The Book Network News: Issue 2
Unbound reprints 70,000 copies of TikTok hit Cain's Jawbone
A viral TikTok trend by book lovers on the platform has resulted in Unbound reprinting 70,000 copies of Cain's Jawbone by Edward Powys Mathers as the novel continues to be in high demand from customers.
Last month, the small press issued 10,000 reprints, after a short video featuring the book went viral on the social media platform. Bookshops in the UK have also seen a huge surge in sales.
In a statement, the publisher reported the book initially proved popular with a "younger crowd" on TikTok, but they are now receiving orders from "all those who love a good puzzle". It is currently out of stock on bookshop.org and the publisher's website.
In a statement from the owner of City Books in Hove who has 100 copies on order. He says: "We are hoping that this will make a fantastic till point book. It is perfect for Christmas stockings and secret Santas.”
The original TikTok video had amassed over 5.5 million views, nearly 6,000 comments and 1.2 million likes, according to Unbound. Currently the hashtag #cainsjawbone has over 11 million views.
Cain’s Jawbone is a 100 page whodunnit in which six people die. To find out who killed them, the reader must re-order the book’s pages. There is only one correct solution. To date, only three people have ever found it.
Written in 1934 by The Observer’s crossword writer, Edward Powys Mathers. This unique and puzzling novel was published by Gollancz. The title, referring to the first recorded murder weapon, was written under his pen name Torquemada. The story was not only a murder mystery but one of the hardest and most beguiling word puzzles ever published and was only solved by two puzzlers whose names were later revealed in The Observer - but the solution to the problem remained a secret.
2. SYP Announces Call for Volunteer Committee Members
This week, The Society of Young Publishers, otherwise known as SYP, has announced a call for volunteer applications for 2022, across a variety of roles on its committees. These roles are aimed at those who currently work in publishing, as well as publishing hopefuls who are keen to work in the industry. There is no age limit and no requirement for experience or specific publishing qualifications.
The UK chair of the society, Tanu Shelar, recently released a statement to the Bookseller; he says "Volunteering at the SYP has been an incredible experience. I found a supportive community, developed relevant skills and a greater understanding of our industry. I encourage all hopefuls and those working in publishing to join the SYP committees of 2022."
Those who volunteer can expect to become part of a welcoming community whilst also learning new skills and networking with others in publishing to help make a difference to the publishing landscape.
Applications from diverse candidates and underrepresented communities are also encouraged. SYP registration closes on 5th January 2022 at 10 a.m.
Read More Here: Volunteer with the SYP - APPLY NOW - The Society of Young Publishers
3. RNA Sends Open Letter to Sunday Times
On the 8th December 2021, The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) sent an open letter to Andrew Holgate, literary editor of the Sunday Times, complaining that romantic fiction was excluded from the newspaper's Best Books of 2021 round-up.
In just over 24 hours the letter garnered 496 signatures from authors, publishers and publishing professionals. The letter states: “At the time the roundup was published, two of our author members were in the Sunday Times top ten bestsellers chart, with Phillipa Ashley at number 9 and Milly Johnson holding the number 2 spot. To have romantic fiction occupying a fifth of the top ten is a huge achievement. It was, therefore, astonishing that in an article claiming to include every genre, romance was nowhere to be seen.”
In a statement, The RNA declared it was time to "stand up and demand that well-earned and overdue respect" and said it would be offering to work with all media representatives in a bid to bring about "much-needed change".
The open letter further stated: “The RNA has many bestselling and world-renowned authors who not only appear regularly on your bestseller list, but several of whom also have film and TV deals…Many of our members are upset and angry at the dismissal of the genre they love and are proud to write and read — a genre that is in fact a multi-billion dollar industry.”
Support the RNA and sign the open letter clicking here
4. Charco signs Tenório's Jabuti-winning English debut
Charo Press is planning on publishing the 2021 Jabuti award winner, Jeferson Tenório's "forceful and timely" novel The Flipside of Skin.
The Jabuti is awarded for the best novel of the year and is judged by the Brazilian Book Chamber. Charco Press, an Edinburgh-based independent, secured world English rights from Laurence Laluyaux at RCW, with publication planned for 2023.
In a statement to The Bookseller, Charco's editorial director, Carolina Orloff, said: "The Flipside of Skin is a forceful and timely novel about identity, complex racial relations, violence and Blackness. Jeferson beautifully crafts an honest and sensitive narrative about family that has the complexities of racism at its centre. We are excited for UK readers to discover this incredible new talent."