Posted by Duncan on March 21, 2003 at 16:01:32 from 152.163.188.4 user Duncan.
In Reply to: Re: Potential publishers posted by Dave Thewlis on March 19, 2003 at 15:17:52:
Hi,
The potential problem with Cape is that it now seems to be pretty much divided within the Random House group into being an imprint of Random House 'children's' (along with Red Fox, etc.) and Random House adult. So I tried to get someone at Cape to have a look at the idea quite a while ago but it ended up being seen by a general Random House Children's reader who clearly didn't feel it was the sort of thing they publish on their list.
I might have another go now, but I suppose the book may not sound very commercial to these big international publishing groups.
I'm not overkeen on the idea of a 'DIY' attempt as there will be quite an intial expense, not only the printing but also the royalties on the AR quotations and sketches, and while the RSPB have said that they would sell copies in their shops and no doubt arrangements could be made with national park authority shops, etc. generally the distribution side of things seems to be an awful lot to do oneself. Although doing it on CD would be easier (I've self-produced/promoted audio CDs in the past so at least I've some experience!) I do like the idea of it being a proper book. I do have one published book of my own (an academic history book) and I'm sure others will agree there's something very special about being able to turn the pages of your own book (and smell the new print!)
Hmmm... frustrating, but thanks for the words of support from various people! I think, in one way or another, the thing will become available and will prove popular with Ransome and bird enthusiasts.
Duncan