Riff-Raffles Sequel Update
There has been a delay in the publication of the Riff-Raffles sequel, since the books completion in February of this year. My publisher, Bangkok Books, had confirmed last year that it would publish the sequel and that there was no need for me to submit any manuscript or details prior to me completing the book. Therefore, once I returned from Hua Hin, I wrote to the publisher asking for a contract before sending them the completed manuscript. It replied telling me that it had changed its commission terms and now required authors to pay 110 baht per copy against which the author would receive 145 baht for every copy sold (i.e. a commission of 35 baht). I have been receiving ten percent for the sales of Riff-Raffles, which exceeds this offer for my new work and I had no need to make any advance payment.
My initial response was one of shock — I was particularly surprised they had not mentioned this sooner, especially as I was in very regular contact. I decided not to reply, but to investigate alternatives such as either finding a new publisher or setting up my own publishing company. My first task was to ascertain likely printing and binding costs, which came back at a figure of around 55 baht per copy — half of the figure Bangkok Books were asking for from me! Had I agreed to their deal I would be effectively giving them a profit on every book printed and there would be no requirement for them to do anything whatsoever — and no motivation either!
Over the last couple of months, other areas have been investigated and during June I have a meeting with Asia Books — the leading retail outlet in Thailand with over 60 branches, including all main airports. The results of my meeting with Asia Books and other retail outlets will enable me to decide whether setting up a publishing company is viable. If this is green lighted I will likely have the company set up later this year and Riff-Raffles Revenge will be our first work, which I will aim to have printed in October and get out into the bookstores before December.
Unfortunately, in Thailand finding the right person is difficult especially when dealing with large organizations. If you are put in touch with the wrong person you will never know — they will simply not respond to your messages and emails! Therefore everything seems to take considerably longer than it would were I back in England, or anywhere else in the West for that matter. There is also absolutely no point shouting at people to get some forward movement — it will do nothing but irritate them and get you placed even further down the queue!
I will keep you advised to how this is progressing and hopefully be in a position to announce the publication date of Riff Raffles Revenge in a couple of month’s time.
