In 2012 I emigrated to Provence, France. With the realisation that my long-term writing plans could now be developed I welcomed the abundance of wildlife, pine forests and vineyards on my doorstep. I focused my writing ideas around the flora and fauna before me. However, there appeared to be something missing... With a life-long adoration for Cornwall I instinctively knew that Provence and Cornwall together would form the perfect backdrop for my adventure-filled, mystical children’s book, Charlie’s World of Glittering Powers.
And so, Charlie was born from the force of the Mistral wind, the clicking and buzzing of the cigales, the scent of pine in the forests and the vibrant colours as the sun sets over the mountains.
My human protagonist, Sevi has a carefree and tomboyish character derived from her Cornish homeland of weathered moorland, rock pools hidden amongst sandy coves, rugged shorelines and bustling fishing harbours.
Attendance at the Writers & Artists ‘How to Write Successfully for Children and Young Adults’ conference at Bloomsbury Publishing in 2013, gave me an invaluable understanding of the publishing industry. It also provided me with a welcome sense of hope and encouragement, plus an opportunity to network with other writers.
It took many months of diligent re-writes and edits to achieve the final version.
As my project gained momentum I became a hunter-gatherer of any information I could find to help me publish my book. With frequent reference to the Children’s Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, I persevered with contacting literary agents.
However, by November 2014 the submission process suggested that the Mistral wind had not blown Charlie’s magical world to the “right desk of the right agent at the right time”. Determined and keen to launch my book, I attended the Writers & Artists ‘Self-Publishing In The Digital Age’ conference in London.
Following the presentation on self-publishing companies by Troubador Publishing’s Director, Jeremy Thompson, I immediately knew that this was the type of self-publishing partnership that I would feel comfortable working with. In the spring of 2015 I approached Troubador and I am pleased to say that they agreed to publish my work under the imprint of Matador Books.
Troubador consistently provide high-level publishing services to help you fulfil your ambitions and goals. It is not called “Serious Self-Publishing” for nothing; you definitely get out what you put in. Each quotation is bespoke, so you can remain in control of your budget.
Editorial and marketing services coupled with a good cover design/illustration should not be overlooked.
At the point at which my book production commenced it was permissible for me to select my own illustrator, and so I am delighted that Leo Hartas beautifully illustrated the cover of Charlie’s World of Glittering Powers.
It has been a year to remember, working alongside Troubador’s team through the pre-press production, editorial and marketing phases, to the joy of seeing my book in print. We are now at the distribution stage with my publication date being 28th November 2015, but somehow I feel that my journey as an author is just beginning!
About Tracy:
After thirty years in challenging and rewarding careers in administration, education and pathology, Tracy now expresses her passion for wildlife and the countryside through her writing and photography.
Follow Tracy on Twitter at @kilmarth, or email her on tracyrawles@gmail.com
Charlie's World of Glittering Powers is available to buy in paperback from the following retailers on 28th November 2015: Troubador, Amazon, Foyles, Waterstones, WHSmith
You can also buy the e-book from Troubador, Amazon, Google Play, Nook and iTunes.
well done and congratulations on publication ive only just started writing myself so i will be looking forward to seeing my works of art in print must be an amazing adventure
Thank you for your good wishes, Adrian.
Tracy, good luck.
Let's hope that Charlie's World of Glittering Powers receives Glittering Acclaim
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