Six years ago, when a small group of authors started a cooperative with the intention of helping each other promote their books, we had no idea that we were starting a journey that would take us to running a fully functioning and unique publishing company. Most of us are still here, published by Authors Reach Ltd, printed by Clays, distributed by Gardners Books and available in most bookshops, including Waterstones.
Not bad for a young upstart publisher. But that’s the past. What does the future hold for Authors Reach and particularly what’s going to happen in 2024? The answer is, quite a lot!
Image from Unplash
Authors Reach will take on more authors in 2024. We took on one in 2023, F J Mitchell, whose first book, Destiny's Boot, will appear as a paperback in January, and another new author is about to sign up once his book has undergone the rigorous editing process all Authors Reach books go through. We’re open to new submissions, though we take on very few applicants, but don’t let that discourage you.
We’ve just completed our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway. Okay, it was only 8 days, but it means that each of our authors has offered a paperback as a giveaway and all you have to do is LIKE the offering on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091429129020
Names will go into a hat for the winners to be selected. Good luck!
In January and February and intentionally/regularly thereafter we will be posting blogs on our website. These will be contributed by our authors and this is the first. They will be about whatever the contributor wants to write and like all good bloggers we welcome comments and interaction of all kind.
Image from Unplash
A new bookshop is opening in Sussex in early 2024. After discussions with the owner Authors Reach will have the option of doing all our initial book launches there, as well as signings. Our books will, of course, be on permanent sale there … as well as in independent bookshops and Amazon. We will also be announcing new books on all social media sites, as well as developing YouTube videos. In 2024 we will be reaching out to the readership market, instead of waiting for them to come to us.
In the autumn, we will publish a book of short stories by our authors. The proceeds, after printing costs, will go to a different charity each year at Christmas. In 2024 the charity will be one based in Southampton called Board with the City. They’re a drop-in café that welcomes the homeless, the vulnerable of whatever type, university students who are away from home for the first time and feeling lost, and those suffering from depression. They offer food and drink for a very nominal charge and all are welcome to come in early and stay until late. They provide tables and chairs and have just about every board game available that can be played. Not surprisingly, some firm friendships have resulted and the café has proven to be a safe refuge and safety valve for many others. It’s staffed totally by unpaid volunteers and funded by donations. It’s small, unique and hopefully sales of the book of short stories will help it assist many other people who are less fortunate. Watch for details as to how you can order a copy.
In addition, Shani will doubtless launch two new paranormal titles, Robin will launch his long-awaited fourth book in the Josie King series of thrillers, Francesca and Teresa will write new Young Adult blockbusters, and the rest of us will do what authors are meant to do, but more slowly!
So that’s our plan for 2024.
Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling New Year!