New release!

Jack Melrose has a fan in Edinburgh who will be particularly pleased to hear that book two of Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge entitled A New Age, is now available for purchase. He’s been writing to Jack because he enjoyed the first book, A New Start, so much and was keen for the sequel. If you’d like to discover James Swanston’s Edinburgh presented in a highly engaging and charming style, here’s your chance. Head to https://www.jackmelrose.nz/ to get your copy, in either paperback or Kindle version. I highly recommend both books, and they’d be a perfect read for Christmas, either for yourself or as a gift. Lel.

New service!

We are often asked how to market a book once it’s published, but book marketing is a big undertaking which would take time away from what we do best, which is helping you create your beautiful book. Thankfully, we recently met a New Zealand-based book marketer who can help you with the marketing aspects.

Wānaka author Kate Gordon-Smith has published three novels and a journal for readers aged 7 to 10 with her Relish Books company. She also runs the Kiwi Kids’ Bookstore, an online bookstore devoted to books by New Zealand authors for children and teens, where she supports independent as well as traditionally published authors.

With 30+ years’ experience in marketing and publicity, she knows there’s a LOT to learn and plenty of hard work to get your book into the hands of readers, but it’s a challenge she loves.

Kate is now sharing her knowledge as an indie publishing coach, helping New Zealand authors with various marketing tasks or taking on the work herself on an agreed fee basis. Her focus is primarily the New Zealand market, but she also sells her own books on Amazon, Kobo, etc., so can offer some insights there, too.

The main tasks Kate can help with are:

  • An initial discussion about the likely markets for your book, and how to reach them.
  • Getting your book listed correctly with Nielsen Data and Wheelers in New Zealand (important to reach public libraries and schools).
  • Creating book marketing tools like the Advance Information Sheet, author bio, book description and barcode (if going into bookstores).
  • Suggestions on how to reach bookstores and libraries.
  • Book publicity – getting your book out for review and seeking relevant media opportunities.
  • Publishing your eBook edition on Amazon or other eBook platforms
  • If you need one, she will set up a newsletter template and mailing list system for you.
  • Setting up an author website.
  • Deciding which social media channels, if any, will help your book marketing efforts.

Kate likes to have an initial conversation with the author about a new book well before it’s published – ideally, at least two months prior. She says, “There’s nothing worse than doing all the hard work of writing, editing, design, and proofreading to produce a fabulous print book and finding out that your back cover blurb could be more compelling, or that the front cover design simply won’t help your book stand out to its target audience, either online or on a physical bookstore shelf.”

That’s why Kate also offers what she calls her “bookseller’s critique”, which is a half hour assessment of your cover design and content, first 2-3 chapters, and any marketing material you’ve already created. If any of these important elements need work, it’s better to improve them before you press print with PublishMe.

Recently, Kate worked with a local Wānaka author to publish an historical murder mystery, and before the book was even officially released, an order for five copies from Auckland Libraries was placed with Wheelers, thanks to Kate making sure all the technical aspects were correct from the outset. The author freely acknowledges she didn’t know where to start with any of these tasks and has been delighted with Kate’s attention to detail.

Find out more about Kate’s indie publishing coaching services on her website, https://www.kategordonauthor.com/nz-indie-publishing-coaching/

 

 

New release and a wonderful testimonial

“Working with Lel and Giles was a breeze. They both showed their expertise and professionalism right from the start, which put me at ease in an area I had no prior knowledge of. Having their friendly guidance made publishing a book not so scary for me. I had plenty of questions along the way, which the team helped me understand. I would not hesitate to use their services again. If you are thinking about self-publishing a book, I highly recommend reaching out and starting the conversation as you will quickly realise that you are onto a winner with Lel & Giles. “
Blake Marston, author of Reconnect: The Healing Power of Earthing, and Founder of Grounded Kiwi, New Zealand.

Grounded Kiwi have released a very informative and interesting e-book on a subject which has rapidly been gaining traction in the world of natural health. And it’s free! You can get your copy here:

https://www.groundedkiwi.nz/pages/free-ebook-reconnect-the-healing-power-of-earthing-pdf-download

On a personal note, I have to say I was blown away by the testimonials in the book from people whose ailments have been helped and, in some cases, cured by Grounded Kiwi’s earthing products. Have a look yourself and you’ll see what I mean. Lel.

Wonderful testimonial

Very happy to help you get your lovely book out there, Montana 😊

“I previously had a challenging experience with a traditional publisher overseas I have been working with for some time, leading me to cancel and request a refund just three weeks before my book launch. I then turned to Giles of PublishMe and was thoroughly impressed with their service. From our initial contact through to the delivery of my books, Giles maintained a high level of professionalism, providing timely updates and addressing all my questions. Despite the tight timeline, PublishMe managed my last-minute request efficiently and ensured that my book launch proceeded as planned. I highly recommend PublishMe for their excellent support, top notch communication and reliable service.
Thank you so much, Giles and the team at PublishMe.”

Montana Sefilino,
Author of ‘Crossing’ poetry book.

Jack Melrose now on Amazon

Folks, I’m delighted to be able to tell you that Jack Melrose’s truly wonderful book is now available to buy on Amazon. You can get it from Amazon.co.au here:
Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge: Book 1: A New Start : Melrose, Jack: Amazon.com.au: Books
or here, if you’re in the States:
https://www.amazon.com/Back-tae-Auld-Claes-Porridge-ebook/dp/B0D9YH2633/
or here, if you’re in the UK:
Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge: Book 1: A New Start: Amazon.co.uk: Melrose, Jack: 9780473624644: Books
Jack is a skilled writer who excels at bringing to life whatever he describes, and I very much enjoyed working on both of his books. I’ll bring you news about the second in the series as soon as I can, but you can get your teeth into Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge: A New Start while you wait.
The following is Jack’s press release, which will clue you in to the book’s premise and get you in the mood for a really good read. Lel.
Picking up the pieces after World War II: New book chronicles three decades in the life of an Edinburgh working-class family
What was life like for working-class families in post-World War II Scotland? A new novel – Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge – provides one answer. Inspired by real life experiences, this fictionalised coming-of-age story by Scottish-born New Zealander Jack Melrose portrays ordinary folks’ lives and their attempts to get back to normal during those desperate times.
Melrose’s debut novel delivers a vivid account of life in dilapidated Edinburgh tenements most of which, nowadays, would be regarded as slums, lacking such modern conveniences as electricity, running hot water, or dedicated toilets.
This first of two volumes chronicles the life of the Swanston family in the late 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s. Each of the book’s nine chapters recounts episodes filled with interesting characters and places which come to shape the main character James as he grows from a naïve youngster to an adolescent discovering independence. There is Māori Miss Douglas, James’s infant teacher, Mr Martin the Polish refugee primary teacher, or Dr Frost, the German hiker, James’ plucky mother and his father, the former infantry sergeant, who never speaks about his experiences of a war that is still ever-present in James’s young life.
Life for the Swanstons changes dramatically with the father’s unexpected promotion into management of a whisky bond, while food rationing is gradually lifted and social and educational opportunities improve. Social commentary and authentic dialogue are skilfully interwoven with humour to give the reader a genuine insight into the family’s struggles and joys.
The tale’s sense of authenticity owes a lot to its language, both as a medium and a theme. Much of the dialogue is in local Scots, in contrast to the ‘proper speak’ of the boy’s teachers, a constant source of anxiety for young James. And if language, characters and locations don’t make the book Scottish enough, there’s The Bard who occasionally crosses James’s path and whose poetry is echoed in the chapter titles. Readers not familiar with Scottish national poet Robert Burns or the Scots language will find a useful glossary on the author’s website.
Jack Melrose says that he wanted to “open a window on life as it was back then, growing up in a Scottish family that was virtually destitute in its early days, then seeing life get better as the impacts of a world war receded. I hope that the book will help preserve voices from a world that is rapidly being forgotten”.
Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge: A New Start (Book 1), Jack Melrose Publishing, now available on Amazon, with Book 2 forthcoming.
See the author’s website for more information and chapter excerpts at https://jackmelrose.nz

Book launch!

If you’re in or near Auckland, New Zealand, and you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, you could give yourself a treat by heading to the upcoming book launch by poet Sala Montana Tiatia-Sefilino. In her words:

“The inspiration for my debut book, ‘Crossing’, came from a deeply personal place expressed through the lens of poetic expression. It explores themes of loss, resilience, self-love, and the complexities of the human experience. I believe in the transformative power of poetry to heal, inspire, and connect people.”
Sala Montana Tiatia-Sefilino.

See below for details of where and when. Lel.

Awesome testimonial

Here’s another testimonial we’re more than delighted to have received yesterday. It really made our day and actually brought tears to my eyes 🥹

Working with Giles and Lel has been an absolute joy and a pleasure. Whilst living in Taranaki we were fortunate enough to meet up with them to discuss our ideas and right from the very beginning it felt more like extended family than a pure business contract for services rendered.

Lel is a truly talented editor with phenomenal experience who has very patiently and diligently worked through my writing and delivered a story that is of international quality.

Giles has very patiently worked through a barrage of constant layout changes and adjustments to random ideas and silly drawings, with all the care and attention of someone who is capable of calming a tornado with all the grace and style of a 007 agent. “Shaken, not stirred.”

Throughout the process Giles and Lel offered constant advice and support for ideas and possible changes, giving me the ability to take something fun and make it into something truly remarkable. I look forward to writing more stories and working closely with PublishMe as the future of fun silly stories evolves over the coming years.

Thank you for helping to make this idea a reality.

Heath Gillot, author of The Unintended Journey of Terry the Fat Watermelon.

Heath’s book will be available very soon for purchase, and when it is, I’ll be sure to give you the details of where to buy it. If your kid has a silly sense of humour, this book is definitely for them. Lel.

 

What people are saying

I found Giles and his team a dream to work with. They never grumbled when I sent in changes, which meant I felt supported throughout the whole process. I am very happy. The books arrived in tip top condition. Thank you so much, Giles, for being wonderful to work with. I am really pleased to have Mum’s words immortalised in her publication. One day she won’t be here to answer all those questions, so I’m grateful she has put it all into words. Amanda has brought it all to life with the photos, and you with the printing! What a team!

Amanda Phillips, Dunedin.

New release!

Giles and I are delighted to announce the release of Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge: A New Start by Jack Melrose. In Jack’s words:

Through the eyes of its main character James, this Scottish coming-of-age story evokes daily life of Edinburgh folk in the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s.

Set against the backdrop of a still-depressed Leith and a regenerating Edinburgh, Back tae Auld Claes an’ Porridge chronicles three decades in the lives of a Scottish family.

In two captivating volumes, Jack Melrose tells the unique story of Janet and Ian Swanston as they pick up the pieces after six long years of war, bringing up their two bairns in a slum tenement.

This was a wonderful, beautifully written book to work on and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the main character, James, and his family. Jack’s second book in the series, A New Age, will be available soon, so keep your eyes on http://www.jackmelrose.nz and here for news of its release. Spoiler alert: it’s equally as enjoyable as A New Start and this editor is already looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Get your copy of the first book at Jack’s Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0473624648/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HEu1nF-rkKd-40wLQHwu6gMz0qMud1XC72LWnGHaKkFXf1W5QM-c6wDw8y5_oTKgX57drv-X22RDhmg50ZemyAQVPAtLFst78YAHTW7-zLSiMPiPx5r7UZoZHeTYVxPIaP7aCpdAe6PhBbJpjs_wRYCwhpf-RDaVy54PYMNRK380H_8ZJSkyur_HcyeSuxbS7cW5Bg3xEPIc2pM4IiFdFKHLOpBCJx3GUgH3sQzxUdcaDL7BYc3zpUZUGOA01dbkqJcQFfhmZ2GLwCeudygT7VGZCwFXtFnS5cpdWpQshGk.PA7KByL5_7o7Be9gWdYQ0Nh7fx0ffl2h1VtRKAw4FvA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jack+Melrose&qid=1715814924&sr=8-1

Happy reading! Lel.

New release!

Mike Brown has emerged as a leader in the bone carving scene in Aotearoa NZ and this book tells the story of the resulting resurgence in bone carving, as well as Mike’s personal 44-year bone carving journey.

Cost: $35 plus $6 postage

Contact Mike on either 027 223 6138 or 22pilotroad@gmail.com

Instagram users can also find his work here: Mike Brown (@bonecarver007) • Instagram photos and videos