June 2024

News from Blaze

In the fast-paced world of publishing, continuous growth and development are essential for success. Recognising this, The Book Dragon Ltd. has established Blaze, a dedicated training and development department, to empower its team members and foster a culture of learning. 
 

The Writers Hub: A Haven for Authors

At the heart of Blaze lies the Writers Hub, a newly opened space designed to provide a nurturing environment for authors to meet and work on their writing projects. This dedicated hub aims to foster collaboration, inspire creativity, and provide a supportive community for both seasoned writers and aspiring authors. With comfortable workspaces, access to resources, and an atmosphere that ignites imagination, the Writers Hub is set to become the go-to place for writers.
Webinars
 
To further enhance the development of our authors, Blaze has organised a series of webinars on various writing topics. These webinars, led by industry experts, renowned authors, and writing coaches, offer a unique opportunity for our team to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Covering a wide range of subjects, these webinars are designed to empower our authors to reach new heights in their writing journey.
 
Upcoming Webinars: Guest Speaker Michael La Ronn
 
Friday July 26th – 3 till 4pm London time   
Part-Time Writing with a Full Time Job: Be a Writing Machine
Friday September 6th 3 till 4pm London time  
Quick Wins for the Win: Author Marketing for the Now
 
An image of a dragon on fire in a book shop in Stockton-on-Tees

Book Your Place by Emailing: michelle@thebookdragon.co.uk

News from Alden

In the ever-evolving landscape of publishing, authors are seeking new avenues to bring their stories to life. Recognising the need to provide diverse opportunities for writers, The Book Dragon Ltd. proudly presents the Alden Publishing Department.
 
Open to Unsolicited Manuscripts
 
At Alden Publishing, we understand the importance of discovering fresh and unique voices in the literary world. We have made it a priority to accept unsolicited manuscripts, giving aspiring authors an opportunity to showcase their work. By embracing unsolicited submissions, we aim to foster inclusivity, diversity, and a platform for emerging talent. This approach enables us to uncover hidden gems and bring captivating stories to the forefront of the publishing industry. Alden Publishing offers hybrid publishing contracts, providing authors with a flexible alternative to traditional publishing models. With a hybrid contract, authors can retain creative control over their work while benefiting from the expertise and support of a professional publishing team. This innovative approach allows authors to strike a balance between self-publishing and traditional publishing, creating a unique publishing experience tailored to their individual needs.
 
Support for Self-Publishing
Empowering Authors’ Independence
 
For authors who wish to self-publish, Alden Publishing provides a comprehensive range of resources and services to cherry pick from. We understand that self-publishing can be a daunting task, which is why we offer support in various aspects of the publishing process. Our authors have access to a wide range of resources available for purchase, including professional illustration services, formatting assistance, captivating book cover designs, and top-notch editing and proofreading services. These resources are designed to empower authors and ensure that their self-published works meet the highest standards of quality.
 
 

Published Works

Self Publishing Services

News from Roarie

Next Book Club Meeting: Thursday 4th July 2024 5.30pm – 7.30pm @6 West Row, Stockton, TS18 1BT

Current Title: Leave the World Behind By Author Rumaan Alam

To Subscribe email: bronwyn@thebookdragon.co.uk

News from Smurgle

📚 ARC Reviews For Authors Now Available 📚
 
Are you an author looking for a trusted and professional book review for your upcoming release? Look no further! Smurgle Book Reviews is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) and providing comprehensive reviews for authors like yourself.
 
At Smurgle Book Reviews, we understand the importance of a compelling book cover and the impact it can have on potential readers. That’s why we are happy to offer authors the opportunity to feature our reviews on the cover of their books. Let our expertise and insightful reviews help captivate your audience from the first glance!
 
Why choose Smurgle ?
 
📖 Expert Reviewers: Our team of experienced reviewers consists of passionate readers and literary enthusiasts who have a keen eye for detail. They will thoughtfully analyse your book, considering its plot, characters, writing style, and overall impact.
 
📖 Honest and Constructive Feedback: We provide honest and constructive feedback that highlights the strengths and areas for improvement in your manuscript. Our aim is to help you enhance your work and deliver a polished final product.
 
📖 Timely Reviews:
We understand the importance of timely feedback for authors. Our dedicated reviewers work efficiently to ensure that you receive your review within the agreed-upon timeframe.
 
📖 Cover Review Option: By featuring our expert reviews on the cover of your book, you can showcase the credibility and quality of your work to potential readers.

Email the following details to kirsty@thebookdragon.co.uk

  • PDF Copy of your ARC
  • Author Name & Contact details
  • Title, Genre and number of pages
  • Deadline Requested for Return of Review
A green dragon in a book shop in Stockton-on-Tees

Smurgle  Book Reviews are FREE

As an author, it is important to maintain integrity and authenticity when it comes to book reviews. Paying for reviews can compromise these principles and undermine the trust between the author and readers. The Book Dragon firmly believes in the value of genuine and unbiased reviews. By paying for reviews, authors risk receiving inflated or biased feedback that may not accurately reflect the quality of their work. Furthermore, paying for reviews can create a perception of dishonesty and manipulate the opinions of potential readers. The Book Dragon believes that honest and organic reviews are essential for fostering a genuine connection between authors and readers, allowing for meaningful feedback and a more authentic reading experience.

⭐ 1-Star Rating: A 1-star rating indicates that the book did not meet expectations and has significant flaws. It may lack originality, have poor pacing, or fail to engage the reader. A 1-star rating suggests that the book is not recommended.
 
⭐⭐ 2-Star Rating: A 2-star rating suggests that the book had some positive aspects but also had significant shortcomings. It may have interesting characters or an intriguing premise, but it may struggle with execution or lack depth. A 2-star rating indicates that the book has room for improvement and may not be strongly recommended.
 
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star Rating: A 3-star rating represents an average or satisfactory rating. It suggests that the book is decent and enjoyable but may not stand out among other books in its genre. A 3-star rating indicates that the book is worth considering if it aligns with the reader’s preferences.
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star Rating: A 4-star rating signifies a highly recommended book. It suggests that the book is well-crafted, engaging, and enjoyable, with strong character development and a captivating plot. A 4-star rating indicates that the book is deserving of praise but may have minor flaws or areas for improvement.
 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Rating: A 5-star rating represents the highest level of recommendation. It suggests that the book is exceptional, outstanding, and a must-read. A 5-star rating indicates that the book excels in all aspects, including plot, character development, writing style, originality, and emotional impact. It is highly recommended and leaves a profound impression on the reader.
 
Please note that these star ratings are subjective and reflect individual opinions. Considering multiple reviews and perspectives can help in making an informed decision about which books to read.

News from Phoenix

Author Talks

Author talks provide a unique opportunity for writers to connect with their readers on a personal level and share insights into their creative process. The Book Dragon recognises the immense benefits of author talks and has actively fostered positive relationships with local schools. Through these sessions, The Book Dragon has successfully engaged with teachers and children, sparking their interest in literature and encouraging a love for reading. As a result, authors who have participated in these talks have experienced a boost in book sales. By interacting directly with their target audience, authors can build a strong rapport, generate excitement around their work, and create a lasting impact on readers. The Book Dragon firmly believes in the power of author talks to not only promote books but also inspire young minds and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading.

In addition, The Book Dragon understands the importance of adapting to the changing times and expanding the reach of these valuable sessions. Understanding that authors may be situated elsewhere in the UK or even abroad, The Book Dragon has also started arranging virtual talks at schools. This innovative approach allows authors to connect with students and teachers from anywhere in the world, eliminating the barriers of distance and travel. By leveraging technology, The Book Dragon can bring the magic of author talks to schools, even when physical presence may not be possible. These virtual sessions provide a convenient and flexible platform for authors to engage with students and share their stories, experiences, and insights. The Book Dragon believes that virtual author talks not only enhance the literary education of students but also open up new opportunities for authors to connect with diverse audiences and expand their reach globally.

 

News from Hydra

The Book Dragon’s first Hydracon event was a resounding success, drawing in a steady crowd of book enthusiasts and families. The event featured an array of exciting activities, including book stalls showcasing a  selection of literature, engaging dragon-themed activities for kids, captivating outside circus entertainment, and a special appearance from Roarie the dragon, who delighted attendees with his enchanting presence. Adding to the excitement, a raffle was held, offering participants a chance to win exciting prizes in support of our Community Book Bus Fundraiser. Not only did Hydracon provide a delightful experience for all, but it also proved to be a fruitful event for the attending authors. The sales from this day alone amounted to an impressive £1000, highlighting the event’s positive impact on both the authors and the community. Hydracon’s success serves as a testament to The Book Dragon’s dedication to promoting literature, fostering community engagement, and creating memorable experiences for book lovers of all ages.

 
A hydra in a book shop in Stockton-on-Tees

Our HydraCon 2025 Event promises to be even bigger so watch this space for more info…

The Book Dragon