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Jayslater

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September 30, 2011 at 2:04 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1062767

Jayslater
Participant

Some new titles announced:

A Bucket of Sunshine
Lancaster: Reap the Whirlwind
RAF Southend 1940-1944
Vulcan: God of Fire
Bristol Brabazon
Wings over Somerset

And more, including the definitive books on the Bismarck and Tirpitz!

Jay

August 5, 2011 at 3:43 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1067867

Jayslater
Participant

And this is the first unveiling for the front cover of Concorde Conspiracy!

Jay

August 5, 2011 at 2:21 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1067989

Jayslater
Participant

Oh, and a new title for Tor’s book: VIKING SPITFIRE. 🙂

August 5, 2011 at 2:13 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1068004

Jayslater
Participant

Thanks for the kind words, Andy.

I usually ask for a one-pager to get a ‘flavour’ of what the writer proposes. A chapter breakdown is a good idea for me to see how the book is to be constructed and how well it flows as a running narrative. As for correspondance, I try to reply as soon as I can, usually in the same day. Having a Blackberry is essential as I work in my evenings without realising it by answering work e-mails on my cellphone. On the flip side, when I was the senior commissioning editor at Games Workshop for 2000AD and New Line Cinema novelisations, I was told that an author might have to wait three months to receive a reply…

Another aspect to consider is presentation. I receive many ideas, thankfully the majority are well presented for me to read and propose. Sadly, I may get a fabulous idea, but the way it is handed to me might be hard work and take time to whip into shape. The bitter truth is these go towards the bottom of the pile when a good pitch gets heard first as it can be prepared for proposal in short order.

For example, and thanks to this forum, Tor Idar Larsen’s manuscript was sent to me yesterday or the day before. Tor’s attitude has been professional, friendly and enthusiastic. As a result, I have completed the AI, AQ and two costing models to propose to the Board.

Have had a number of Pen & Sword and Grub Street writers approach me, too.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me in due course.

With very best wishes,

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 7:40 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1068790

Jayslater
Participant

GRUB STREET

With regards to the comment about Grub Street and their long response time, I do understand. I was always taught from my first day in commissioning that it can take an editor up to three months to reply to a pitch/proposal. It’s pretty much an industry standard, especially in large publishers.

I do not.

I try to reply with immediate effect and establish a relationship with all my writers in producing great books on aviation. After all, it is in our best interests as we love the topic.

As I often say: ‘Seize the day’!

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 7:36 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1068795

Jayslater
Participant

Hey Graham,

Good to see you here, my friend!

THE CONCORDE CONSPIRACY is off and running and we have some truly excellent marketing angled towards to the 2012 Olympics.

BRISTOL BRABAZON is in good hands.

I really appreciate the support by all. Exciting times indeed.

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 3:56 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1069054

Jayslater
Participant

Interesting thread… I prefer to start negotiations on finances on the first instance. However, I do make it known that we usually cost a low print run and ask for the proposed to author to bare that in mind. This is where royalties are vitally important as the author can benefit on a reprint followed by paperback and e-books.

August 4, 2011 at 3:34 pm in reply to: "Red Tails" trailer. #1069144

Jayslater
Participant

Heh, heh.

This book by a certain someone shines a little light!

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1069181

Jayslater
Participant

Thanks for the kind words, JDK. I try to reply as soon as I can to my e-mails as well as work on proposals.

Incidentally, some of my previous aviation titles are TSR2 and Japanese Secret Projects. My last commission was three Fw 190 books, the definitive dedication, at £50 each. I also write some of the magazines for The Fighter Collection that come with a metal toy plane. I wrote the most recent release on the Fw 190, for example.

And if you fly FSX, Rise of Flight and IL-2 encountering CPS_Bulldog, that’s me!

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm in reply to: "Red Tails" trailer. #1069339

Jayslater
Participant

There’s very little to be expected from Red Tails in terms of historical accuracy and photorealistic CGI. Also, George Lucas has seriously lost the plot in terms as a storyteller as seen with his previous dreadful Star Wars films. In essence, I expect something truly bad.

That said, surely we should be encouraging the film as it will hopefully inspire a new readership and following of military aviation. And for that, I am grateful.

And I also recommend the new Russian war flick, The Brest Fortress.

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 12:07 pm in reply to: Aviation publishers #1069548

Jayslater
Participant

Thank you for having me here!

All I ask is for an e-mail that briefly overviews your idea. I do the rest and am there to support my writers in producing a corking book to be appreciated by readers. The aviation book range at The History Press has increased dramatically and we are dedicated to pushing these books with agressive marketing, be it in national press and at air shows.

For example, we have commissioned the likes of Tim McLelland, Tony Buttler, Martin Bowman and many others to produce the ultimate books on iconic aircraft as well as more specialised titles on the Hawker Hunter and Bristol Brabazon. I have also commissioned the wonderul Captain Eric Brown on the legendary Miles M.52.

Watch this space!

Jay

August 4, 2011 at 11:48 am in reply to: Aviation publishers #1069612

Jayslater
Participant

The History Press

And many thanks for Graham Simons for making me aware of this thread.

And yes, The History Press is very interested in aviation books and I have DCK’s manuscript in my hands right now.

And if anyone else is interested in having a book published, by all means drop me a line. The History Press is doing very well, have the most excellent production and quality control, as well as proactive sales and marketing division. One of the many reasons I left Ian Allan Publishing as their aviation editor to tackle a fresh and exciting opportunity.

I look forwards to hearing from you in due course.

With very best wishes,

Jay Slater
[email]jslater@thehistorypress.co.uk[/email]
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