Wild Folk, words lift, enter now, shapeshift
This week finds me ragged, but happy, on the verge of completing two books, or I would have been if I hadn’t decided to do another 50 paintings for one of them. But that is another story, and this is about Wild Folk.
The blad is now almost ready for print. It is printing in the UK, a very limited edition. There will be 100 which will be signed and numbered ( all sold and many thanks to all who pledged) and then a few available for selected independent bookshop owners, so if you are a bookshop in UK or USA do get in touch with Unbound if you are interested.
The design precess has been wonderful and collaborative, with Daniel Streat, the designer, Tamsin, Imogen and John from Unbound and I wish we had recorded a part of our meeting so that you could have been there to see that joy as Daniel sent in the first pdf’s then shaped them and honed them. His first cover ideas were SO good, so excellent. Not one, but two gorgeous covers. Too good to choose between. And so, because this is Unbound, we requested that we do a very special edition for subscribers only that includes what he described as a ‘cloak’ for the book. So, we have a gorgeous dust jacket that wraps around the book. No need for the title or our names.
There will be a chance for indies to also subscribe and have their names in the back of the book as supporters, and pledge to have this special edition to sell in the shop, but the list closes 8 October, and after that there will be no more.
Beneath the ‘cloak’ lies the ‘portal’, on the case of the book. I love how Daniel chose these words to describe the two designs, both so perfect. So in keeping with Wild Folk:
I’m hoping people will take the cover off and frame it, but we also hope to produce a poster of the ‘cloak’, so keep an eye on the Unbound Wild Folk page. The page has been updated with the new cover now. As I say, lists for supporters closes early October, so that all design can be signed off. The book is due for release midsummer next year, and we hope to have stock early enough to fulfil all pledges before publication date. The Smith’s Tale ( formerly known as Wayland) goes to press soon and Tamsin and I hope to go and see the blads coming off the press, as this is happening in Cornwall.
Tamsin and I are beginning to set up events for the book also, so if you are an indie, who can offer us an interesting event, long barrow or stone circle, we would be up for adventure. Tamsin’s images look amazing on a big screen so also think about cinemas and theatres. Festivals, get in touch with Rina Gill at Unbound if you are interested. (Also, in booking The Unwinding, with myself and The Bookshop Band. Have a read of the review in The New York Times. The Bookshop band are prolific tourers, so if you see them coming close to you do go. They are a marvel.)
Meanwhile Chris and Davina of Seven Fables made us an advance trailer for the book. Watch, listen, and if moved to do so, pledge for the book.
To pledge for Wild Folk go to the Unbound site. Really hoping to get to 300% and beyond. Tamsin’s artwork for this book is so beautiful. Would you please share this posting, help us spread the word as word of mouth is still the best way to sell books. Also, would love to hear what you think of the cloak and the portal. For new subscribers do scroll down the page to find updates from the past waiting to be read. It takes a long time to make a book. From first conversations on a bench at Northmoor house, overlooking a sea of trees where buzzards called and wild deer threaded through the woodland, to the final designs and editing, has taken almost two years, and would not have happened without our wonderful supporters, putting faith in our ability to create something and to push on the boundaries of myth and beauty during hard times. So, thank you. The stories, I hope, will sing to your soul. A book to read and re-read.
(nb: thanks to you we are now at 361% and rising. These pre-sales are so good. Thank you. They influence book shop buyers. Really hoping the book will make it into the library environment too. )
Sublime x
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is an individual please?
If the question refers to an ‘indie’ and indie bookshop is one that is owned by a person, rather than a chain and shareholders. But there are different types of indies. Rossiters in Monmouth and Ross now have 5 bookshops, so they are like a chain of independent bookshops. Blackwells are now owned by Waterstones, and they are owned by a company…..
Can you give me some context to this please?
Are you asking what is an indie?
Hi Jackie,
It’s the Canadian lady with the ancient Panda here. I love the cloak and the portal !!!! The story of Wild Folk coming into being is almost as wonderful as the anticipated book itself.
I subscribed ages ago. I’m not very well and wanted to know if subscribers will have to wait until next summer too? I was so hoping to have mine earlier.
Abigail
The books are in the design stage now, but won’t be printed until next year I am afraid. It takes so long to make a book.
The design for the portal is stunningly beautiful. I really love the typewriter style typeface that truly adds a magical touch.
So amazing that you get these intensely beautiful works done to add to your own already intensely beautiful work. How blessed!