My first post on this blog, back in October 2008, was about Christophore. I had just signed off with Cole's Printery and rushed to the airport for my flight to the UK. It is perhaps fitting that I should return to Christophore before relocating home in November. I figured I could break into the UK market by being on the spot and calling on various institutions and establishments. I soon learnt that the system is closed and it is necessary to go through the channels – get an agent, be accepted by a publishing house, stocked by a wholesaler etc., be in a position to offer massive discounts off retail to resellers and take back any books they do not sell. This was clearly not happening for several reasons.
I'm too impatient and I love the publishing process, working with my illustrators and editors; calling on my resellers and coming up with marketing strategies. And then I found Lightning Source Inc, a print on demand printer with a vast distribution network. As a UK resident, I was able to meet their qualifiers. Still there were other challenges. My books did not comply to their standard formats. I learnt InDesign and made massive strides in my Photoshop skills and FINALLY Christophore has made it through and is available on line. Anansi and Herald is almost through and my new book, Ping Pong, should be on line by the end of September. I'm currently working my way through Away to Bequia, Would You Please Fetch Me A Pail? and Giant African Land Snails.
If you have purchased any of these books and liked them, please spare a few minutes and write a customer's review on the website where you purchase. Many thanks.
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