Visit the Waterstones in Harrods – discover that the book has been classified as Mind, Body, Spirit – don’t think this is the best category – I think autobiography better. Decide to go ahead with the 80gsm paper from Butler and Tanner – the saving is too much to ignore. Ring the bookshop in Abingdon … Read more
Not very happy with the 80gsm paper that I got this morning. Not at all sure that ½ tones will look good on it. Try again to get an estimate for 100gsm matt coated cartridge. Another wait … No wonder I’m not sleeping well. Go into Blackwells at the Wellcome Institute – she wasn’t keen … Read more
I wish people wouldn’t promise things and not deliver – I find it sooooooo frustrating. The additional proofs were meant to be coming today but when I rang this morning – I was told that they definitely wouldn’t be here today – and my e-mails from the last few days hadn’t been answered. The printer … Read more
The finished cover.
Midas has got me an interview with Meet the Author in a couple of weeks. Printer saga continues – the printer who sent quote yesterday can only do it on 80gsm paper and I had wanted 100 gsm. Now I am in a quandry as I want the book to look really nice – but … Read more
Talk to a printer and more or less decide on using them as they could do the job straight away – I just ask for some paper samples. It’s a lovely day so I decide to go and do some repping in the West End. Drop a proof copy off at Hatchards, take the information … Read more
Today was devoted, more or less, to what I think is referred to as housekeeping. I threw away many of the drafts of Venus (help – was that wise? –I know its all on disc but it felt so final) and I generally tidied my desk. I’m beginning to think of new projects but I … Read more
Check that all the corrections have been inserted and then spend far too long trying to design an order form. I want to get 2 A5 sheets on the same A4 paper. The text is easy enough to swivel – but the pictures aren’t. I nearly drive myself mad doing this kind of thing – … Read more
Check the new index – a few very minor mistakes. Go and meet Midas and take them 36 proof copies. They are enthusiastic about the book and think it’s got much potential. I was right to think I couldn’t go away in the near future – I need to be around in case anyone wants … Read more
Rupert arrives on the dot of 10 and he films me in the bookshop for YouTube – it goes pretty well I think – very few re-takes. Then – guess what – the proofs arrive BUT only 50 copies – not the 70 I’d asked for and there had been a panic this morning about … Read more