I feel like I've been talking about the 'forthcoming Nemesis website' for years. Hell, maybe I have. I forget. The delays have all been my doing, but mainly we've been waiting for the right time to launch.
With our first book (other than the Arbory School book published last year, which was a community project) due out in October, that time has now arrived. The web chaps at Isle of Man Advertising & PR have done a great job (with infinite patience...) and, all being well, we're looking to launch the website within the next week or so.
They've just completed moving the site over to a new content management system and today young Dan was putting the final touches to the design for the blog - which means that, yes, this blog will soon cease to exist, to be replaced by a new one within the website.
As with any project that you're about to inflict on the public, there's some trepidation. Is the website design as cool as we think it is? Is the text pitched at the right level? Does it contain the right information - for both readers and writers? I could go on, but you get the picture.
We've studied other publishers' websites, trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. In the end, we've just got to get it out there and wait for the feedback to come in, which will, of course, be most welcome.
So, stay tuned here for now. We're almost there...
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Search out bull, grab horns
While submissions have continued to come in over the last few months, it's fair to say that it's been more of a trickle than a torrent, which is natural for a relatively unknown indie publisher just starting out on the road to mega-seller-dom. And of those that are coming in, non-fiction is edging fiction, which makes it even tougher to unearth that bit of fiction magic we're searching for to launch that side of Nemesis.
A few weeks back, I decided to take the bull by the old horns. If the projects won't come to us, I mused, then we'll go and find the projects. So I started watching and listening to what was being said by those I knew on blogs, forums, facebook, twitter - you name it, I was getting the skeet.
As of tonight, I have two projects that I'm interested in - one fiction, one non-fiction. The writer behind the fiction idea knows of my interest, and we're hoping to catch up in the coming weeks to discuss how things might move forward.
With the non-fiction project, the writer has no idea that I'm interested. In fact, he might not even know there is a project in the first place, as I'm considering proposing something to him - he might already have this in hand, in which case I'll bow out gracefully, but I've a feeling he will be interested.
Of course, it's far too early to say whether either of these projects will come to fruition. A few things need to happen; first, we need to be sure the projects are a good fit for us; second, the writer has to be sure we're the right people for them to work with; and, third, we've got to be sure (or as sure as we can be) that these projects are marketable. There are plenty of other considerations, but take one of those three out of the equation and the end result is the project won't go ahead, at least not with us as publisher.
When the website finally launches, and our name starts to get out there, then I'd expect submissions to increase gradually. But for now, I'm buzzing with the possibilities being conjured by keeping an open mind, digging around and being prepared to think outside the box, and I hate that bloody phrase. But in these two instances, it fits perfectly.
I'll reveal more if/when these ideas start to form into some kind of shape. Until then, if you'd be so kind, please keep your fingers crossed that they do...
A few weeks back, I decided to take the bull by the old horns. If the projects won't come to us, I mused, then we'll go and find the projects. So I started watching and listening to what was being said by those I knew on blogs, forums, facebook, twitter - you name it, I was getting the skeet.
As of tonight, I have two projects that I'm interested in - one fiction, one non-fiction. The writer behind the fiction idea knows of my interest, and we're hoping to catch up in the coming weeks to discuss how things might move forward.
With the non-fiction project, the writer has no idea that I'm interested. In fact, he might not even know there is a project in the first place, as I'm considering proposing something to him - he might already have this in hand, in which case I'll bow out gracefully, but I've a feeling he will be interested.
Of course, it's far too early to say whether either of these projects will come to fruition. A few things need to happen; first, we need to be sure the projects are a good fit for us; second, the writer has to be sure we're the right people for them to work with; and, third, we've got to be sure (or as sure as we can be) that these projects are marketable. There are plenty of other considerations, but take one of those three out of the equation and the end result is the project won't go ahead, at least not with us as publisher.
When the website finally launches, and our name starts to get out there, then I'd expect submissions to increase gradually. But for now, I'm buzzing with the possibilities being conjured by keeping an open mind, digging around and being prepared to think outside the box, and I hate that bloody phrase. But in these two instances, it fits perfectly.
I'll reveal more if/when these ideas start to form into some kind of shape. Until then, if you'd be so kind, please keep your fingers crossed that they do...
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Copy that, Quirky
For the last week or so, we've been focusing on polishing off the copy for the Nemesis website, which we're hoping will go live in the next few weeks.
We're as good as finished, other than one or two areas that need a tweak here and there, and it's a bloody relief to finally cross it off the to-do list. It's been in stasis for a while, mainly because we didn't want to launch the site before we were ready to firm up details of our first books; it's difficult to make something sound sexy when you've got nothing concrete to back up your claims.
Writing the copy has been mighty tricky. There's an art to creating appealing website copy, hitting the right note for the type of site you're looking to develop and the kind of audience you want to attract. We are aiming for a chatty and informal approach, but one that is professional at the same time. We don't want to be a stuffy publisher, distant from readers and writers alike.
That's not what we're about, and we don't think that is what publishing is about any longer. We've looked at other indie publishers who have cool websites - Snowbooks and Salt are great examples - and, rather than just try and repeat what they've done, we've tried to use their approach to inspire ours.
When researching websites, we were horrified at some of the car crashes that are publishers' websites - and we're not just talking small indie presses here, but some of the bigger names in the industry. Online is such a huge potential market, and the use of social media so fundamental to the success of publishing, that I can't believe these businesses aren't looking at their sites, and those of their savvy rivals, and thinking, hang on, we need to pull our damn finger out and improve our online presence. Still, if they won't go down that line, it only makes it easier for us to stand out.
Have we got the look and feel of the site bang on the money? We think (hope...) we have. It's difficult to gauge, to be honest, and we'll only really know when people start firing feedback over to us. The design is pretty cool (thanks to the web guys at Isle of Man Advertising & PR), so it is all down to the copy hitting the mark. The beauty is that, if after a short while the feedback points to certain areas needing to be tightened or expanded, then it's an easy fix to amend.
The last page to be completed was, of course, the 'about us' section. Always find it difficult to write mini-bios. In fact, they are quite easy to write. It's writing one that doesn't make you sound like a pretentious arse, that's the problem.
Till next time.
We're as good as finished, other than one or two areas that need a tweak here and there, and it's a bloody relief to finally cross it off the to-do list. It's been in stasis for a while, mainly because we didn't want to launch the site before we were ready to firm up details of our first books; it's difficult to make something sound sexy when you've got nothing concrete to back up your claims.
Writing the copy has been mighty tricky. There's an art to creating appealing website copy, hitting the right note for the type of site you're looking to develop and the kind of audience you want to attract. We are aiming for a chatty and informal approach, but one that is professional at the same time. We don't want to be a stuffy publisher, distant from readers and writers alike.
That's not what we're about, and we don't think that is what publishing is about any longer. We've looked at other indie publishers who have cool websites - Snowbooks and Salt are great examples - and, rather than just try and repeat what they've done, we've tried to use their approach to inspire ours.
When researching websites, we were horrified at some of the car crashes that are publishers' websites - and we're not just talking small indie presses here, but some of the bigger names in the industry. Online is such a huge potential market, and the use of social media so fundamental to the success of publishing, that I can't believe these businesses aren't looking at their sites, and those of their savvy rivals, and thinking, hang on, we need to pull our damn finger out and improve our online presence. Still, if they won't go down that line, it only makes it easier for us to stand out.
Have we got the look and feel of the site bang on the money? We think (hope...) we have. It's difficult to gauge, to be honest, and we'll only really know when people start firing feedback over to us. The design is pretty cool (thanks to the web guys at Isle of Man Advertising & PR), so it is all down to the copy hitting the mark. The beauty is that, if after a short while the feedback points to certain areas needing to be tightened or expanded, then it's an easy fix to amend.
The last page to be completed was, of course, the 'about us' section. Always find it difficult to write mini-bios. In fact, they are quite easy to write. It's writing one that doesn't make you sound like a pretentious arse, that's the problem.
Till next time.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Taking the fiction plunge
One of the most challenging aspects facing us as we look to carve a small niche for Nemesis comes in the form of novel submissions.
With non-fiction, the subject of your book will, generally, identify your market for you. Our next book, Steve Joughin's autobiography, Pocket Rocket, is a prime example; being a local lad, the Isle of Man market should be receptive, and with Steve still being renowned and respected within the UK cycling fraternity (and further afield), we know that the market for his life story should be there. What's more, we know where we need to go and what we need to do to hit both of those markets.
We have other non-fiction projects in the pipeline, along with the first issue of the Vertigo anthology, which, while fiction, is being aimed at a niche market. (There's another fiction anthology we're looking at, but I can't tell you anything here. Far too top secret and all that)
But what we're really looking for is one or two novels to launch that side of Nemesis. The problem is this; fiction is so bloody subjective, it's difficult to know what might sell. And being a small publisher trying to get established, we need each project we take on to do one thing - make some money, as that's the only way we're going to grow and, in turn, be able to publish more books.
I've put aside this week to read the submissions that have built up recently, with a view to clearing the decks by this time next week, although that might be a tad ambitious. I read a lot of fiction, and review some, but when you're reading a manuscript, with a view to backing it with your hard-earned, it's somewhat tricky to be objective about something that is so subjective.
As with most fiction, you're flying blind. You can only trust your instincts, go with what you have a feel for, the kind of story and characters that hook you in the same way as all those good books you've read over the years. And even then, that's no guarantee that a particular story will be marketable. If I had a quid for every time I've heard an unpublished writer moan that agents and publishers overlook good manuscripts 'just because' it might be a tough sell, I'd be relaxing in the Maldives right now. Okay, maybe the Orkneys.
Will any of the current raft of submissions hook me? Tune in next week. Or maybe the week after that.
With non-fiction, the subject of your book will, generally, identify your market for you. Our next book, Steve Joughin's autobiography, Pocket Rocket, is a prime example; being a local lad, the Isle of Man market should be receptive, and with Steve still being renowned and respected within the UK cycling fraternity (and further afield), we know that the market for his life story should be there. What's more, we know where we need to go and what we need to do to hit both of those markets.
We have other non-fiction projects in the pipeline, along with the first issue of the Vertigo anthology, which, while fiction, is being aimed at a niche market. (There's another fiction anthology we're looking at, but I can't tell you anything here. Far too top secret and all that)
But what we're really looking for is one or two novels to launch that side of Nemesis. The problem is this; fiction is so bloody subjective, it's difficult to know what might sell. And being a small publisher trying to get established, we need each project we take on to do one thing - make some money, as that's the only way we're going to grow and, in turn, be able to publish more books.
I've put aside this week to read the submissions that have built up recently, with a view to clearing the decks by this time next week, although that might be a tad ambitious. I read a lot of fiction, and review some, but when you're reading a manuscript, with a view to backing it with your hard-earned, it's somewhat tricky to be objective about something that is so subjective.
As with most fiction, you're flying blind. You can only trust your instincts, go with what you have a feel for, the kind of story and characters that hook you in the same way as all those good books you've read over the years. And even then, that's no guarantee that a particular story will be marketable. If I had a quid for every time I've heard an unpublished writer moan that agents and publishers overlook good manuscripts 'just because' it might be a tough sell, I'd be relaxing in the Maldives right now. Okay, maybe the Orkneys.
Will any of the current raft of submissions hook me? Tune in next week. Or maybe the week after that.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Time to kick ass
There are times in life when good intentions and supposedly well-thought-out plans can leave you feeling somewhat embarrassed by their naivety.
Those who have followed this blog from the beginning (bless you) may recall that it was to be a quick-fire affair, regularly updated, following our adventures in establishing Nemesis as an indie publishing house. The idea was to give readers an inside look at the pitfalls facing such a venture, and sharing our small successes along the way.
Those same dedicated followers will know that, so far at least, it hasn't worked out that way. Posts have been sporadic, and it's been a frustrating time. There are several factors behind the slow progress, most having nothing to do with Nemesis whatsoever; day-to-day matters that have conspired against us (babies, day jobs, writing books, deadlines for other projects, everyday life - that kind of thing).
Yet one of the greatest things about this life we lead is the ability to look at how events have transpired in the past and say 'bugger it all to hell - today we start anew'. And so here we are. With a zesty freshness and a spring in our step, we're going to kickstart this blog from here on in. Regular updates guaranteed.
However, despite the lack of posts here, things have been quietly moving along behind the scenes - Pocket Rocket, cyclist Steve Joughin's autobiography; first issue of the Vertigo anthology; Nemesis website; calls for submissions for other projects - all of which I'll post about over the next few days.
Watch this space...
Those who have followed this blog from the beginning (bless you) may recall that it was to be a quick-fire affair, regularly updated, following our adventures in establishing Nemesis as an indie publishing house. The idea was to give readers an inside look at the pitfalls facing such a venture, and sharing our small successes along the way.
Those same dedicated followers will know that, so far at least, it hasn't worked out that way. Posts have been sporadic, and it's been a frustrating time. There are several factors behind the slow progress, most having nothing to do with Nemesis whatsoever; day-to-day matters that have conspired against us (babies, day jobs, writing books, deadlines for other projects, everyday life - that kind of thing).
Yet one of the greatest things about this life we lead is the ability to look at how events have transpired in the past and say 'bugger it all to hell - today we start anew'. And so here we are. With a zesty freshness and a spring in our step, we're going to kickstart this blog from here on in. Regular updates guaranteed.
However, despite the lack of posts here, things have been quietly moving along behind the scenes - Pocket Rocket, cyclist Steve Joughin's autobiography; first issue of the Vertigo anthology; Nemesis website; calls for submissions for other projects - all of which I'll post about over the next few days.
Watch this space...
Thursday, 11 March 2010
The advancing army of ebooks
As a small publisher, just starting out on the road to bestsellerdom and Booker award dinners (because that's what it's all about, right?), one of the most important issues to address is the rise of the ebook.
I say rise, because even if the ebook's percentage of today's market today is relatively minor - research stats vary, but it's only a few per cent, if that - you can rest assured that the number is rising, and isn't likely to fall away any time soon.
Eighteen months ago, I shook my head and smiled mockingly when someone suggested I might want to buy an ebook reader and give them a whirl. No chance, says I. I'm a traditional kinda guy, and I know what I like and I like what I know.
Earlier today I was reading Peter Cox's column in The Bookseller, where he talks about the pricing of ebooks and the recent standoff between Amazon and Macmillan. As interesting as the column is, it was the comments it attracted that caught my interest. There are still those within the industry, or commentating on the industry, who continue to dismiss ebooks out of hand. It's their opinion, of course. But, having delved into the ebook phenomenen since I somewhat harshly dismissed them, I now find it hard to believe anyone connected with publishing can brush the ebook off like an irritating sprinkle of dandruff on the shoulder of their pristine suit.
We may still be a long way off the rule of the ebook, but today's younger generation will only further embrace them.
Pricing remains the key to ebooks. Sure, the technology needs to improve (and come down in cost, which it surely will), as does the quality and quantity of titles available as ebooks. But to my mind, if ebooks are pitched at the right level - be it by the publisher or the 'bookseller' - then the market will sit up and take note.
What is that price? If a new paperback costs £7.99, what would we pay for the same title as an ebook? £3.00? £3.50? Lower than a three...? I don't know, but everyone has a level at which they will be persuaded.
There are markets that Nemesis can look to tap into with ebooks. There are communities of Manx across the globe, throughout America, South Africa, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia. Having written a couple of books, I know the difficulty of selling to these communities when it costs so much to ship the book over, particularly if it's a somewhat weighty tome.
Ebooks could just be the answer. In fact, they are the answer; we just need to persuade our fine, upstanding potential customers around the globe that that is the case.
And so the research continues. Has anyone tried an ebook reader? How did you find the reading experience? What price would persuade you to ditch the hard copy and go with the ebook? And surely there are some authors, your favourites, for whom you'd be happy to fork out for the hard copy, regardless of how cheap the ebook might be...?
Thanks for reading
JohnQ
I say rise, because even if the ebook's percentage of today's market today is relatively minor - research stats vary, but it's only a few per cent, if that - you can rest assured that the number is rising, and isn't likely to fall away any time soon.
Eighteen months ago, I shook my head and smiled mockingly when someone suggested I might want to buy an ebook reader and give them a whirl. No chance, says I. I'm a traditional kinda guy, and I know what I like and I like what I know.
Earlier today I was reading Peter Cox's column in The Bookseller, where he talks about the pricing of ebooks and the recent standoff between Amazon and Macmillan. As interesting as the column is, it was the comments it attracted that caught my interest. There are still those within the industry, or commentating on the industry, who continue to dismiss ebooks out of hand. It's their opinion, of course. But, having delved into the ebook phenomenen since I somewhat harshly dismissed them, I now find it hard to believe anyone connected with publishing can brush the ebook off like an irritating sprinkle of dandruff on the shoulder of their pristine suit.
We may still be a long way off the rule of the ebook, but today's younger generation will only further embrace them.
Pricing remains the key to ebooks. Sure, the technology needs to improve (and come down in cost, which it surely will), as does the quality and quantity of titles available as ebooks. But to my mind, if ebooks are pitched at the right level - be it by the publisher or the 'bookseller' - then the market will sit up and take note.
What is that price? If a new paperback costs £7.99, what would we pay for the same title as an ebook? £3.00? £3.50? Lower than a three...? I don't know, but everyone has a level at which they will be persuaded.
There are markets that Nemesis can look to tap into with ebooks. There are communities of Manx across the globe, throughout America, South Africa, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia. Having written a couple of books, I know the difficulty of selling to these communities when it costs so much to ship the book over, particularly if it's a somewhat weighty tome.
Ebooks could just be the answer. In fact, they are the answer; we just need to persuade our fine, upstanding potential customers around the globe that that is the case.
And so the research continues. Has anyone tried an ebook reader? How did you find the reading experience? What price would persuade you to ditch the hard copy and go with the ebook? And surely there are some authors, your favourites, for whom you'd be happy to fork out for the hard copy, regardless of how cheap the ebook might be...?
Thanks for reading
JohnQ
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Pocket Rocket - the 1980s incarnation of Mark Cavendish
With the first issue of our Vertigo anthology set to go to the printers in the next few weeks, we're turning our attention to the next book, the autobiography of a British cycling icon of yesteryear.
If you followed British and European cycling during the 1980s, you'll remember the name Steve Joughin.
Twice British National Road Race champion and a stage winner in the Kellog Tour of Britain, what the Manxman lacked in stature he more than made up for with a fearsome sprint, and those who watched him in his pomp now look at 10-time Tour de France stage winner (and fellow Manxman) Mark Cavendish and nod their heads in recognition.
Steve was the Cav of his time. He took on and beat some of the world's best, turning pro in 1983 and enjoying eight years at the top. He became known as the Pocket Rocket, the little guy who could beat them all in a sprint.
Not only was he one hell of a cyclist, he was (and still is) a great character, with colourful tales to tell of his time racing around the globe, from dodging guerrilla fighters in New Caledonia to winning a race in Ireland and finding out that his prize came in the shape of a skutch of gas cookers, which he had to pay to have shipped home - only to discover they didn't work on Manx Gas...
Yet, as with all glory, it didn't last. Steve retired in 1991, unable to secure a ride. In a bid to help fill the huge hole that racing, and the thrill of success, had left in his life, he turned to the bottle. By 2001, he was lying in an Italian hospital bed fighting for his life. Not one to dodge a battle, Steve began the long journey towards putting his life back together.
Today, Steve is a volunteer for Alcoholics Anonymous, helping recovering alcoholics along the road he has walked. He lives in Stoke, where he runs a successful online cycling sportswear business with his son, and regularly returns to the Island to see family and friends.
Now, having turned 50, he's put his life story down on paper, with the help of author and cycling journalist Richard Allen.
When Richard approached Nemesis to publish the book, a read of the manuscript and a look at Richard's credentials, along with the knowledge of Steve's popularity within the cycling fraternity, made the decision a fairly simple one.
Richard is the co-author of Elite Cycling Performance and is a regular freelance contributor to Cycling Weekly, the UK's biggest-selling cycling magazine. He's followed Cav during the Tour de France, and there aren't too many names in the world of cycling media that he doesn't know.
As far as author platforms go, Richard's is firmly established - plus he has Cav lined up to write the foreword.
All being well, Pocket Rocket will be published in mid-to-late June, just before the 2010 Tour de France gets underway in Rotterdam, and we'll be blogging regularly in the build-up to publication.
This book is a major step for Nemesis - it is only our third publication, and we didn't expect to have a book with such a strong platform quite so soon, and this in turn has meant a bigger print run than we would have anticipated.
Of course, with book three in the works, we're looking for book four, which we would like to be a novel. We're reading through submissions now, on the lookout for 'the one'. You'll be the first to know when we find it.
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