DOES IT TAKE BIG MONEY TO LAUNCH A NEW BOOK?

Author Elizabeth Bailey doesn’t think so. Instead it takes grit, determination and the will to succeed. She recently launched her latest title, Fly the Wild Echoes, at Wealden House in East Grinstead, West Sussex, where a host of friends, acquaintances and interested readers gave their support to wish her well.

The new book is a co-publishing venture with Unlimited Publishing in the United States. Although an established novelist with 18 historical romances published by Harlequin Mills & Boon under her belt, becoming her own publicist is new to Elizabeth.

"There is no promotion budget," she says. "Everything I do to get the book into the hands of the public is funded with my own hard-earned cash."

Weeks of preparation and promotion went into the launch event. On the night, however, Elizabeth was able to spend her time talking to visitors and signing books, while her cohorts (willing members of her family) efficiently ran the proceedings.

As hosts, members of Wealden House staff showed visitors around the cultural, wellness and life improvement centre. Food and drink was excellent and plentiful, and the guests voted the event a success.

"A very interesting and thoroughly unexpected evening," said Jean Blakeston of the Felbridge Women's Institute.

Media coverage before the event included an interview on BBC Southern Counties Radio, and due to the launch, Elizabeth has several upcoming talks arranged with local groups and has made useful contacts for the future.

"A fellow writer recently reminded me of the saying about great oaks growing from little acorns," Elizabeth said. "I counted lots of little acorns from doing the launch, and I plan to nurture them all."

Anyone interested in Fly the Wild Echoes can read about it (or buy it online) at www.elizabethbaileybooks.com .

Contacts: John Wood at Wealden House 01342 335335 or john@wealdenhouse.com
Elizabeth Bailey on 01342 323991 or lizziebailey@beeb.net