tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315860112011-04-21T20:37:07.386+01:00A blog from Tonto Books, featuring musings from the publishing world and some occasional special guest appearances.Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.comBlogger3601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-88916632581190667362009-05-13T14:18:00.002+01:002009-05-13T14:21:26.795+01:00

Wooohoooooo! The new Tonto Books website is live!!Check out the new store where you can purchase all forthcoming titles ahead of the release date (although they won't be delivered until they are received from the printer).There's also a new BLOG up and running. Make sure to subscribe to it.

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-6798914791153037612009-05-08T16:03:00.002+01:002009-05-08T16:11:39.833+01:00

Breaking news... Today Tonto Books signed up the next novel from best-selling author, Sheila Quigley. To say I'm quite pleased would be a slight understatement! Sheila is a great writer and a great personality and I'm sure will be an excellent addition to Tonto's slate. The book is called 'Road to Hell' and will be out on 5 November 2009. We'll hopefully get a load of publicity around this

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-7701853916252779042009-05-06T12:17:00.002+01:002009-05-06T12:25:02.393+01:00

I interviewed Ed from Byker Books a while back now. Been pretending to be too busy to put part two up, so here it is...Stu: What makes a good submission?Ed: Anything that follows the above! (or below in order of blog posts) S: What tips would you give to writers approaching publishers?E:1. Stick to the submission guidelines.2. Spend as much time on your synopsis and query letter as you do on

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-44791382394557081282009-05-04T09:23:00.002+01:002009-05-04T09:40:05.223+01:00

Some breaking news for Bank Holiday: Although I can't officially reveal all just yet, Tonto is poised to make its biggest signing to date. I'm really looking forward to working with this author and it will give the rest of Tonto's fiction titles - and writers - a massive boost to have them on board. Details will hopefully be reported on the blog this week as the deal goes through. This is a

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86738738234035881472009-05-02T00:11:00.002+01:002009-05-02T00:21:43.248+01:00

As the title suggests, the current blog will be transferring to another dimension or whatever you call it next week.The web wizards at Instinctive Media are putting the final touches to the new website and tweaking it in all the right places.It looks splendid too.Will post the new address up in a couple of days.Keep the faith!

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-36283216755737897062009-04-30T23:57:00.002+01:002009-05-01T00:20:08.430+01:00

It's always good to have allies in this 'game'. Tonto is building up a great contact book and it's always nice to add to it. The days of being based at Tonto Towers in Byker isn't tucked too far away in my terrible ummm ... memory, but Byker makes for what I'd argue as a seamless link.Byker Books seemed to creep up on the unsuspecting north-east publishing world and ... well, give it a playground

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86556542292289791692009-04-25T17:09:00.003+01:002009-04-26T08:51:17.600+01:00

OK, OK...Twitter... Imagine Michael to Alan in the Travel Tavern in his Geordie accent: 'What's it aall aboot?'I MySpaced, I FaceBooked, I left Twitter for the likes of Jonathan Ross et al to let the world know what they were having for dinner and where they were having it.But, due to pressure from a writing friend of mine who shall remain anonymous, I decided to sign up. No idea what to do on

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-32650894796215358952009-04-24T11:58:00.002+01:002009-04-24T13:57:11.295+01:00

The follow-up emails and calls are starting...I'm really looking forward to the rest of this year, albeit so far a slightly stressful one. I'm sure readers of the blog (and Facebook, etc) will know about my rants about chasing invoices since January and other energy-sapping admin capers, so it is great to see things starting to level out at last.At LBF, I had a meeting with Richard Squibb, head

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-54539041319000938302009-04-23T08:02:00.003+01:002009-04-23T09:24:14.415+01:00

I got back from London yesterday and am very pleased with how everything went. I think finding my feet there last year really helped - although I was a bit shell-shocked walking around with an 'Eh?' expression most of the time - and I knew why I wanted to be there this time.The first thing I noticed was that it seemed to be a lot busier than last year. I met up with Paul (the writer previously

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-48419841432133621322009-04-17T16:36:00.002+01:002009-04-17T16:46:06.580+01:00

LBF is nearly here. Just been packing my suits and essentials such as cans of cider for the train journey down and Pot Noodles for meals.So, what's in store? Well, Monday is packed with meetings with book people - setting up with sales companies and distribution is one of the main reasons for going and that's what I aim to come away with. I'm also meeting up with people such as IPG, Bookseller,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-33393499613620674202009-04-15T17:46:00.002+01:002009-04-15T18:01:55.796+01:00

Thanks for the fantastic response to Part One. I'm planning to make interviews a more regular thing on here, so any suggestions etc are very welcome. Maybe you are part of this here writing industry and would like to put yourself forward, or as a writer you'd benefit from seeing an editor/publisher/agent under the Tonto spotlight.On with the show...Stu: Word on the street is that you have an

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-36197957690144624102009-04-14T21:46:00.002+01:002009-04-14T21:57:53.519+01:00

I interviewed Caroline Smailes yonks ago now. Well, a few weeks ago. Hey, I've been busy, ok! So, now that I'm fully in LBF mode, it seems a nice time to post it up. Caroline is one of those rare writers who has time for anyone and doesn't mind spending time doing interviews like this and passing on words of wisdom to newer writers. In short, she's one of the good guys of the writing world and

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86901954773695730532009-04-02T21:54:00.002+01:002009-04-02T22:02:27.352+01:00

Not long to go now! London Book Fair, or LBF to those in the know, is from 20-22 April at Earls Court.A huge industry event where all the moving and shaking in the industry goes on... which means all the bars in the immediate area are 'wall to wall' for three days. This year I chose not to take a publisher stand. At the moment I'm setting up meetings with overseas publishers to sell territorial

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-46409594669315964322009-03-27T16:20:00.002Z2009-03-27T16:25:08.793Z

LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON is at Borders Team Valley this weekend - Sunday 29 March, 1pm. It is being held upstairs in Starbucks... a relaxed atmosphere where you can have yourself a cuppa and a muffin and be entertained by readings from Roz Wyllie, Nik Jones, Stephen Shieber and Sarah Shaw.They will be reading from their recently-published debut works and will be answering any questions you have

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-65035698315935424192009-03-13T14:44:00.002Z2009-03-13T14:48:59.122Z

I'm currently looking for editors to take on freelance work on a book-by-book basis. With some interesting non-fiction and a couple of fiction projects in the pipeline, I'm looking to assign editors who'd best be suited to each title.Payment would be on an agreed fee prior to taking the work on. If you are interested in applying, please send me a CV and let me know of your experience and

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-90473035066108044662009-03-11T15:42:00.002Z2009-03-11T15:52:34.863Z

Couldn't resist nicking that line as the title to this blog.I've ranted about how not to approach publishers too many times. Or not near enough, I'd probably argue (that's one hell of a mood if I argue about ranting, isn't it?)There was an ace feature in the Bookseller recently, read all about it here. Basically, a few lit agents in the US of A had been posting Twitter feeds with the worst

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-33599902217058003652009-03-10T22:59:00.002Z2009-03-10T23:08:55.870Z

It's not easy being a dyslexic publisher. That's why I tried to get out of the 'writing game'. It always makes for some comedy moments though.As I've struggled to and from sick bay recently, I've answered and sent a few emails here and there... nothing too stressful and nothing that can't be helped along by a bit of chicken soup and Lucozade.Two words that always seem to get past me are '

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-75081641478928177892009-03-09T23:19:00.002Z2009-03-09T23:26:17.229Z

What is it? Where does it come from? Why is it worse for us than it is for women?I dunno. I'm just getting over a bout of it. My tale of woe started on Wednesday night at my true crime talk at Borders. By the time I got home I was about to phone for th'ambulance. It was touch 'n' go. Probably the worst case of 'flu' ever recorded.Anywho. A weekend of doing as little as possible always helps. This

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-50049809744846791512009-03-04T00:30:00.003Z2009-03-04T00:54:54.550Z

Another night, another launch. Nik Jones rocked Gateshead with a Borders Team Valley 9987 event on 3 March. Sheila Quigley hosted the event - a joint 'do' for Nik and Sandra Rowell.It was great to meet everyone there and was a splendid night for networking. Tomorrow, I'm back at Borders to talk true crime in the shape of notorious underworld bosses, the Krays. Also coming this week, I'll be

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-82516489438901770232009-03-02T22:54:00.002Z2009-03-02T22:59:33.560Z

9987 - the Nik Jones debut novel will be launched/relaunched tomorrow night. Borders Team Valley is the place to be all this week from 6.30pm... make sure you get along to one of the events, even if it's just to heckle us and drink all the wine. Nik is also featured in the current edition of the Journal Culture mag on p38/39.See you tomorrow!!

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-72266532028012445582009-03-01T13:41:00.003Z2009-03-01T14:01:49.146Z

VOTING HAS ENDED...9987 by Nik Jones is the winner! The novel received the most votes and will be made available FOR FREE in pdf format throughout March. All you need to do is email me at Tonto with your request.9987 will also be HALF PRICE THROUGHOUT MARCH! That's right - HALF PRICE!!All you need to do is email me with your order and I will send you a paypal invoice for the amount. Each copy of

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-72850058061646607842009-02-27T13:08:00.005Z2009-02-27T13:25:26.581Z

Doesn't time fly, eh?The time to cast your votes is nearly up. In case you didn't know, voting is for the four fiction works Tonto published in 2008/09. The winning title will then be available FOR FREE as a pdf throughout March, and will also be half price throughout March via the website. If you want the opening chapter/story to either of them, please contact me at the usual email address with

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-70694672783982220092009-02-23T17:59:00.002Z2009-02-23T18:26:34.405Z

Not too long ago I put out a call for non-fiction writers on an arts site that was picked up by others and I got some great responses to it.The basics: I want experienced non-fiction writers with a track record who I can assign work to or who have good ideas and manuscripts to bring to Tonto.As the company moves into 2009 and beyond, I'm looking to build up a list of writers that can write to

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-40066582192938990852009-02-18T16:45:00.003Z2009-02-18T17:02:32.985Z

Yep, it's all go at Tonto.The website is currently being redesigned and will be live and revamped in the next few weeks. I'll be adding some extra features for writers and am planning to get a forum up and running too. I was sent a couple of cover designs for the forthcoming Charlie Walduck biography cover last night. Elliot at Preamptive, who also designed inserts for Sin Cities and Paralympian

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-56418325447968511632009-02-16T14:53:00.002Z2009-02-16T15:09:22.296Z

Friday 20 Feb, 3pm - I'll be talking about book n stuff on the Alfie Joey show, BBC Radio Newcastle. Steve Drayton and Alfie have supported Tonto from the very beginning, so it is always nice to get asked back.Ashley Hames will be hosting an author event at Borders Charing Cross on the same day, 6.30pm. He'll be swearing like a docker, so stay away if easily offended. But still buy the

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-9731838524334191182009-02-15T15:38:00.003Z2009-02-15T15:48:03.061Z

Two accents I always attempt when saying 'murder':Tough-talking American detective - 'There's been a miodah!'Scots accent - 'Thur's been a murrdugh!'And I'm terrible at both. However, Murder March at Borders will be anything but terrible as you can see from the impressive lineup on this rather splendid poster. Click to see bigger voision.

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-19411393791600005922009-02-15T10:48:00.002Z2009-02-15T11:02:02.912Z

... got no time for worries.Much better to base a Sunday author event on a Small Faces song rather than an Alan Partridge quote, I think.LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOON will take place at Borders Team Valley on Sunday 29 March, 1pm.Present will be Tonto writers Stephen Shieber, Roz Wyllie, Sarah Shaw and Nik Jones. They will be reading from their recently-published works, talking about them, answering your

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-38458211075849773392009-02-14T12:15:00.002Z2009-02-14T12:23:38.557Z

Sarah Shaw's Borders Silverlink book signing had to be cancelled at short notice today. Apologies were sent early this morning as Sarah couldn't attend. No need to panic though - it will be rescheduled at a later date.Other news just in: I'll be at BBC Radio Newcastle on Friday 20 Feb to record an interview for Alfie Joey's show. Hmmm... I'll have to ask him about his previous job as a Jack the

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-49478154839718196872009-02-13T10:20:00.002Z2009-02-13T10:34:49.636Z

Round up of events so far for March for your diary:Friday 20 March, 7pm, Borders Edinburgh: Sarah Shaw author event.Saturday 21 March, 12pm, Borders Edinburgh: Sarah Shaw author signing.Tuesday 3 March, 6.30pm, Team Valley Borders: Nik Jones 9987 launch and author event as part of Murder March.And the following night, I will be part of a panel of true crime writers at Borders. There will be a

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-59050286455903879222009-02-12T15:09:00.002Z2009-02-12T15:29:28.594Z

Many of the emails I get ask for advice on how to get published. There are also the ones who ask about self-publishing. So - you've published your own book and then you need to get it stocked. There are so many avenues into bookstores and it is that bit harder if you are a self-published writer, but being a publishing company is no bed of roses either. One of the best ways into a store (yes,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-83525822879014119422009-02-11T13:32:00.003Z2009-02-11T14:07:32.048Z

I just had a look at Caroline's BubbleCow blog and saw that on the same day we both wrote an 'Oh, what's occurring?' post. What a co-inky-dink, eh? Reminds me of listening to the Scott Mills show after a long day, stuck in traffic, driving home from the coldness of Tonto Towers. Ah, such memories.Anywho... it also reminded me that I haven't had a 'how not to' rant in probably a couple of days.

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-27765416152291804822009-02-10T13:01:00.002Z2009-02-10T13:12:45.248Z

From the recent newsletter:And before you ask... submission windows for fiction are still underreview. Tonto simply can't publish fiction all the time, but isplanning to so something fictiony this year. It will be made clearwhen that will be with plenty of notice.It seemsed easy enough. Indie publisher, interested in supporting new fiction, can't always do it because new fiction is almost

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-25415815904796952412009-02-07T11:16:00.002Z2009-02-07T11:23:25.441Z

Sarah Shaw will be at Borders Team Valley today from 12pm to sign copies of MAKE IT BACK.Nik Jones will be there tomorrow to sign copies of 9987.Both novels are Tontotally brilliant and are selling splendidly. Remember, you can buy these and Everything You Ever Wanted by Roz Wyllie (all temp out of stock on amazon) on the Tonto website - as well as every other book Tonto has published.And while

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-11560057223725837132009-02-04T19:44:00.002Z2009-02-04T19:48:06.548Z

In a similar posting to yesterday - Everything You Ever Wanted has been selling extremely well on Amazon recently and is temporarily out of stock. A new order will be going out this week and normal service will resume by next week.Don't forget you can order direct from the Tonto website if you can't wait that long. Or vote for it over there on the right for your free PDF version and chance to buy

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-53097206315772467772009-02-03T17:55:00.002Z2009-02-03T18:00:03.752Z

For all those who have emailed about Make It Back and 9987 not being in stock on Amazon.This is just a temporary out-of-stockness... and down to huge demand for both novels. It looks like everyone was taken by surprise and initial stock orders were not sufficient to fulfil those placed by Amazon buyers.Fear not - they will be back in stock this week. Thanks for your patience and thanks even more

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-5321642823384265682009-02-03T13:03:00.002Z2009-02-03T13:14:51.783Z

Sorting boxes of paperworkSorting piles of paperworkReading through piles of paperworkChasing unpaid invoicesResending unpaid invoicesChasing bookbuyers (not literally, but I'm sure the day will soon come)Reorganising furniturePutting shelves upArranging phone connections...Oh what fun it is to set up a new office and have to be phoning and emailing people about issues you phoned and emailed

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-19684595427526568842009-01-31T12:19:00.005Z2009-01-31T12:40:25.931Z

What a week for Tonto Books!With one of Tonto's best weeks for media attention to date, here's a round-up of what's been going on:Sunday/Monday/Tuesday: Raymond Scott featured on Look North and in local and national press the following day.The Telegraph feature.Sunday Sun feature.(also hoping for s Sunday Sun feature on Raymond tomorrow)Thursday was launch night for Nik and Sarah's novels. We

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-38702901472507218562009-01-30T16:15:00.002Z2009-01-30T16:28:14.293Z

Last night was the launch of 9987 and Make It Back at the Opera Bar, Newcastle.The turnout was fantastic, the atmosphere was amazing. Of course, my photos from the night are so dark and don't do the event justice, so if anyone has any to pass on, please do so.Caroline Smailes passed on a message to be read out for Nik on the night as she was unable to attend, the readings went down a storm and

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-62513144167655793472009-01-28T23:59:00.002Z2009-01-29T00:03:24.023Z

More material on the Raymond Scott case. This was on Look North tonight. Not sure how to edit down, but the news item is just under 12 mins into the programme.More updates as they come in...

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-89185701559039495412009-01-28T13:11:00.004Z2009-01-28T13:23:04.806Z

Raymond Scott made an appearance at Durham police station today with regards to the on-going saga of the Shakespeare Folio. Armed with a vintage bottle of Champers, Cuban cigar, trademark Tiffany sunglasses and erm... a Pot Noodle, Raymond was mobbed by press, photographers and TV crews as he stepped out of his low-key 16-seater Hummer.Media interest in Raymond has been worldwide. He signed

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-92087185544350678732009-01-27T08:48:00.002Z2009-01-27T09:14:38.888Z

After yesterday's long posting, I thought I'd send some links while I catch up on work.Being Normal: The MovieFacebook, eh? That'll never catch on. As you may know, I'm a Paul Weller fan. And for all Weller fans in Newcastle, part of his group will be playing at The End Bar on Wed 18 March. Trio Valore are Whitey, Damon and Seamus. Small venue, brilliant band.Keep up to date with what's going on

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86415136878878169752009-01-26T20:05:00.002Z2009-01-26T22:01:38.207Z

As you know from Newsletters and updates, Tonto Books initiated new fiction err... initiative in 2008 which will culminate more or less on Thursday this week when the two New Novelists competition winners are launched. It doesn't just stop there. Tonto was supported by Arts Council England through Lottery Funding, and love or hate ACE, their support enabled us to do a lot for writing in the north

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-71448321694332484432009-01-25T15:02:00.003Z2009-01-25T15:11:57.961Z

News in today's Sunday Sun newspaper of Tonto's latest signing, Raymond Scott. Raymond's story is a fascinating one and one that has had so much media attention in recent months. 'Shakespeare And Love' has just been signed and full details will be posted up very soon.Also in the news is/or may be Stephen Shieber. A local newspaper photographer was at Stephen's Gosforth library event yesterday, so

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-51090989696659778332009-01-24T10:16:00.002Z2009-01-24T10:48:58.419Z

Stephen will be reading from Being Normal today at Gosforth Library, Newcastle. The event will run for around two hours and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and to listen to Stephen talking about the process of putting his first collection together for publication.And of course you can buy a copy of the book and have it signed by Stephen. It's worth a trip to Gosforth just for that!

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-5430161151009083222009-01-22T22:26:00.002Z2009-01-22T22:29:59.086Z

To celebrate the end of Tonto's 'New Discoveries in Fiction' initiative, readers are able to vote which title they'd like to see given away for free on 2 March 2009. PDF excerpts of each book can be obtained by emailing contact@tontobooks.com with the title of the book in the subject line.Voting is via the blog... just over there on your right. No, right a bit more... there!Whichever title

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-67151141515448711972009-01-22T08:15:00.004Z2009-01-23T00:44:47.310Z

New Year, new signings...It gives me great pleasure to announce that Charlie Walduck has signed up with Tonto to release his biography later in the year. Charlie's story has been an inspiration to the millions of viewers who have followed his journey on ITV1's 'This Morning' show. Charlie weighed close over 44 stones when he first appeared on the show and with the help from Dr Chris Steele, the

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-63033968865954338022009-01-21T08:07:00.002Z2009-01-21T08:21:26.627Z

So, although Ashley Hames and I visited Cambridge at the end of last year and had a monumental night out that lasted until 5am and woke up with total 'beer guilt', it seems we didn't upset as many people as we imagined.Ashley will return to Cambridge Union Society next month to take part in a Sex Debate titled 'THIS HOUSE IS OVERWORKED AND UNDERSEXED' (yes, really)Joining Ashley in the line up

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-51910211878466984362009-01-19T09:12:00.006Z2009-01-21T08:21:57.971Z

9987 by Nik Jones and Make It Back by Sarah Shaw are officially released today.For those that have been following these titles throughout their journey to publication, it now means that you can come along to the launch party on Thursday 29 January, Opera Bar, The Gate, Newcastle, to congratulate both writers on their achievement.Since winning Tonto's New Novelists competition last year, Nik and

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-10627421868958245562009-01-03T14:16:00.002Z2009-01-03T14:34:38.607Z

Ahhh, 2009!I hope everyone has had a great holiday and peaceful New Year. As you'll have read on Paul's last blog, there's been a few changes going on at Tonto Towers in recent weeks. Never fear... it is business as usual. Tonto continues and will still be publishing, will still be looking for authors, will still be promoting existing authors. Paul and I will no doubt still be working together

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-76467856228877980592008-12-18T13:26:00.002Z2008-12-18T13:42:05.610Z

Some news here at Tonto: Three years after co-founding the company with Stu, I will be leaving at the end of the month to concentrate on writing and other projects. Tonto will of course continue under Stu's leadership. I'd like to thank all the writers and freelancers we've worked with during my time at Tonto, it was great to work with so many good and talented people. I'll be staying around at

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-29119636426439465602008-12-15T10:04:00.003Z2008-12-15T10:13:21.104Z

Not done your Christmas shopping yet? Worry not. Place an order at the Tonto online shop by 2pm this Thursday 18th December and we'll make sure it's dispatched in time to catch Royal Mail's last Christmas posting date. Our Christmas Stocking Filler promotion, with ALL of our 2008 titles at just £4.99 with free UK p&p, will run right up to that date.If you'd prefer to order some Tonto Books via

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-1576246028830077302008-12-03T12:25:00.004Z2008-12-03T13:06:35.455Z

Could Christmas 2008 be the worst in living memory for the book industry? Quite possibly. The industry has been slipping and sliding around like an iceskater with an ear infection for years, but the recession and the subsequent collapse of the Woolworths Group has the whole thing teetering on the brink of disaster. Like most entertainment peddlers, the book industry does a huge proportion of its

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-16932775515841020002008-12-01T12:51:00.007Z2008-12-01T12:58:28.431Z

Your gift-giving dilemmas have just been solved! For a few days only we're offering all of our latest 2008 releases for just £4.99 each with free UK p&p! This includes The Non-Beardy Beer Book, The NUFC.com Toon Diary 2009, Everything You Ever Wanted, Being Normal, Sin Cities and Paralympian. This offer must end soon, as the sofa adverts say, so hurry along to our online shop.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86343932663922128312008-11-28T11:52:00.003Z2008-11-28T12:08:10.640Z

Six Tonto authors will be out and about this weekend. Don't signed books make great Christmas presents? Here's a quick rundown of where to find them:TODAY, Friday 28 November: Ashley Hames Sin Cities author event, Waterstones, Leeds, 6.30pm.TOMORROW, Saturday 29 November:Stephen Miller Paralympian book signing, Borders, Team Valley, 11.30am to 1.30pm.Roger Stutter Jonny Kennedy book signing,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-25724253007969701572008-11-27T08:49:00.004Z2008-11-27T12:52:02.843Z

With the Christmas shopping season inevitably upon us, here are a couple of ways to save on books:First up, we've cut prices at our online shop. Among the bargains you can grab are The Burglar's Dog, Sin Cities, Paralympian and Everything You Ever Wanted at just £6.99 each, and Being Normal, Jonny Kennedy and The Rocketbelt Caper at just £5.99 each, all with FREE UK p&p. Hurry along

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-42010090544282470412008-11-26T12:56:00.004Z2008-11-26T13:03:47.400Z

Our two newest forthcoming books, 9987 by Nik Jones and Make It Back by Sarah Shaw are officially released on 19 January, but, to satisfy eager Christmas shoppers, we have them in stock and available to purchase now. Both are gorgeous paperbacks, among the best looking books we've produced so far. They're just £7.99 each, with free UK p&p, so snap them up at our online shop.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-13885361544802631332008-11-24T10:26:00.002Z2008-11-24T10:29:44.779Z

Are you a writer looking for work space in Newcastle upon Tyne? Then you should probably take a look at WritePlace, an exciting new shared office community offering accessible and affordable individual work space to all kinds of writers on a low-cost, easy-in, easy-out basis. Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-59124526061936310682008-11-18T12:35:00.005Z2008-11-18T12:43:44.078Z

By all accounts Amazon.co.uk have been selling so many Tonto books recently that they've had to open a brand new warehouse in Swansea... As most of us will be giving or receiving something or other purchased from Amazon this Christmas, it's worth taking a look at these fascinating photos from The Guardian. See if you can spot your Playstation 3 or box set of The Wire...Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-29984255162630700302008-11-17T13:32:00.005Z2008-11-17T13:43:12.532Z

We have literally lots of events coming up between now and Christmas, all of which represent an excellent way to grab a personally-signed stocking filler from our fantastic authors. Here goes:21 November: Everything You Ever Wanted Rosalind Wyllie book signing, Borders, London Colney, from 12.30pm21 November: Sin Cities Ashley Hames author event, Cambridge University Union Society, Cambridge,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-75798502941189834222008-11-14T13:03:00.003Z2008-11-14T13:08:12.050Z

Friend of Tonto, editor, mentor and all-round good egg Caroline Smailes, via her new venture Bubblecow, is offering a free in-depth edit and report worth £500 to one lucky writer in the run-up to Christmas. Hurry along and read all about it here.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-22660479774937864052008-11-12T14:45:00.003Z2008-11-12T14:53:41.568Z

This is the Tonto office, some say studio, rendered in genuine 3D. That's my chair in the middle. Not shown: computer equipment, desktop clutter and boxes and boxes of books. Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-75653944395346460402008-11-05T08:57:00.003Z2008-11-05T09:47:27.910Z

North East Times were kind enough to give the Non-Beardy Beer Book a four star review (ack - no opportunity for any 80s band Five Star puns) in their October edition. We usually have to bribe journalists and reviewers for this title with trips to the pub or send them a crate of light ale, so it was nice to get a good review sans corruption.The reviewer mentioned that the book is perfect as a

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-40559492322120346452008-11-03T16:23:00.002Z2008-11-03T16:39:41.796Z

Tonto Books is now officially three years old!And of course, we haven't really had time to celebrate. It has been mad hectic at t'Towers recently as we've been concentrating on selling, making sure we're stocked, chasing buyers (literally) and hassling everyone possible to take our books.Our ongoing ASDA contract means that our Toon Diary is now stocked in the Tyneside stores, and has brought

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-605791850974183272008-10-31T14:57:00.003Z2008-10-31T15:08:04.081Z

... and beer, cider and bluffer's guides to wine, spirits and cocktails.No, it's not the legendary Tonto Towers Christmas party starting early, it's the publicity for one of our new titles.The Non-Beardy Beer book is featured in the new edition of The Crack magazine. Like us, they reckon it is a perfect stocking-filler for Christmas... as do the many branches of HMV who have been ordering it in

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-61509950412424889712008-10-29T14:36:00.008Z2008-10-29T15:58:11.330Z

I've moaned here before about the distance our books sometimes have to travel to reach bookshop shelves but I've never been bored enough to calculate that distance, so bear with me here. Let's say we want to supply one of our books to the Waterstone's branch in Newcastle upon Tyne - approximately 1.5 miles from our office:That book is printed by Cox & Wyman in Reading, and delivered to us in

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-16530579460467435082008-10-21T15:30:00.007+01:002008-10-21T15:36:42.462+01:00

Our forthcoming books 9987 by Nik Jones and Make It Back by Sarah Shaw now have their own dedicated pages on our website, and you can now pre-order both from our shop. Both novels are released on 19 January 2009. Click on the covers to read more about them.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-17854018134471877012008-10-17T11:50:00.002+01:002008-10-17T12:07:19.490+01:00

Everything You Ever Wanted author Rosalind Wyllie will be at the Morley Literature Festival at 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 18 October) to talk about her novel. It's a free event, in Morley Library's Baker Room, so if you're in the area (Morley is not far from Leeds) why not go along to meet Roz and get a signed book? Everyone who attends will also receive a FREE short story anthology!Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-42700330765244508822008-10-13T08:49:00.002+01:002008-10-13T09:08:51.075+01:00

Have you read a Tonto book recently? Aching to tell the world how good it is? Then why not write an Amazon review? The links below will take you directly to the 'create your review' page for our latest titles. We'll look forward to hearing what you think of them.The Non-Beardy Beer BookNUFC.com Toon DiarySin CitiesParalympianEverything You Ever WantedBeing NormalThe Burglar's Dog...and our

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-49859807535783871662008-10-09T14:49:00.004+01:002008-10-09T15:03:16.538+01:00

Several Tonto Books are on Google Book Search, which, as well as allowing readers to view searchable extracts, offers some interesting tidbits of info. For example, you can see a map showing all of the places visited by Ashley Hames in Sin Cities. (The broadminded among you might be interested to check out the keywords Google has pulled out for the book.) You can also see a map of Stephen

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-27259700154019527602008-10-06T10:51:00.005+01:002008-10-06T11:12:47.066+01:00

Our latest release, the NUFC.com Toon Diary 2009, is published today and available from all good bookshops. A must-have for Newcastle United fans, this useful and fascinating diary is packed with facts and information compiled by NUFC.com's Mike 'Biffa' Bolam. Oh, and it's 100 percent unofficial - meaning Mike Ashley gets nowt!It's available from all good bookshops (and Asda), including Amazon,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-46498724582142673882008-10-03T13:22:00.003+01:002008-10-03T13:33:20.204+01:00

Everything You Ever Wanted author Rosalind Wyllie will be at Borders in Brent Cross, London tomorrow (Saturday 4 October) from 1pm to sign copies of her book. It's her first London signing, so if you're in the area do pop along and say hello.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-12771211170668352142008-10-02T11:05:00.004+01:002008-10-02T11:12:04.812+01:00

Here's a bit on The Non-Beardy Beer Book from the Metro newspaper: 'With contributions from a panel of independent reviewers, who tackle everything from the battle of the Budweisers to a humorous link between Foster's and masturbation, The Non-Beardy Beer Book should perhaps be avoided by fusty real-ale buffs,' says Andrew Fenwick. 'An invaluable companion to one of Britain's most popular

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-45494989070748332672008-10-01T10:23:00.003+01:002008-10-01T10:41:57.181+01:00

Our new fiction titles are getting more reviews than we could have imagined. Everything You Ever Wanted has just received two favourable reviews - from two very different publications. The Bookbag contacted us yesterday to tell us that they'd given Roz FOUR STARS! Not bad at all, eh? You can read the full review here and make sure to keep checking their website as it is an interesting read.The

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-79908725309674947462008-09-29T09:01:00.003+01:002008-09-29T09:07:07.114+01:00

A good review of Stephen Shieber's Being Normal can be found here, courtesy of DJ Kirkby. "This book should come with a warning label on the front cover, 'ADDICTIVE STORIES BARELY CONTAINED INSIDE'," says DJ.All good bookshops, folks...Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-28906630225465675552008-09-24T09:57:00.005+01:002008-09-24T10:30:16.655+01:00

Stephen Shieber's Being Normal was this week's sunday read over at Caroline Smailes's blog, so go there to see an interview with him. For the next couple of weeks, when you buy the paperback edition of Being Normal direct from us you will also get the ebook edition free.Also, Stephen will be taking part in New Writing North's Read Regional event at Newcastle Central Station this Friday 26th

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-44463489093506026312008-09-23T09:40:00.004+01:002008-09-23T10:17:40.068+01:00

Yesterday, The Guardian ran a piece by William Leith (Blurb your enthusiasm) about the practice of authors giving gushing quotes for book covers. 'You send the manuscript of your book to another writer, hoping they'll like it, hoping they will give you a favourable comment to put on the cover,' writes Leith. 'So you're asking somebody who is probably busy, and possibly even a rival, to do some

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-18644493155049860692008-09-22T15:47:00.002+01:002008-09-22T15:56:25.203+01:00

The Non-Beardy Beer Book, our alternative guide to the UK's favourite beers and ciders, is published today. A spin-off book from the bestselling pub guide The Burglar's Dog, rather than reviewing the real ales favoured by traditional guides, this book reviews Booze Britain's one hundred bestselling brands, such as Stella Artois, Carling and Foster's.Says Burglar's Dog mainman Mark Jones: 'It's a

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-18440509234619170112008-09-16T08:47:00.005+01:002008-11-17T14:34:25.104Z

As you'd expect, Paralympian author Stephen Miller is all over the national media today following his fantastic silver medal win at the Beijing Paralympics. The Sun (Miller puts Toon woes behind him) reports that, "At least there is one member of the Toon Army who can be proud of his club today. Stephen Miller put the troubles at his beloved Newcastle behind him to snatch silver at the

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-5227548133904450072008-09-15T15:55:00.002+01:002008-09-15T16:41:05.122+01:00

Congratulations to Tonto author Stephen Miller, who has won the silver medal in the club event at the Beijing Paralympic Games today. He set a new personal best with a throw of 34.37m, but was beaten into second place when Tunisia's Mourad Idoudi set a new world record of 35.77m. Stephen is sure to be disappointed not to have finished first, but he has a silver medal to add to his THREE gold

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-40611659246039987342008-09-12T10:50:00.003+01:002008-09-12T12:06:56.910+01:00

It's been a busy and stressful few months here at Tonto Towers, so I thought I'd lighten the mood a bit. The 'how not to' blogs always spark debate following a funny or aggressive phone call, would-be author visit or dodgy query letter.I hate to sound like a broken record, but here goes...As I got to work this morning, there were two phone messages from writers: one was asking us to phone them

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-88112768379984688472008-09-11T15:23:00.002+01:002008-09-11T15:29:54.435+01:00

Tonto author Stephen Miller warmed up for his attempt to win a fourth-straight Paralympic gold medal by competing in the F32/51 discus event this morning. Despite the discus not being his favoured event, Stephen still managed to throw a season best distance of 15.44 metres, although finished outside of the medals. Stephen will compete his favoured club event this Monday, 15 September at 10am UK

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-33226594419013152882008-09-08T09:16:00.005+01:002008-11-17T14:34:54.699Z

Some good media coverage at the weekend, and coming up over the next couple of days. First up, Everything You Ever Wanted author and "intriguing character" Rosalind Wyllie had a 3-page (count em) interview in The Journal.Then Rosalind, Being Normal author Stephen Shieber, and Team Tonto were all included in a feature about ebooks in the Sunday Sun. You can get Stephen's ebook free.Tonight, Sin

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-52805316001253222162008-09-05T11:25:00.004+01:002008-09-08T09:16:03.554+01:00

A reminder that the Paralympics 2008 starts this Saturday, September 6!Our man in Beijing, Stephen Miller is psyched and ready to give it his all. You can show your support by clicking to our Stephen Miller page and leave him a message. We had a message from him yesterday to let us know that all is well and he's flying into Beijing today. His first event, the discus, has had a slight change and

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-66937879749808484702008-09-04T09:06:00.007+01:002008-09-04T11:22:11.895+01:00

Following yesterday's announcement that we will be offering Stephen Shieber's Being Normal in the brand new Sony Reader format free to anyone who buys the paperback edition from our website, The Bookseller has picked up on the story (Publishers rally for Sony launch). Hark at us jostling with Penguin and Random House...Stephen Shieber will be hitting the road on Saturday (6 September) for a

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-12703385213266183932008-09-03T14:04:00.004+01:002008-09-03T14:13:29.867+01:00

Can a new-fangled ebook really compare with a lovely paperback? That's what we're hoping to find out by offering Being Normal, Stephen Shieber's acclaimed collection of short stories, in the brand new Sony Reader format, absolutely FREE. Full details are here.We're no technological slouches here at Tonto Books - we launched our first ebook (some say electronic book) in 2006 - a short story

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-35397600033020817122008-09-01T08:15:00.003+01:002008-09-01T08:49:23.342+01:00

Tonto author Ashley Hames is featured in the October edition of Loaded magazine! Not only is he on the Contributors page alongside a chimp called Cheetea, he's on p42 with his full page Great Moment in Life as well as the Loaded 'World Bacon Butty Eating Championships'.Ashley was at Borders Charing Cross on Friday 29 Aug for another one of his author events for Sin Cities. With several events,

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-80969538114657214682008-08-22T09:28:00.002+01:002008-08-22T09:37:07.885+01:00

A busy weekend for Tonto events coming up:Today, Friday 22 August: Sin Cities Ashley Hames author event, Clapham Books, Clapham 7.30pm.Tomorrow, Saturday 23 August: Being Normal Stephen Shieber book signing, Borders, Silverlink, Newcastle, from 12noon.Tomorrow, Saturday 23 August: Everything You Ever Wanted Rosalind Wyllie book signing, Borders, Team Valley, Gateshead, from 1pm.These are Stephen

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-34405205344531962422008-08-21T16:35:00.007+01:002008-08-21T16:46:35.889+01:00

Obviously, here at Tonto Books we're backing Stephen Miller for gold at the Beijing Paralympics. The Paralympian author jets off on Sunday to begin his quest for a fourth consecutive Paralympic gold medal. We've set up a special website to follow Stephen's progress and to allow visitors to post messages of support. Stephen will be following the website from Beijing. You can read a message from

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-79273448988983445962008-08-20T09:21:00.009+01:002008-08-20T12:36:10.556+01:00

What is is with Tonto book launches and torrential rain? Two years ago another August downpour threatened to wash out the Wor Al launch, but last night's storm, with lightning flashing across the black sky and striking the construction cranes that tower over Newcastle City Centre, was something else. Thankfully the weather didn't stop well over 100 hardy souls from turning up at Northern Stage to

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-70650946731612806542008-08-19T10:31:00.003+01:002008-08-19T10:40:30.319+01:00

The double-header launch event for Rosalind Wyllie's Everything You Ever Wanted and Stephen Shieber's Being Normal is today, Tuesday 19 August, at Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne, from 5pm to 7pm. The event, organised by New Writing North, will feature readings from the books, a chance to get signed copies, and music from Beccy Owen. There will also be some special only-available-on-the-day

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-61307313100996141872008-08-18T10:58:00.007+01:002008-08-18T15:40:28.976+01:00

Another good weekend for Stephen Miller and his autobiography Paralympian. A signing session saw the book hit the number one spot in the instore chart at Borders in Gateshead, and meanwhile, across at Borders Silverlink - one of the biggest stores in the country - Paralympian sold more copies on Saturday than any other title. Stephen Miller with Gateshead manager Ron WilcoxAll this despite some

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-43719012925911909522008-08-15T09:19:00.004+01:002008-08-15T09:31:04.514+01:00

A quick reminder that tomorrow, Saturday 16 August, Stephen Miller will be signing copies of Paralympian: My Autobiography at Borders Team Valley, Gateshead from 12 noon, and Borders Silverlink, Newcastle from 3pm. These will be your last chance to meet Stephen and wish him luck before he jets off to Beijing. Stephen at The Back Page book shop last SaturdayChances are, by the time he gets back

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-9871293826829294742008-08-14T08:58:00.005+01:002008-08-14T09:13:33.527+01:00

Borders are offering £5 off when you spend £25 or more in-store - print out your voucher here. The voucher is valid between 12 and 18 August 2008Into a seamless plug - why not take your voucher with you when you go to meet Stephen Miller, who, coincidentally, will be at Borders stores in Team Valley, Gateshead (from 12 noon) and Silverlink, Newcastle (from 3pm) this Saturday 16 August, signing

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-1979271419082520442008-08-13T13:56:00.004+01:002008-08-13T14:19:44.216+01:00

Courtesy of Andrea at Brighton's Juice 107.2, here's a chance to hear her interview Ashley Hames prior to his Sin Cities book event at Brighton Borders last Friday. You can listen to it here (mp3 file, right click to save as).According to Andrea's blog, 'The small edited excerpt he read made my face go redder than one of Ainsley Harriott's 'red tomatoes'.'Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-28840847252761383592008-08-12T12:37:00.004+01:002008-08-12T12:40:49.654+01:00

Following on from yesterday, here is the first outing for the cover of 9987 by Nik Jones. Nik's novel will be released alongside Sarah's in the new year.Stu

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-86762274660057790412008-08-11T13:50:00.004+01:002008-08-11T13:55:38.656+01:00

Here's a first look at the cover of our forthcoming novel Make It Back by Sarah Shaw, which will be released on 19 January 2009. Click to view a bigger version.Paul

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-77369204540788655412008-08-08T08:57:00.003+01:002008-08-08T09:43:34.753+01:00

It's been a very busy time promotion-wise at Tonto Towers. All the PR is going out, the calls being made... interviews, features, signings and events being lined up all the time and a lot of media interest in the four authors we are currently working with.Today Ashley Hames will be on Juice 107.2 in Brighton. This is a live interview where (hopefully) Ash will get a chance to shamelessly plug his

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-51234458258137559042008-08-07T13:56:00.007+01:002008-11-17T14:36:03.534Z

Some fantastic coverage of Stephen Miller and his book Paralympian in today's edition of The Sun. The full-length piece, "Miller is the undisputed king of clubs", runs through his achievements, mentions the book and its great launch event at St James' Park, and has a quote from Kevin Keegan. Stephen is the only Paralympic athlete featured in the paper's 20-page guide to Beijing 2008. You can read

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-69199668571876945972008-08-06T12:24:00.005+01:002008-08-06T13:11:50.557+01:00

We've got literally 14 upcoming events on our calendar at the moment (with more to be confirmed) including new events in Manchester and London, the Morley Literature Festival, plus Ashley Hames at the Cambridge Union (an event that he is no doubt referring to as a mass debate...).The full list is:8 August: Sin Cities Ashley Hames author event, Borders, Brighton, 6.30pm; 9 August: Paralympian

Tonto Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06378833401736890037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31586011.post-17657303051821554622008-08-04T12:52:00.004+01:002008-11-13T09:43:46.612Z

Stephen Miller's book Paralympian: My Autobiography is today the #1 athletics book on Amazon, outselling the likes of Paula Radcliffe, Colin Jackson and Kelly Holmes.Stephen will be signing copies of the book this Saturday 9th August between 11.30am and 12.30pm at The Back Page book shop, St Andrews Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, ahead of Newcastle United's game with Valencia. For fans who are not

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