A READER’S LETTER

“Secondly, out of the ultimate disrespect to authors that is unfolding everywhere, in today’s world of mass communication, and excessive competition.” makes no sense at all…

You’ve haven’t thought this through, have you? When Martin Amis, or Joe Bloggs for that matter, publishes his next book with you, you’re going to talk about “a writer was so badly disrespected in New York” in their book? Where’s the respect? Your press is a good idea, but you HAVE to take your problems out of it. HA

Dear H,

since that’s the third very forthright comment, I am genuinely touched by your concern. The first two books published are by me, so in answer to your question, no, I would not have that line in another author’s work, though I hope I hear from authors who have had similar battles, and may be able to help. I have thought things through a very great deal, including the paradox of a blog, where I feel I have a right to tell an extraordinary personal story, problematic or not, alongside a website for a little publisher. At least this is all real, and from the heart. The truth is things change too, as possibilities change, and I have not raised the money I need to conventionally publish great work (well, that’s for the reader to decide). So I am having to take an enormous risk, and try to get it out there, however I can. At least then good work will see the light of day, and some income may come, and frankly this has been a battle to recover my own self respect, out of that fiasco in New York. It’s very far from ideal, and it really is why it would be lovely if readers spread the word, as much as they can. Think of this as a cottage industry, the River Cottage of fighting publishers, as all publishers throw up their hands in horror too at the conundrum of digital publishing, but one day I may be able to inspire authors to lift up their manuscripts and walk. As for Martin Amis, I could not afford to buy his work…yet. Anyway, Amis may have touches of greatness, but he does go on about respecting the hegemonic power! Joe Blogg’s work I only want if it’s great, and he’s fun to be around. Perhaps you’d like to join in and be an editor!

All my best,

David Clement-Davies