Impact of Guernsey Sales

As Guernsey downloads in the USA topped 11,000 in February, over 6,000 in one day, Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway continue to attract their own customers.

Hundreds of copies have been selling every month for around a year and the sales have increased steadily, especially in recent weeks. The titles attract different customers, some of whom want to try Rachel's Shoe first and then go on to purchase The Causeway, others jump straight in with the slightly higher priced Guernsey.

Although paperbacks are still selling, Kindle sales now dwarf all other formats.

http://www.amazon.com/Guernsey-Rachels-Story-ebook/dp/B0074B5X32

Guernsey released in USA

A new volume has just been released in the USA that brings together Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway !

Guernsey - Rachel's Story is 434 pages and will also be available on Kindle very soon. The UK edition of the paperback will be published in 2012 but UK customers can still order it via Amazon for delivery here if they can't wait until next year! I hope you enjoy the complete story in one novel. 

Kindle Sales Outstrip Paperbacks!

In common with many other titles, sales of Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway on Kindle are now more than double those of traditional book versions.  Even the Harry Potter books are due to be released on Kindle, with J K Rowling set to benefit from the upsurge in Kindle sales - justifiably so, in my opinion.

A potential movie of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society should boost sales of Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway further, as interest is re-kindled (if you'll forgive the pun!) in the occupation of the Channel Islands.

The industry is going through some seismic shifts but it's still great to be writing and enjoying the fact that everyday people somewhere are buying or borrowing my books and hopefully enjoying them!

The collaborative novel Passage to Redemption is also now available and I'm working on a very different story that should be published by the end of this year or early next.

Thank you again for your support in buying and recommending my books!
Pete

Now available on Kobo!

Good news for fans of Kobo, the platform independent ebook seller. Rachel's Shoe is now available for download internationally at www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Rachels-Shoe .

The Causeway is progressing well and on target for release this autumn. The story is even taking me by surprise as it unfolds before me. I always work to a plan but sometimes the book takes a life of its own!

The writer's proof copy of Passage to Redemption will also be available imminently.  As the authors are all around the world, we thought this would be a great way for them to carry out a final proof reading and the many fans of the project to get a limited circulation copy in advance of the main release. It will be on sale before the end of this month on Amazon.com.

Back to the keyboard now to find out what happens next in The Causeway!

Pete

Latest news on the sequel and progress on TV series

Guernsey is once again the main setting for the sequel to Rachel's Shoe although the other Channel Islands also get a look in! Without giving too much away, I can also reveal that my namesake 'Lihou Island' will feature in the story which takes it's name, The Causeway from the 'sometimes' island.


I'm currently working on Chapter 7 and making good progress now that I've given up the day job to focus on writing. The cover picture is still being worked on but should turn out quite similar to the image on the shown above. I had hoped to complete the sequel this summer and that may still be possible but I have a house move to deal with in the meantime so please bear with me, I will do my best!

This week script writer Ron Blicq is in Guernsey and we hope to finalise the first part of the TV screenplay for Rachel's Shoe before he returns to Canada. He has done a splendid job in bringing the characters to life in his interpretation of the novel.

Last week I was very pleased to meet two of my customers from Hungary, two from the USA and one from Scotland along with her husband. It is always a great pleasure to meet, share a coffee and converse with people who have enjoyed my novel and I would like to pass on my best wishes to them and say a big 'thank you' for looking me up.

Acclaimed Books Publishing has now taken over all the printing and distribution of Rachel's Shoe from Libros International (the former publisher) and will also publish The Causeway which will ensure the minimum delay once the manuscript is completed, in making it available through the usual outlets. Initially, this will be Amazon and by direct order from any book shop.

That's all for now, I'll keep you posted with the progress.
Pete

Change afoot in the Channel Islands!

Yesterday was officially my last day in paid employment so now I can devote more time to finishing the sequel to Rachel's Shoe!

My plan is to release 'The Causeway' this summer through the new publishing imprint 'Acclaimed Books'. It will be available straight away internationally from Amazon and shorty after in Kindle version, although I have to say my paperback sales still out-sell the eBook version by a wide margin.

I will, of course, announce the release date here as soon as I can confirm it. So stay tuned!
Pete

Kindle version Available!

Latest News....

Amazon.com have now released the Kindle version of Rachel's Shoe which sells for just under $12! It can be downloaded from anywhere in the world at the following link;

Rachel's Shoe on Kindle

New Publisher!

Rachel's Shoe publishes on a brand new imprint!

The new publisher will not only provide extended distribution and availability across the world, but also a Kindle eBook version available by downloading from Amazon.com.

In addition, the sequel will be available earlier as it is already slated for publication as soon as it's completed.

This news coincides with the submission of Rachel's Shoe for the TV Book Club Summer Read list which should be broadcast on network TV in a few months time.

As ever, I'm grateful to those readers who have contacted me to say they've enjoyed reading my novel or written reviews on Amazon, they are greatly appreciated (even the one who didn't like it!).

Pete

Guernsey Sunshine!

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Guernsey, which for February is a welcome change!

The challenge will be to get as much writing done as possible before the summer months when 'Sea Spray' will be back in the water and competing for my attention.

Three chapters of the sequel to Rachel's Shoe are now complete and the story is developing as I would wish. I'm very conscious of the need to provide a story which strongly appeals to those who enjoyed Rachel's Shoe but at the same time to move on and introduce new characters. I also hope to strike the right balance between excitement and character depth in the story.

Without wishing to give too much away, there will be an intersting personal touch as I use Lihou island for part of my setting. Not too many authors have an island of the same name to include in their stories!

If you wish to keep track of the progress to find an agent or publisher for our collaborative novel 'Passage to Redemption', a website has been started but is still 'under construction'. Nevertheless you can see some of the deatils at http://www.passagetoredemption.com/ and don't forget to call in to http://www.rachelsshoe.com/ every so often will you?

Bye for now

Pete

Happy New Year from Guernsey!

2010 starts with a bang as the collaborative novel project concludes its creative phase and the sequel to Rachel's Shoe once more claims the lion's share of my writing time. I have been impatient to get back to the story and the many twists and turns I have in store.

However, there is still a great deal happening with the original as the award winning play writer Ron Blicq is working hard on the script at his home in Canada ready for submission as a TV serialisation. You can imagine, I'm sure, how I'm looking forward to reading the script.

I will, of course, keep you posted on the progress but in the meantime I thought you might like to know about one or two of the 'factional' threads in Rachel's Shoe. Did you know, for example, that the raid on the Casquets Lighthouse by British Commandos really did take place? Further, whilst authors often preface their story with a disclaimer about characters being fictional, Reiner was based upon a real person who worked in the kitchen of the Royal Hotel after the war and was believed to be ex-Gestapo.

Rachel's Shoe is full of accurate details but also includes a little artistic licence for the sake of the story - I'll leave you guessing what that might be!

Pete

Channel Television Interview

Tomorrow morning (12th May), Channel Television are filming both an interview and location shots from Rachel's Shoe. I will also be reading a passage from Rachel's Shoe, so deciding which one to read is a little tricky!

I don't know for sure what the edited version will contain or when it will go out, it might be tomorrow, it might be later but I believe I may be able to get a copy to post here. I'll certainly try!

This weekend we celebrated Liberation Day in Guernsey some 64 years after the Nazi's were finally evicted from our islands. It's a big deal here with flags and bunting everywhere and a carnival atmosphere on the piers in 'town'.

For me the most evocative experience of the day each year is the 9:00am air raid siren that can be heard across the island. The final 'all clear' never fails to bring a lump to my throat.


Pete

Rachel's Shoe - The Movie?

This weekend an experienced play write from Canada has confirmed his interest in writing a Screen Play for a movie of Rachel's Shoe!

There is a lot of detail to be agreed and the publishers will need to be happy but it was facsinating to hear a professional view on how the film might come together. Some of my reviewers have also mentioned the potential for a film and I think the islands do lend themselves to becoming a splendid setting.

It isn't definate and may take a while but keep your eyes open at "a cinema near you" !

Actually, I might just mention it here :)

Pete

News of other projects

Last night the final chapter plan was completed for the sequel to Rachel's Shoe! The follow-up novel promises more from the unique location of the Islands and I hope you will feel the sand between your toes and a glow in your heart as you read it. I don't wish to give too much away but will post occasionally on the progress here. It may be quite a while in coming though so I hope you will be patient with me!

In the meantime news of another project I've been involved in since last year. Whilst taking my main summer holidays, I decided to issue an invitation to writers around the world to take part in a collaborative novel project. Dozens of applications came in from people with a range of experience from novice to well published authors and literary professionals. A group of complete strangers of all ages with life experience from across our planet as far afield as Alaska to Australia, from Europe to the Far East and across the USA came forward to join in.

From over 50 applicants, a team of 20 was selected and the serious writing began in January this year after a few months of planning and preparation in 2008. We have just one year to complete our Novel!

The project is unique and the progress to date has been remarkable. There is little doubt the project process itself would make a fascinating read!

If you would like to keep track of this, please visit the writers' blog at the address below and register as a 'follower' - you can also subscribe to get notified when new posts are added.

http://thebooknews.blogspot.com/

Coming soon....

The press releases for Rachel's Shoe are due out in the coming weeks, I'll be adding them to the website when they are published.

That's all for now
Pete

Thank you!

The stock situation now seems to be resolved so thank you for being so patient all of you who ordered from Amazon or AmazonClicks sites. Your books should finally be on the way to you. Not knowing the total number of orders, I'm hoping the initial stock will be sufficient to meet the demand. If not, replenishment should now take place within 5 days.

The quickest way to order is still through my www.RachelsShoe.com website.

Can I also please say a huge Thank You to those of you who have written the wonderful reviews on Amazon! These are really helpful in attracting new customers and giving them a good idea what kind of book Rachel's Shoe is. I even have one on the US Amazon although the book isn't showing as available on it yet!

So, many thanks - whether just a few warm words or a mini synopsis (!) all such comments are really welcome. They also give me a great feeling when I read them!

In a couple of weeks the media activity is due to commence with Newspaper, Magazine and local TV interviews. No doubt some radio as well. The reviews are great and I have interest in a possible film! I'll keep you posted on that!

Next time I will give an update on the sequel and the other big writing project I am involved in, the Worldwide Collaborative Novel.

That's all for now
Pete

Amazon stock update

The initial stock order for Amazon has finally been placed this week and should be with Amazon in a few days - hopefully the 26th but if not, soon thereafter.

February should be a busy month with a Newspaper, Magazine and Television interview already scheduled. Two hotels are stocking Rachel's Shoe, the Braye Beach Hotel in Alderney and the Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey. At least one more hotel is likely to take stock this summer.

Three local bookshops are taking stock and I am hoping to see copies on sale in Herm.

Interest in writing a screenplay has come from two independent sources and over the coming months we will be exploring this. As you can imagine, I would love to see a movie of the story!

Feedback from the customers who ordered last year directly from my website has come back and thankfully it has been very positive. As this is my first novel, it's especially reassuring to get this.

A sequel is already underway and I will keep you posted about the progress.

Also under way is a major collaborative writing project. This involves 18 people from around the world who have never met each other but are writing a novel together! For more go to www.AmazonClicks.com/portal and follow the link to the Blog.

Thanks to all of you who have purchased Rachel's Shoe directly from me or from the online shops.

Pete

Stocks Arrive!

The first stocks were dispatched today and should be with Amazon almost immediately. My own stocks will rely upon the logistics of getting a large parcel to Guernsey just before Christmas, but this is likely to be trouble free - our delivery services are very good.

I will turn around any orders for signed books as soon as these arrive.

Having said this, please don't rely upon receiving your copy in time to give it as a Christmas present, it is unlikely to get to you in time.

As you will want to read it yourself on these cold dark nights - no problem!

To order from Amazon please click here -> Amazon

Amazon listing

Rachel's Shoe was officially published today (December 10th) and the full distribution and stocking arrangements are now under way.

The listing appeared on Amazon.co.uk yesterday without the cover image or their initial stocks but they are now taking advance orders and the full details are currently being loaded. It took less than a week for their listing which I think is pretty good considering the volumes they must deal with.

Full credit to my publishers 'Libros International' for their part in this.

Initial print runs are under way so all advance orders will be dispatched in the coming days. Thank you for your patience.

Whilst we wait for 'bricks and mortar' book stores to stock up, copies can be obtained from Rachel's Shoe at Amazon or if you would your copy personally signed, go to the 'Contact' page on the Rachel's Shoe website.

I hope you enjoy reading Rachel's Shoe and tell all your friends about it!

Pete

Final proof being checked!

Carol is back now and started checking the proof today. If there are no problems Rachel's Shoe should be available in around a week. Thanks for your patience - especially those of you who have placed advanced orders - not long now!

Pete

Rachel's Shoe Blog

On the left is the cover for Rachel's Shoe - now complete thanks to the design skills of Kelly Walsh at Libros International!

We are finally in the last stage of production as Rachel's Shoe has been 'uploaded' to the printers. They will now produce a full proof of the whole book and Libros senior editor Carol Cole will check this when she returns from vacation on the 16th of October. Hopefully all will be OK, in which case a few days later the first print run can be done and it will appear for sale on Amazon.

If you have placed an advanced order, your copy will be in the first print run and posted to me shortly after. So around the end of this month I will be signing and posting your copies out to you. Many thanks for your patience with the publishing process.

In the worst case, if the proof is not correct we may need to wait a little longer whilst it is corrected and a proof printed again. Let's hope that doesn't happen and copies are available in a few weeks (I seem to have been saying that for ages!).

If you haven't placed an advance order but would like to, you can do this on the www.rachelsshoe.com website on the 'Contact' page.

Looking for another book around the same era? Why not buy 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' from Amazon at the same time as 'Rachel's Shoe'? It is quite different in style but an excellent book if you are interested in the German Occupation of the Channel Islands, in particular Guernsey.

I will post the latest news here, thanks for your interest!

Pete

Peter Lihou
Author, Rachel's Shoe
peter@rachelsshoe.com