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Thread: My new book - and just look who did the cover! - UPDATED

  1. #1
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    My new book - and just look who did the cover! - UPDATED

    Some of you may remember the publication of my first book, "The Lost Case Files of Sherlock Holmes". Some of you were even kind enough to buy it!

    To my immense surprise it went on to become a bestseller in several Amazon categories and has since sold tens of thousands of copies and downloads around the world.

    I was so encouraged that I have carried on writing and my new book, "Spencer Edwards: Emperor of the Galaxy" will be published on 28th November worldwide and available in all good bookstores (as well as Amazon of course).

    If you enjoy an adventure that some of the advance readers have described as a bit of Star Wars, a bit of Indiana Jones, a bit of Harry Potter and a whole lot of excitement, drama and fun then it might be for you and yours. I was stunned when one of the advance readers told me she had stayed up until 3am to finish it because she couldn't put it down.

    It is really for Young Adults (ie Teenagers) and upwards to any age.

    It is sci-fi, but not heavy going. It is as much about a journey of friendship and growth set in a galaxy on the brink. It should make you laugh, cry, cheer, and keep you on the edge of your seat until the specatacular conclusion.

    I am already three quarters through writing the sequel as it is intended to be the first in a series.

    Oh, and that cover I mentioned, well you might recognise the style. It is simply fabulous and was done by none other than TZ member and Marvel Artist Adigra (Adi Granov). Isn't it gorgeous?

    You can find out more and even order here:

    https://alexpriorauthor.com/


    What do you all think?

    Very best,
    TFB

    PS - for every TZ member who does purchase a copy or two I'll donate my royalties from your purchase to the Fundraiser. And if you'd like me to sign your copy or put a message inside just drop me a line and we'll sort that out.
    Last edited by TheFlyingBanana; 21st January 2024 at 15:50.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  2. #2
    Master
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    Well done on the new publication Alex. It's said everyone has a book in them but to get them down on paper and get people buying them is a serious achievement in this day and age. Best of luck with it!

    P.s. not to pry, but are these self published and promoted? Or do you have a publisher who have picked you up?

  3. #3
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kevkojak View Post
    Well done on the new publication Alex. It's said everyone has a book in them but to get them down on paper and get people buying them is a serious achievement in this day and age. Best of luck with it!

    P.s. not to pry, but are these self published and promoted? Or do you have a publisher who have picked you up?

    It's a hybrid - a major publisher who sell into all the stores and do a lot of marketing - but I keep all the rights rather than just a small percentage which is key for me.

    The books have to go through all the editing and quality assurance you would expect and they are selective.

    On the strength of the sales of my first book I had several publishing companies offer to take it on, but the deals they offer are pretty poor!
    Last edited by TheFlyingBanana; 14th November 2023 at 21:35.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  4. #4
    Well done and good luck, that’s great news, wishing you lots of success with it

  5. #5
    Master
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    Congratulations, well done.

  6. #6
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Congrats! And it must be great to have Adi 'on board' as well. You write on your website: "Adi and I worked on the look for Spencer and his friends,...

    I would love to read the story how things like that come up in your mind and how that develops. Is that like a movie music score? Or...?i,..

  7. #7
    Craftsman
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    Just bought your first book and new one (pre order) on Amazon

    Look forward to reading them

  8. #8
    Great achievement well done! though you missed an opportunity to get a fave watch in your promo photo.

  9. #9
    Well done, it takes serious skill to write a book these days when online reviews can be totally brutal

  10. #10
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mk2driver View Post
    Just bought your first book and new one (pre order) on Amazon

    Look forward to reading them
    Many, many thanks!

    Do let me know how you get on with them!

    👍👍
    So clever my foot fell off.

  11. #11
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by xellos99 View Post
    Well done, it takes serious skill to write a book these days when online reviews can be totally brutal
    It was the great feedback and reviews on the first one that encouraged me for sure.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  12. #12
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thieuster View Post
    Congrats! And it must be great to have Adi 'on board' as well. You write on your website: "Adi and I worked on the look for Spencer and his friends,...

    I would love to read the story how things like that come up in your mind and how that develops. Is that like a movie music score? Or...?i,..

    I gave Adi a written summary of some of the key characters along with some details of how I’d described their appearance in the book.

    He then did some preliminary sketches (you can see them on my website), and pretty much nailed the looks straight away.

    A little bit of discussion and then he worked his magic.

    Let’s face it, he knows what he’s doing! 👍👍
    So clever my foot fell off.

  13. #13
    Master Chukas's Avatar
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    Tried to pre - order, but problem with delivery address (I'm assuming because its Highlands)?
    No problem with the first book though.
    I'll try again later though.

  14. #14
    Are they available on audiobook or any plans to be released on audiobook? I love listening to them rather than reading a bit lazy I know but it's relaxing for me, Sean runnette would be a great choice as narrator.

    Sent from a technical device.

  15. #15
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chukas View Post
    Tried to pre - order, but problem with delivery address (I'm assuming because its Highlands)?
    No problem with the first book though.
    I'll try again later though.
    Huge thanks! It shouldn’t be an issue- might just be because it is pre-order until the 28th.

    Have you tried any of the other retailers?
    So clever my foot fell off.

  16. #16
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sickie View Post
    Are they available on audiobook or any plans to be released on audiobook? I love listening to them rather than reading a bit lazy I know but it's relaxing for me, Sean runnette would be a great choice as narrator.

    Sent from a technical device.
    Hi, it is something we are discussing for the future, but will depend on sales I think.

    Go on, have a read! 😁
    So clever my foot fell off.

  17. #17
    Master Halitosis's Avatar
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    Great achievement sir
    Sci-Fi isn't my bag but your Sherlock Holmes book certainly is so that's being ordered.

  18. #18
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    Congratulations and well done -

    All the best with this new venture.

  19. #19
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Thanks all so far - I'd be hugely grateful for any shares any of you might be able to do on Instagram or other social media!


    Here's a link to the thread here when the Sherlock book was released - some very nice comments!

    https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...light=sherlock
    So clever my foot fell off.

  20. #20
    This was so much fun to work on. I hope the book is a huge success.

  21. #21
    Master Chukas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by adigra View Post
    This was so much fun to work on. I hope the book is a huge success.

    Fine work sir

  22. #22
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by adigra View Post
    This was so much fun to work on. I hope the book is a huge success.

    I am so pleased you enjoyed creating the look of Spencer and his friends. They just look fantastic.

    Hopefully we'll be talking about the cover for the next in the series before too long...
    So clever my foot fell off.

  23. #23
    Grand Master sundial's Avatar
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    I admired your Banana stories when listing watches a few years ago – so not surprised at your current literary success and wish you more in future. Good luck.

    BW, dunk
    "Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"

  24. #24
    Master pacifichrono's Avatar
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    High congratulations on your success. Keep them coming!

  25. #25
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Congratulations Alex! Best wishes for another success.
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  26. #26
    Master
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    Yaaaas, now we all know someone famous congrats btw
    Last edited by Suds; 18th November 2023 at 12:34.

  27. #27
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Many thanks for the kind comments! They are greatly appreciated.

    Now please order the book and follow me on the new instagram account (link on the website)! I am working with the publisher on the promotion over the coming weeks and any and all assistance extremely welcome!

    👍👍😁
    So clever my foot fell off.

  28. #28
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    First print batch appears to have sold out on preorders! 😳👍😁

    I haven’t seen a hard copy yet myself- I’m expecting some in the next 48hours.

    More stock due in next couple of days so please do go ahead and order if you are so inclined!
    So clever my foot fell off.

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    First print batch appears to have sold out on preorders! 

    I haven’t seen a hard copy yet myself- I’m expecting some in the next 48hours.

    More stock due in next couple of days so please do go ahead and order if you are so inclined!
    That's fantastic!

  30. #30
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    First print batch appears to have sold out on preorders! 😳👍😁

    I haven’t seen a hard copy yet myself- I’m expecting some in the next 48hours.

    More stock due in next couple of days so please do go ahead and order if you are so inclined!
    Am I committing some kind of cardinal sin by ordering on Kindle? I’m an impatient sort! 😂

    As an aside, you don’t look anything like I’d imagined during my years of seeing you post on here, funny how we create imaginary images of people whom we haven’t met. Well, I do anyway!

  31. #31
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Absolutely order on Kindle!

    And if you enjoy it, order a hard copy and give it someone!

    The book was written to appeal to a very wide audience.

    And I’m guessing you’re thinking “He’s much more handsome than I could have possibly imagined!”

    😁😁😁
    So clever my foot fell off.

  32. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    Absolutely order on Kindle!

    And if you enjoy it, order a hard copy and give it someone!

    The book was written to appeal to a very wide audience.

    And I’m guessing you’re thinking “He’s much more handsome than I could have possibly imagined!”

    😁😁😁
    😂 Of course! Ordered!

  33. #33
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Book officially published today, and seems to be selling well so far! Amazon sold out their first batch on pre-order, and the second batch is nearly gone, so they've already ordered a third lot.

    If anyone wants a signed copy for some reason (as a number of you kindly did with my previous book) just buy a copy and let me know and I'll sort it with you.

    Cheers,

    TFB
    So clever my foot fell off.

  34. #34
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Amazon have got some more copies in stock, so please buy if you can!

    The first reviews are getting posted also, and they are all five stars!

    Great for teens and adults as Christmas presents!
    So clever my foot fell off.

  35. #35
    Master Chukas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    Amazon have got some more copies in stock, so please buy if you can!

    The first reviews are getting posted also, and they are all five stars!

    Great for teens and adults as Christmas presents!

    That’s me bought it now Alex 😀👍🏻

  36. #36
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chukas View Post
    That’s me bought it now Alex 

    Thanks Chukas! Greatly appreciated!

    Is it for you or a Christmas present?


    More are now in stock at Amazon, and I'm very thankful for all TZ purchases and the support of kind members of this fraternity!

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spencer-Edw...=UTF8&qid=&sr=


    Please give the gift of a book (ideally mine!) to a teenager or young adult this Christmas. The reviews are starting to come in and I am delighted with them - you can see them on Amazon with the link above.
    So clever my foot fell off.

  37. #37
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Still time to get some Christmas orders in, as Amazon have now upped their stock levels.

    Reviews starting to come in now as people complete reading it, and I'm very pleased!


    Go on TZ, look at all the work Adi put into that cover!
    So clever my foot fell off.

  38. #38
    Master
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    I did a search on our local library site (Staffordshire) but nothing listed under your name or titles. I will ask them to buy it in. They normally do if requested.

  39. #39
    Do you have review copies available? I review books on YouTube (as CriminOlly) and would be more than happy to give them a read and a mention on the channel. Drop me a PM if you want to discuss.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  40. #40
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Post

    Quote Originally Posted by Harry Smith View Post
    I did a search on our local library site (Staffordshire) but nothing listed under your name or titles. I will ask them to buy it in. They normally do if requested.

    Thanks! Unless you are already a widely known author, most libraries now tend to operate on a request basis.

    I would be incredibly grateful if any TZ'ers could request my books from their local library, as this really helps.

    Do let me know how you get on!

    Alex
    So clever my foot fell off.

  41. #41
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    If anyone is rushing to get some last minute presents (as I am), please whack in an order for my book! Some very nice reviews are starting to appear now and Amazon appear to have increased their stock levels.

    If it is for a present, you can PM me and I'll send a lovely signed bookmark with any message you want, to wherever you want!

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spencer-Edwards-Emperor-Alex-Prior/dp/1805141406/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VYA7UUS0YUM5&keywords=spencer+edw ards+emperor+of+the+galaxy&qid=1703184368&sprefix= %2Caps%2C540&sr=8-1



    So clever my foot fell off.

  42. #42
    Master
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    Well done Alex ive struggled with books for the last few years but in the last five weeks I’ve had both cataracts done and can now read easily.
    I will give it a go I hope it’s a best seller for you. :)

  43. #43
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bandylegss View Post
    Well done Alex ive struggled with books for the last few years but in the last five weeks I’ve had both cataracts done and can now read easily.
    I will give it a go I hope it’s a best seller for you. :)
    Many thanks! Glad you can read again ok - one of life's greatest pleasures.

    My first one, was a bestseller - so you might like that too!

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Files-...3185152&sr=8-1


    www.alexpriorauthor.com
    So clever my foot fell off.

  44. #44
    Master
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    Just ordered Alex you’ve some great reviews already mate good luck. :)

  45. #45
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Thanks Bandy - yes, reviews starting to come in now, which is nice.

    Apparently it's going to be a Bookclub "Book of the Month" in January, which is great too.


    And for anyone who got some Amazon or Book vouchers this Christmas, well, may I humbly recommend..?



    And if you buy one and would like some Spencer goodies signed with any message you like through the post like some other members have, just let me know.

    Bear in mind that if I become bigger than JK Rowling such signed promo materials will be worth a fortune and thus represent an excellent and shrewd investment!

    So clever my foot fell off.

  46. #46
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Anyone got an Amazon voucher or book token left over from Christmas?

    What better way to spend it than on a book?

    Specifically my book.

    😉😁
    So clever my foot fell off.

  47. #47
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    Anyone got an Amazon voucher or book token left over from Christmas?

    What better way to spend it than on a book?

    Specifically my book.

    
    No vouchers Alex but just ordered the Kindle version!
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  48. #48
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Fantastic- thank you very much Chris. I hope you enjoy!

    Let me know how you get on. 👍
    So clever my foot fell off.

  49. #49
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheFlyingBanana View Post
    Fantastic- thank you very much Chris. I hope you enjoy!

    Let me know how you get on. 
    Of course!

    Enjoyed the Sherlock.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  50. #50
    Grand Master TheFlyingBanana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    Of course!

    Enjoyed the Sherlock.
    That’s very kind of you to say. I am so pleased!

    If you haven’t already a review on Amazon and Goodreads is greatly appreciated!
    So clever my foot fell off.

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