FROME’S Black Swan Gallery will become a crime scene on Friday November 18th.
The entrance will be taped off, people wanting to go in will have to prove their identity to two helmeted officers and during the evening statements will be made about a murder.
But there’ll be no need to panic – it’s all part of the programme marking the public launch of Frome Writers’ Collective’s Silver Crow book brand.
And the reason for the crime scene scenario? At the same time as the Silver Crow launch, Frome Writers’ Collective member Nikki Copleston will be taking the wraps off her new crime novel, ‘The Shame of Innocence’, the first book to bear the brand’s distinctive logo.
During the evening, as well as talking about her book, Nikki will be telling how the service Silver Crow offers helped her to overcome the many hurdles which any new author faces on the road to publication.
Nikki said, “Submitting my manuscript to Silver Crow ensured an impartial appraisal by three readers who judged it by various criteria. Their feedback was constructive and very helpful, and the book is all the better for it. I would recommend Silver Crow to any aspiring writers looking for an honest and affordable critique.”
Silver Crow was set up to provide Frome Writers’ Collective members with a cost-effective manuscript assessment service and a stepping stone on the journey to getting published. It is believed to be unique in the way it offers a friendly alternative to the often daunting task of producing and promoting a book in isolation. All books submitted are screened by trained readers and an Frome Writers’ Collective trustee, with a final report discussed with the writer. Indie (independent and self-published) authors whose books meet the agreed criteria are entitled to use the Silver Crow logo, publish at a discount with selected publishing partners and participate in joint marketing opportunities.
Frome Writers’ Collective chair Sue Watts said, “We’re delighted that Nikki’s book has become the first to go through the Silver Crow process and the good news is that she will be doing further readings.
“We’re equally delighted that we have more books in the pipeline, with two more titles being published early in the New Year.
“And as we’re currently open to submissions from writers of adult, young adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction, we anticipate having many more opportunities for celebration in the future.
“And just to clarify things, the ‘officers’ who will be wearing helmets at the door will be Frome Writers’ Collective officers (actually trustees) and the reason they will be checking names is because of the event’s anticipated popularity and space limitations, which – sadly – mean it will be an invitation only event.”
‘The Shame of Innocence’ is published by Bristol’s SilverWood Books and is available as both paperback and eBook from their website, www.silverwoodbooks.co.uk and from Amazon. SilverWood’s publishing director, Helen Hart, will also be at the Silver Crow launch, at Frome’s Black Swan Gallery, talking about independent publishing opportunities for aspiring writers.
For more information, visit www.fromewriterscollective.co.uk • www. silvercrowbooks.co.uk and www.nikkicopleston.com
