No sadly not my own book release but just as much cause for celebration. Last Thursday was the official book launch of my friend Robert J Fanshawe’s book The Cellist’s Friend at Global Fusion Music and Arts’ open mic night in Woolwich.
Robert decided on self-publishing. I had a very small part to play in the process when I acted as adviser and general bouncing board while Robert was going through the different stages of preparing the book for publishing. Author House is supposedly one of the biggest self-publishing companies out there, with the usual offer of preparing different parts for you or you can choose to do it yourself.
After the usual open mic readings and music performances, Robert introduced the book and read two sections from it. It is very different to hear the author himself read the text as he intended it, in comparison to reading a book for yourself, especially since Robert happens to be an excellent reader and actor. It adds a layer to the story that you wouldn’t otherwise get. I won’t say too much about the story now. A review, or my thoughts about the book, will come soon.
What I will say, is that no matter how small a venue, perhaps even just your closest friends, you should celebrate your book release. Whether self-published, via independent or major publishers, or even vanity publishing – there is a massive amount of work behind and a published book is a great achievement.
Liv's Books & Design 