Friday 17 February 2012

365 days on...

A year ago today THE AFRIKA REICH was published, which seems the perfect opportunity to take stock of the past 365 days.


I suppose the first thing to say is that the book was more successful than I ever imagined it would be. Prior to publication, my publisher wisely managed my expectations... but I’m glad to say I exceeded them. Although not on the Sunday Times Bestsellers List (yet!), sales have been pretty decent with the book going into a second printing in hardback and fast approaching its fifth impression in paperback. I’ve already earned back my advance. Not bad for a novel which the majority of publishers in this country said had no commercial appeal!

Equally gratifying was the critical attention the book received. Many non-writers won’t realise how difficult it is to get reviews. My publicist said one or two would be a good showing. To date TAR has been reviewed in eighteen publications from The Times in London to the Star in New Zealand. The Economist and Express named it as one of their Best Books of 2011. I was particularly proud of this as it vindicated the conviction I had in the book when it was being rejected by everyone.

After its UK publication the book began to sell abroad. So far TAR has been acquired by six countries (two of which I’m still waiting to sign contracts with before going public), including a significant two-book deal in the United States. With the foreign deals – and a rarity for an unknown debut author – came foreign publicity tours: a combination of media appearances, more hard work than you’d imagine and a sprinkling of glamour. Last year I went to Madrid and Barcelona; next week I’m off to Oslo.

I don’t want to give the impression it’s all been fun and fireworks, however. It’s a time of great change in the publishing world and as always with change comes uncertainty and apprehension. No one quite knows what’s going to happen over the next few years: how the transition to ebooks will affect the industry or the potential damage on-line piracy can wreak. Books shops are also taking a hammering with Waterstones the only dedicated chain left and its prospects still in the balance. I’ve been directly affected by these issues.

I also feel that amidst this fretting about the technology of publishing, one question is often overlooked. Will people even continue to read? In a couple of generations from now, will the novel be as arcane as poetry? Sometimes, when I’m on a train for example, and see everybody plugged into ipods or texting madly but rarely reading (be that kindles or old-fashioned books) I do worry about my chosen vocation.

TAR tops Nesbo in the charts!

But today is not the occasion to dwell on this. It’s a time to focus on the positive. I’m often asked what aspect of getting published I’ve enjoyed the most. I have to say it’s not really seeing TAR in a book store or reviewed in a paper. It’s those unexpected moments of connecting with a reader I’ve never met, and this is best expressed in fan mail. So far I’ve had letters and emails from places as far flung as Belgium, Cape Town, Chile, San Diego... even Mozambique! These have been more gratifying than anything else.

Which leads me on to the most important thing to say. Thanks to everyone who bought the book and has supported me these past 365 days. I really do appreciate it.

Now all that remains is to celebrate... and what better way than a bowl of mango and strawberry trifle!

13 comments:

  1. Congrats Guy! A year on and still going strong is no mean feat.

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  2. Happy One Year Anniversary!

    First the world, next the Sunday Times Bestsellers List!

    :-)

    p.s. I do hope a couple of generations down there will be some room for The Novel!

    Take care
    x

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  3. Well your baby has well and truely toddled out into the world and is making its own little footprint out there. Congratulations, you are allowed a few hours of smug mode, eat that trifle and be proud.

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  4. Well your baby has well and truely toddled out into the world and is making its own little footprints out there. Congratulations, you are allowed a few hours of smug mode, eat that trifle and be proud.Now on to the next book.

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  5. Heikki - thanks. I have to same I'm surprised (and thrilled) that it's still doing so well. Now to keep going to the second anniversary!

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  6. Kitty - I hope people will still be reading novel in a couple of generations time. To that extent I care less about the form (real or e- book) even though I can't ever see me reading anything but the paper variety.

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  7. Writearound - thanks, Andrea. Had a few moments being smug... then got on to the trifle which was much more fun!

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  8. Hi Guy, it's amazing what you can achieve with a bit of grit and determination. Hope you've given yourself a big pat on the back. You'll have to think up some more life goals now to keep you going. L.

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  9. Hurrah! Feel very lucky to have been witness to your journey - you're inspiring and I'm proud to know you.

    Go Guyissimo!

    Send me a star from your constellation - one day I may wish to hitch.

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  10. Lorrie Porter - I think all us writers (published or otherwise) know how much determination is needed to get into print. Don't worry, plenty more goals yet. TAR the Movie???

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  11. Landed Houses - thanks, Carlie. What a lovely thing to say and I hope you'll come along wherever the journey takes me next. In the meantime, have a handful of stardust...

    PS - thanks for (discreetly) pointing out the typo :o)

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  12. Congratulations, Guy. Hope you have many more happy returns to come.

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  13. Ron - thanks. Have also replied to your comment on 'I is for...'

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