The novels Island of Fog and Labyrinth of Fire are represented by Whitt Brantley Management and Talent, a Literary, Film and Television Agency.
PDF download now available
Posted on April 16, 2009
I had a rotten few days in Florida recently. The beach was nice, and Lily had a blast, but both Lily and I brought a bug with us from home that meant more than a few visits to the toilet! Worse, sitting in a restaurant on the last day, I was suddenly overcome with nausea and put my burger down even before taking the first bite. Before I knew it, I was lightheaded and then wham! collapsed on the booth seat, out cold. I wasn't out for long, but long enough for Nessa to call 911 (which I canceled as soon as I woke up, as by then I inexplicably felt right as rain).
Anyway, the point is that I didn't feel up to complex tasks on my computer so didn't get to launch my book while I was away, which is what I had planned. Instead I waited until I got home. But of course then work took precedence and now here I am, nearly a week later already... *Sigh*
Today, April 16, the book is finally ready. I'm still waiting for a second proof printed copy (should be here in a few days) and when that arrives I can press the button that says "publish" and then it'll be available to buy in printed form. But in the meantime, the PDF version is available now for those who prefer to read on-screen or who don't trust their postal service to deliver.
So, without any further ado, please go here and grab a copy at only $7.95, a bargain considering it's 220-odd pages! And please let me know what you think by posting feedback on this site. Thanks!
The printed book will cost a little more, plus there's shipping to take into consideration. This will be available shortly. Watch this space!
Great work, Keith! I think I'll have to buy it as soon as possible, it seems really excellent. I also read the editor's full review. You really must be talented, Keith, to write a debut so good according to an editor!
Looking forward to buying and reading it.
Keith! I don't trust my postage, but I'll buy a printed version anyway, just for the sake of a signed copy and FEEL of a book! And I know I'd have to wait AGES before I get to read it, but who cares? I'd rather read it in book form and in a relaxed mood as opposed to a version that's just digital, and requires sitting in front of the monitor for hours! Congrats old thing. :-D
Well done, Keith. I'll buy the printed version, so that I can read it in a relaxed mood, as Ming has mentioned. Looking forward to it. Julie
Congratulations, Keith! I'm another one who is waiting for the printed version as I can't relax and enjoy a book properly when reading it from a computer screen.
Hope you've fully recovered from your bug now. Your fainting fit must have been scary for Nessa and Lily.
I don't trust my postage either so it'll be a long while before I can read the printed version. Congrats again, Keith. Wow ! I can't believe that I'm posting a comment on a real published author's blog !:-)
Thanks all! I totally understand wanting the printed version — I would too. In fact, after receiving the second proof the other day, I read the entire book through once more and thoroughly enjoyed the look and feel of an actual book. Much better than a screen! On the other hand, I also found several more minor things to correct. Only a couple of typos, but a few other things that I felt would be better with this word rather than that. I also made an adjustment to the cover.
Anyway, I'm awaiting my third and hopefully final proof, and as soon as I receive and approve it, I'll be ordering a nice big batch of, say, 50 copies. There's a local craft fair type thing going on here in town at the end of April, so hopefully I'll have my copies by then as I intend being one of those people who sits in the hot sun all day with a pile of books on the table! More on that soon... but, all being well, the book will REALLY be available by the end of April.
Hope189, you're very kind, but I don't really consider myself a "real published author" even though, technically, maybe I am. The thing is, anyone can self-publish for almost no cost. I'm using CreateSpace.com, but Lulu.com is another option. Real published author? I guess... but not in the "published by Scholastic and on the bookshelves" sense! :-)
Keith, you're right. Anyone can publish a book, but not everyone can write a book, that too one that sounds as good as Island of Fog does!
End of April... looking forward to it then!
Keith, you may not be a real published author, but I should think that you'll soon be there. I think it's a matter of time before you're a published author in the Scholastic and the bookshelves sense, and that'd be great, for then internationally your book can be familiar and in high regard!
Congratulations Keith! I look forward to getting a copy somehow or other when it is available. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could ship a box of them over in time for the Enid Blyton day on May 9th? I bet they'd go like hot cakes there!