JELLY BEAN SELF-PUBLISHING RECOGNISED AS LEADING WELSH SELF-PUBLISHER

Candy Jar imprint, Jelly Bean Self-Publishing is delighted to have been awarded Self-Publishing Company of the Year at the 2020 Welsh Enterprise awards.

The Welsh Enterprise awards recognise the contribution of small to medium sized businesses to the Welsh economy.

Since its inception in 2013, Jelly Bean Self-Publishing has provided a range of publishing services to independent authors all around the world. Head of Publishing Shaun Russell is delighted to have received the commendation:

“Self-publishing has grown enormously as an industry over recent years. Thanks to the Internet, the rise of eBooks, and the refinement of Print on Demand technology, it is now viable both economically and practically for independent authors to find engaged readerships in an incredible variety of ways.”

“It’s this flexibility that is at the heart of self-publishing’s ever-increasing success, and it is something that we have always put at the heart of what we do. We never try to pigeonhole our authors or force them into a one-size fits arrangements. We tailor our work to an author’s needs, budgets and ambitions.”

“And whatever the services they require, we provide them to the same standards as we do for our award-winning traditional imprint Candy Jar Books. Not only is this, of course, only fair to the author, it’s an investment in the long-term viability of self-publishing as an industry.”

“We are delighted SME News has recognised our efforts to provide a quality self-publishing service. We see it not only as recognition for ourselves, but a testament to the many companies around the country that are working so hard to establish self-publishing as a viable route to readership for independent authors, as part of the wider publishing environment.”

“Mark my words, thanks to these efforts, in the coming years you will read more and more about authors finding success through self-publishing.”

If you want to publish your book click here.

GOODBYE ROSE

We are very sad here at Candy Jar to have to say goodbye to Rose Widlake.

Having only joined Candy Jar in September 2012, Rose achieved a substantial amount during her short time here. In just six months, Rose worked side-by-side with several authors to make their upcoming titles the best they could be, she created, publicized and hosted a self-publishing workshop which was incredibly well received, and she even found the time to present for a Candy Jar promo video and act in the recently completed music video, "Just Let It Go".

Rose is leaving to start a new life in Australia. We wish her all the luck in the world.

Rose leaves the Candy Jar office for the last time

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Candy Jar has just released the very first issue of Candy Jar News; a newsletter for book and film lovers everywhere. The first issue features a review of Dredd 3D, tips on self-publishing and competitions. Book and TV reviews are also included, with this months issue focussing on the Sherlock BBC adaptation. To subscribe to this bi-monthly publication visit our website www.candyjarbooks.co.uk and complete the sign-up form.

What's more, if you subscribe this month you will be entered into a prize draw with the chance of winning a selection of our titles!

To learn more about the Cardiff-based book publisher visit www.candyjarbooks.co.uk

For video production in Cardiff visit www.candyjarfilms.co.uk

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED SELF-PUBLISHING YOUR BOOK?



Many writers seem to shy away from this question, afraid that self-publishing is in some way admitting defeat. But the recent rise of self-publishing marks a radical change for readers, writers and publishers and shows that this is no longer the case.

Self-publishing is no longer associated with ‘Vanity Publishing’ – a process where authors are left with poor quality books and are often significantly out of pocket.

Now several companies, including Candy Jar Books, offer quality self-publishing services which deliver real results. Reputable companies offer professional support throughout the self-publishing process, from initial guidance on the first draft through to publicity and marketing of the final book.

Deciding to self-publish is becoming increasingly popular. Many who self-publish are later noticed by publishers and some have had huge success – current bestseller E.L James’ Fifty Shades trilogy being the obvious example. Self-publishing has existed as long as publishing has – Virginia Woolf, James Joyce and William Blake all printed their own work.

Authors are increasingly using alternative publishing routes to get their work noticed. Larger publishing companies are also recognising the importance of self-publishing as a source of talent. This summer Penguin acquired Author Solutions Inc, one of the world’s largest self-publishers for £74m. As Penguin CEO John Makinson said: "Self-publishing has moved into the mainstream of our industry". Similarly, HarperCollins launched the website authonomy.com several years ago, which encourages writers to share their self-published work. Their website says: “The publishing world is changing. One thing’s for sure: whether you’re a reader, writer, agent or publisher, this is an exciting time for books.”

Have you written a book which you are unable to get published? Would you consider self-publishing your work? If you have a book that you'd like to publish then please get in touch!

MERLYS - COMING SOON FROM JELLY BEAN BOOKS!

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce its forthcoming title, MERLYS.

Produced through Jelly Bean Books – Candy Jar's Self-Publishing Imprint – this is the début novel of octogenarian Barbara Pontin.

The book is the story of a fiery and headstrong young girl who embarks on a journey of adventure and discovery across South Wales in the sixteenth century.

Merlys and her older brother Jeremy run away from their comfortable and secure home in a Welsh valley after disagreeing with their father over his plans for their future.

They head to the coast, seeking help from their aunt, only to find their lives in danger when Merlys overhears two men talking. One of them – a packman selling buttons, lace and ribbons to farmer’s wives and daughters – is the leader of a gang of thieves, murderers and wreckers.

Merlys learns of their next crime, inspired by information gleaned from idle gossip about wealthy travellers and well-laden ships. When the criminals discover she knows of their intentions, they attempt to silence Merlys – but each time they try, she and her brother manage to escape.

Arriving at the relative safety of their aunt’s home, Merlys and Jeremy soon learn that danger continues to stalk them.

As the criminal underworld of a sleepy coastal town closes in, only time will tell if they both will find peace and – ultimately – happiness.

Merlys will be available from Candy Jar books soon. If you wish to reserve an advance copy via the Candy Jar store, please go here.