This time last year I was, as I am now, sitting before my computer – chatting with friends and potential readers on Twitter – watching my newly published debut novel, If I Never, sellout on Amazon.co.uk and The Book Depository. At one stage The Book Depository actually appeared to collapse under the pressure, the site down for a considerable time. (This probably had nothing to do with me; nevertheless, I claimed responsibility, naturally!)
Since then, it’s been an exciting and illuminating year – something I’ll probably write more about over the coming days. As mentioned in my previous post, however, this week is intended as a mini-celebration. A few people have provided guest posts about their “If I Never experience” and I plan on revisiting some of the highlights.
To get things rolling, though, I’d like to hand you over to Tom Chalmers – my publisher (I still get a huge kick out of saying that.) Tom kindly agreed to say a little about If I Never and how Legend Press came to publish it.
It was Emma Howard at Legend Press that first alerted me to Gary’s work, encouraging me to read his novel. Then, much to my shame, time rushed on without a chance to do so. On finally seeing the manuscript in front of me and picking it up, I could immediately see what Emma had found – a fast-paced, stylish and well-written story, and, maybe most importantly, attempting something different, looking for a new and original angle at a story.
And that book was IF I NEVER, which we were delighted to publish a year ago. It has been a fantastic year and great to see the support the book has received, and the fanbase Gary has built. We are delighted to have Gary as a Legend Press author and hope he finds the success he deserves as a writer.
Thanks for the opportunity, Tom! It has been and continues to be a pleasure and privilege working with you and the rest of the Legend Press team.
Two sample chapters of If I Never can be read here.
To buy your copy of If I Never, please click here.
Also, UK Kindle users can now buy If I Never here. (US Kindle users here.)