glad to hear that, Nick. I didn't get a chance to read all the entries, but for sure I'll get a copy of my own.

I haven't sent my bio. I'll send it ASAP. Sorry!

Friko said...

Glad to have been able to help a little. Look forward to receiving the finished article. I’ll do I can to help.

Tammy Theriault said...

Hey nick,.I sent an email...i should like to contribute if still possible! Email me...tammybr12@gmail.com

Jenny said...

How wonderful! Yes, let me know the date, and I will be sure to spread the news!

PK HREZO said...

How great Nick! And Andrew looks so happy. What an awesome way for blogger to pull together. I'm honored to be a part of it and will certainly help spread the news! :)

Livia Peterson said...

That's awesome Nick! I'm sorry I couldn't have participated, but good luck with this anthology! :)

Empty Nest Insider said...

I also like the idea of two books. I'll definitely help with the promotion, and I'll send you my bio tomorrow. Thanks for moving full speed ahead. Great photo of Andrew!
Julie

Nick Wilford said...

Thank you one and all! I appreciate all the advice especially as a newbie to self-publishing. I will get cracking today on compiling the stories.

Melissa said...

I'll be glad to help promote it and buy a copy, too. Good luck with the paperbacks. I hope you can get some made in time for the Library event. If you can make them available for purchase on Amazon, all the better! :)

Elsie Amata said...

I loved doing the hop! I am keeping your button on my blog because I think it is such a worth cause. I don't have a bio because I am just a chick who blogs =)

Be well!!!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Sounds wonderful!!! I think it's great that you've got a speaking date set aside, and it sounds like you are well underway with getting the book compiled.

A note on kindle and createspace - they each have a slightly different format, and from my experience, I would say you need to give yourself 4-8 hours to work out the format for each of them - unless you are a tech whiz already. There is a guide for formatting available at amazon for either a few dollars or free. I highly recommend getting it to help you through the process.

I'll be happy to help when the book comes out - just let me know when, where, and how!

Cynthia said...

I will be emailing you my bio for the anthology later today....Thanks for the reminder!

And I wish you all the best in your real world book launch!

Michelle Wallace said...

Nick, good luck with the book launch!
You've really been working hard on this project... well done to you!
I will definitely help to spread the word and I want to purchase a paperback copy!

DL Hammons said...

Keep us in the loop Nick! I'll do everything I can to promote it when it's ready! :)

Meradeth Houston said...

Best of luck pulling everything together! I will be emailing shortly :) And definitely count me in for spreading the word when the launch arrives!

Anonymous said...

This is all so wonderful! :-)

Ella said...

I too feel honored to be part of this wonderful project! I love seeing Andrew's infectious smile :D
I will spread the news, when the time arrives~ ATB

Tamara said...

This is all so awesome!! I actually didn't get you my bio/title yet, but I will get it out to you by no later than tonight. :)

LOVE the picture of Andrew and so happy that I was able to be a small part of this. I would be honored to help promote Andrew's book!!

And best of luck with your launch! I had a friend order of create space and it went really well for her.

Christine Rains said...

Fantastic news! CreateSpace is easy to use. I use it all the time for the print versions of my book. They can guide you for free through the steps which helps a lot.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! I'll check up on updates for this anthology.

Unknown said...

I used Createspace for my book and had quite a good experience and I buy my paperback copies directly from them because it's a lot cheaper to buy through them (even with shipping). It was such a pleasure to be a part of this anthology and will help spread the word upon its release. Hope you've had a great weekend!