We are trying not to be downhearted that we had to take the launch of Time and Tide online, (check out our Facebook page for videos, we’ll be editing them and adding them to the website soon), everyone did a fabulous job and the videos are getting quite a few hits, but with minimal sales as a result. We are also very disappointed that we are having to put publication of Zed and the Cormorants back 12 months.
The good news is, we are continuing to translate some of the Time and Tide stories into BSL with the help of Marcel Hirshman, and some funding from ACE. We will be launching these videos fairly soon.
AND…with all eight legs crossed, we are going ahead with No Spider Harmed..., Tiny Spidery Cheer… We aren’t anticipating an in-person launch, and we have to be very careful about how many copies we print, as a result, we are asking people to pre-order, so we don’t end up with stock we can’t sell through trade or events.
More good news for readers!
We’ve reduced the price of some of our ebooks. If people like this idea and buy them, we will reduce all ebooks to £0.99 for the duration of the misery.
Let us know when you buy one via usual social channels: #Arachne99p, as it takes a while for the news to seep through our sales reports, and we want to be nimble in responding.
London Lies, Weird Lies, Lovers’ Lies, Stations and Mosaic of Air are all now £0.99
Obviously, while the postal service is still functioning we will send out actual books which you can buy from our webshop.
With many bookshops closing, we are in an increasingly precarious position, and we really rely on our direct sales – normally we do 60% or more of our sales at events, and that’s impossible right now.
People seem to be reaching for poetry, so we are getting all our poetry titles converted as fast as we can. We’ll let you know when they are available. They may not be perfectly formatted on an e-reader but we will do our best.
And finally, to try and keep our books in the light, you might consider nominating us in the Saboteur Awards?
We’ve always received a great deal of support from libraries, (Lewisham, Kensington & Chelsea and Greenwich in particular) helping us with venues for readings and more high profile events, like the Solstice Shorts Festival which has been hosted by Better Libraries in Greenwich for three years now, and our Anniversary party being held at Manor House Library in Lewisham (managed by V22), and want to return the compliment. Our only stipulations are that the library pays for the delivery, and that books go into stock, and aren’t sold to raise funds. That way we both benefit, as our authors will receive Public Lending Rights fees.
