Afterwards by Karen Kendrick

 

How we came to publish this one

I’ve known Karen for quite a while: ever since she was an MA student at the University of Salford where I used to be a lecturer. She has had several short stories published in our annual anthologies. She has a really distinctive writing voice. We managed to find some funding for this project so I was very pleased to be able to  publish this book.  

 

The title

‘Afterwards’ means what happens after you die. It’s not at all what you may think.   

Some notes about the process

This went through the normal three stages of editing. There wasn’t a lot to do as Karen is a very good writer.

The cover

Karen had a very clear image of the green scorpion. We managed to find one that matched what she imagined and that also made a good book cover.

Some notes about style

Karen’s strong voice tends towards the literary. Sections are short so it is very digestible.

Who we think the reader is

It is certainly a young adult text. However, many other readers will enjoy this because of the quality of the writing. The plot at times resembles a video game, so it may appeal to gamers. The protagonist exists in a dystopia though I am pleased to say there is hope at the end. Even though it doesn’t have a ‘happy ever after ending’ there is some hope at the end.   

What else

The ending is also open and I think leaves the story ready for a sequel. I hope it will come soon.

Review copies

It’s always great if you can buy the book and give us a review. Just click on the link to be taken to our bookshop. If you would like to review and you are strapped for cash, just get in touch for a free PDF or e-book file.

 

Grab your copy here

Is there any wiggle room in the schedule provided in my contract?

 

 

Yes, there certainly is. It’s important, though that you discuss this carefully with your editor and the production team.   Everything has been carefully worked out so that we can dovetail the work. 

But we do allow a generous month for each part of the process so there is every chance that if something isn’t finished by the end of the month specified it can be completed the next month and yet there will still be room for that month’s task.

In the end, a book is ready when a book is ready. If both sides can be kind we’ll get there.

We do understand that life happens and that sometimes creative processes get stuck.  Key is keeping everybody informed.    

Royalty Statements 2024 have been issued

 

That time of year again – Royalties have been processed

I have now completed all of the royalty statements and they have been sent out if you have gained more than £10.00 Remember:

 

You may use your earnings to buy books – either immediately or we can hold them on account until you want more books.

 

You may wish to pay part or all of your royalties to one of our charities which this year are The Born Free Foundation, Medical Detection Dogs, Search Dogs and Whizz Kids

 

You can also just let your royalties roll over to next year.

The 31 March is the final date for letting us know if you want to donate all or some of your royalties to our charity.

 

Royalties will automatically roll over to next year if we have not heard from you by 8 April.

 

Please let us know which you prefer.

 

You probably have a rough idea if you've been following the monthly updates.

 

There are at least four people who did cross the £10.00 threshold but are still paying off an advance and / or paying off  'author kit' books. Do remember that in the two latter cases we only hold back royalties on that particular book.

 

CafeLit (e-zine) is one of the best earners and if we have featured your book or story in a Saturday Sample or Sunday Serial you still get a royalty for that.

 

Individual book performance sheets are only uploaded to the drop box at the end of the month. (Often a few days into the new month) I may have a slightly more up to date one but it will only show extra direct sales.

 

You can request your individual royalty statement at any time but please do this via a private email.

 

Even if you haven't crossed the £10 threshold you can still use your royalties against purchases books or donate to one of our charities.

 

Several people haven't responded to the emails I've sent out, so do check your spam.

 

We've paid out more than ever this year.

 

Now, back to other business!