I THINK I'VE GOT A HEADACHE COMING ON.

The book is coming on well. I'm on page 240 of the final read through. The proof editor is scanning the wordage at 10 and 20,000 intervals. The formatter is on line and the printer is waiting, and then there's publishing.

To join the big boys I need to sell at Waterstones and Waterstones will only  allow poor folk like me to use one supplier which is Gardeners. Gardeners have already turned me down for a credit account - which amazes me since my credit history rating is triple AAA+.  I decided to contact their Customer Care department and the girl there advised me to email an sph address in their company - it doesn't exist. Back to square one.

I went on to the Gardener site again and found a link to independent publishers through which I found another link to Supplying Waterstones and then a further Traders Application form. Said form asks lots of questions I don't have answers for, like how much per cent of my RRP will I give Gardeners? I thought you paid them like everyone else to do a job, I didn't realise they wanted royalties too. The more I make the more they make, that's not usual is it? Then Waterstones will want their cut.

Originally I expected to break even after paying for proof editing, illustrations, formatting, ISBN, barcode and printers, Now I reckon I'll probably make a loss of £3,000 but Waterstones and Gardeners will make a profit so that will be ok I guess?

If anyone would like to comment on how to deal with this aspect of publishing I'd be forever grateful. I'm beginning to see what work publishers do.

Despite all this the Book Launch Party will be 30th October 6 - 8pm at Quex Barn Birchington and you will be able to purchase an advance copy there. Followers of my blog are welcome.

In addition I intend to recommence the follow-up book whilst on holiday next week, completing during NANOWRIMO month - which should be fun.