oh mighty hitched

http://www.writewords.org.uk/

The forums on here are a good place for information. Details of agents and publishers specialising in children's books can be found in the Writers' and Artists' Handbook.

Thanks Knownowt.

I've already got the Yearbook and I know that there are masses of agents and publishers etc, I just want to take my stories and illustrations to a printing company (Ithink) and ask if they can rattle me out a book.

I know I'd have to talke about the gsm of paper and the layout and the cover etc, I'm just not sure if such a place actually exists!

Well then you need to have the funds for self publishing. Lots of people do this, but how are you going to distribute the books?

L
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Https://www.writersworld.co.uk/

L
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I've also looked at self publishing Lois, very expensive!

Books would be distributed at parties and I'd ask at a few retailers if they'd carry the book.

(I was actually meant to be filming for Dragons Den earlier this month but my dad was diagnosed with a tumor and his chemo was starting on the first day of filming so just didn;t want to go). I'm meant to be on in December though, and I'd really like to have some merchandise to show them!

I don't really know what you want Evy - it sounds like you don't want to invest yourself in your own idea. but you want someone else to? But not an agent/publisher? I am not sure what I am missing here - if the idea is good enough, surely you'll get an agent or go to a publisher who will take it up?

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Mrs Jess, I'm sorry I couldn;t remember your name! I know you have given me advice before ?

Yes, you're probably right regarding the desktop publishing.

I know that a proper book needs to be laid out properly etc. It's really just to have something to show at the Den.

(and I'm really excited about finding a suitable illustrator!?)

Mrs Jess, I'm sorry I couldn;t remember your name! I know you have given me advice before ?

Yes, you're probably right regarding the desktop publishing.

I know that a proper book needs to be laid out properly etc. It's really just to have something to show at the Den.

(and I'm really excited about finding a suitable illustrator!?)

I've invested several thousand pounds Lois and I will eventually get back to sourcing an agent. For the time being though, and with not alot of time to spare, I need some sort of a book/pamphlet to present in December.

Leaping onto the Den thing, are you sure that you need them rather than a more traditional business angel? Have you looked at local business angel networks which might be able to offer a bit more for you (without taking the backbone of your company away)

A pamphlet can be produced for next to nothing. I am still not really clear what you are after? Someone to invest in you to get you to the point of Dragons' Den? I don't really get how this won't make you an uninvestable prospect. Top be on DD you need to have a business/business model? Which do you have?

L
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Sorry, I'll begin again.

I'm currently running an entertainment business and would be looking for the dragons to invest in the business (basically a venue).

The trademark would allow me to eventually produce merchandise, which I know the Dragons will be aware of.

I'd just like to have been able to take with me some samples of merchandise,including a small picture story book, to let them see the characters I've created.

I have been to Manchester and got through to London but didn't go because of my father's illness.

Now I've to go in December.

Thanks for all the replies, I think if I'm taking any literature with me it will indeed be some sort of brochure illustrating the various characters and merchandise.

There are loads of places you can print a story book for not much money, also a leaflet or set of leaflets. What I'm not sure of is whether you were asking if there's someone you can go to with your idea who will print for you without it costing? Which I would guess the answer to is no unless you effectively find a business partner.

L
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I'm confused - so you only want a small number of these brochures? Plus a sample story book?

Any high-street printer can do that or do you mean you need someone to design the layout etc for you?

When you say venue, do you mean a permanent place to operate the business from for the parties/entertaining, or as a business premises for you? Either way, what makes it investable? It is a local business. Unless you're talking about franchising the entertainment side of it or have a plan to make it the biggest entertainment business in <insert region here>.

You need a way of taking these characters to mass market, so unless you're rolling out the parties across the country, how would that happen? Or is the idea that you build local popularity and then are more likely to be able to get an agent?

L
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Thanks Mrs Jess. Yes, trademark is secured. Apparently the Dragons Den researchers can see it becoming a global brand (which I've still not got my head round!)

thanks for the info.

Nice post.