News
Alan Sutton returns again
17.07.08 Catherine Neilan
Alan Sutton is planning a return to the world of local interest and specialist history publishing with the launch of a new company this August. Amberley Publishing, which will be based in Sutton's native Gloucestershire, is currently recruiting, and has plans to grow the team to 30 by this time next year. Sutton, who is heading up the venture, told The Bookseller: "We are launching at the moment, and more information will follow."
Forthcoming titles from Amberley include The Complete Diary of a Cotswold Parson, Volumes One and Two, by Francis E Witts, and The Complete Diary of a Cotswold Lady by Agnes Witts. The rest of its product development is currently under wraps. "Our plans are going to be announced shortly, and we are confident our new products will bring an entirely new dimension to local and specialist history publishing," Amberley's website said.
The website also requested authors and potential staff to "make contact, and then come and see us to talk face to face". It added: "Notwithstanding the economic gloom, we have faith in our people and in our new and exciting products, and we know we shall thrive. We hope to encourage the right people to join us to share in the fun one gets from building something new and successful."
Last December, Sutton left NPI Media Group, which he set up in order to buy back Sutton Publishing along with a number of other imprints, after it was bought out by The History Press. He then acquired the assets of the printing side of his former business, Oaklands Book Services, through new company Asterim in February.
Sutton played down any current association with THP, which has been criticised by authors for failure to pay royalties. The Society of Authors said it had received "conflicting reports" from authors owed royalties, with secretary general Mark Le Fanu saying that while some authors have received full or partial payment, others had still not seen any remuneration. No one from THP was available for comment.
Le Fanu characterised the situation as having "stabilised markedly, but not satisfyingly", and stressed the number of staff departures had made it increasingly difficult for those dealing with THP. The most recent departure from the company came from Martin Palmer, sales director, who resigned a fortnight ago, THP confirmed.
Comments on this article
By Retired Publisher
Well b***er me backwards and take me to Bolton. The man dosen't know when to take it easy.17 Jul 08 11:12
By Clive Keeble
Ah, yet more glorious re-issues of previous Alan Sutton, Sutton Publishing,Tempus Publishing title (Diary of a Cotswold Parson) : is there a market in the bookshops for such books at their notional rrp....who cares.....the imprint might be re-packaged, however 'plus ca change plus c'est la meme chose'.17 Jul 08 11:28
By to market! to market!
Clive There is always a market for good, quality publications.edited, 17th July
17 Jul 08 12:48
By salesD
There was a comment relating to THP ex Sales Director. The comment got removed! Did THP confirm the fact that he was made to clear his desk on a Sunday and plod off?No they didn't which is why I am removing comments that suggest it. - PJ
17 Jul 08 12:58
By Bravo!
At least Alan Sutton can hold his head up and move on. Is he the publishing director who wanted to be a CEO and whose face we cannot really see anywhere? No! Yet, soon it will be time to judge people by their results. So what are the results, Mr Morris?Comment edited, 23rd July.
17 Jul 08 13:14
By Sutton supporter
This is excellent news. Local history picture books are very popular and Sutton is meeting a demand. THP doesn't appear to be making any attempt to do so.18 Jul 08 10:04
By sand
I can't believe anyone is defending Sutton. His track record speaks for itself. As for the 'local history picture books' - if that's the secret strategy he's keeping under wraps, then he's in trouble. It's all been done so many, many times before.18 Jul 08 16:43
By John Walker
Stop me,stop me,stop me.Stop me if you think you've heard this one before...(The Smiths). PS My advice to local history authors would be,'Run for your life!'18 Jul 08 20:45
By Godzilla
So all we have to do now is wait for the next spectacular crash. Better than telly really.21 Jul 08 13:46
By Sutton supporter
From 'Sand's' comment it is obvious that he knows nothing about local history or its practitioners. 'Local history picture books' are very popular and useful21 Jul 08 14:43
By Modzilla
Godzilla, by spectacular crash you mean THE HISTORY PRESS, right?22 Jul 08 14:09
By Cupid Stunt
good to see a new publishing company those of us who've had to deal with the History Press can now go elsewhere - to add insult to injury, after having no royalties for the best part of eighteen months, my editor offered me a 5% royalty on my new book, not the ten I was used to previously. Personally, I can't wait to escape from the clutches of the greedy people at THP.Comment edited, 23rd July.
22 Jul 08 14:26
By Godzilla
No, I mean Alan Sutton Publishing, The Chalford Publishing Company, Tempus and most of its foreign follies, NPI and (prtobably) THP.Comment edited, 23rd July.
23 Jul 08 08:50
By Alan Sutton ex-employee
I can't understand how people make nasty comments about Alan Sutton without even knowing him in person?! I have worked for Alan Sutton for a few years. Started as a Graduate Trainee and now work for Penguin. He was one of the few publishers to provide youngsters with the opportunity to develop a career in the publishing world. I know it from my time in Tempus that the foreign companies - France, Germany and USA were extremely successful as they all exploited the local history formula. The UK was problematic - did not know why at the time. Now having seen the business side of things at Penguin it is clear - costs of labour are much higher here, the market is very difficult and it is a struggle. You have to control costs and achieve sales constantly. I have colleagues who worked at The History Press and were made redundant. If what they say is true, i.e. middle management slack, lack of product and publishing focus - I cannot really see THP going for a long time. We are 10 editors in my department and we have 1 manager who commissions titles alongside us - there is no slack at all. I am sure Alan Sutton will be successful as I am also sure there are people out there who will always hate him.23 Jul 08 09:18
By Author
Authors should have the freedom to choose where and with whom to publish. Cupid Stunt, to me THP are on a slightly higher level than a self-publisher - only just. I had the same 5% question plus I was told that if I wanted to see my book in print quickly (or ever?!) I had to 'contribute' - i.e. to pay for the print. All I get in return is that I can see my books on Amazon but not in my local Waterstone's. I got the PostScript catalogue a few months back and I couldn't believe my eyes - it was full of Tempus and Spellmount books remaindered at £2 a copy. Tony Morris can say whatever he wants in his letters but when his editors start asking for money to pay for the print - that is a bit worrying.23 Jul 08 09:31
By curious
I am not at all surprised that THP are asking their authors to pay for the print - it was inevitable. Perhaps the next step is to make buy their own books - or no royalty! Why bother selling them?!Comment edited, 23rd July.
23 Jul 08 09:46
By Modzilla
curious, by the look of it soon all THP imprints will be left with no authors! I can think of one who might still publish with them (against a 100K advance) - but he writes Buddhist books only!23 Jul 08 09:54
By philip.jones@bookseller.co.uk
I've removed some comments, and edited others. Be helpful if you kept comments professional, non-abusive and substantiate any accusations you wish to make. Ta.23 Jul 08 10:16
By JULIAN RIVERS
Not sure what any of this THP stuff has got to do with Alan Sutton's Amberley venture ?. He is a good publisher and a decent man who sold his business and the new owners cocked it up . Not the first time that has happened . His new venture will be built on his vast and successful experience in Alan Sutton [ mark 1]. Local history publishing provides a solid and staple diet for most general booksellers .Always will be .23 Jul 08 13:24
By Cupid Stunt
Well said, Julian and Alan Sutton ex-employee. I doubt Alan's new business model will be flawed and he has seen from the past year and a half how not to run a company! Currently History Press has about 70% of the UK local history market and I'm sure that Alan has eyes on that monopoly. He only has to do it better to build up a good business again that will have History Press quaking in their boots. Authors would stay loyal if History press were loyal to them, but it strikes me that we've been lied to and cheated on. Where do I sign my next contract? Will it be with the company who used my money to prop up their ailing business or will it be the well-funded new start. You decide!23 Jul 08 15:27
By Clive Keeble
It appears that memories are short and some have chosen to forget exactly when Alan Sutton ceased to have any connection with *his* 2007 venture NPI.23 Jul 08 15:49
By JULIAN RIVERS
Connection with is not management of .... Give the guy a break .23 Jul 08 18:12
By Cupid Stunt
Clive don't you have any books to sell, rather than idle gossiping on a subject you know nothing about. Is book selling in Somerset so dull that you have to spend your life on bookseller blogs making ill-informed and ill-judged comments.23 Jul 08 23:35
By down by the beach
Julian, his 'connection with' was as 'CEO of'. And he didn't sell it. Still, it will be good if things work out for Amberley, and also for THP, if only if to stop you dreadful people fouling these pages with your bile and lets you get on with your lives. At least Clive has the dignity to put his name to his comments.24 Jul 08 00:35
By Clive Keeble
My business stocks and sells The History Press titles (at full cover) and also has substantial holdings of Sutton Publishing (white sale'd) titles - especially those printed at Sparkford. At the time Haynes owned Sutton Publishing, they not only did an exclusive reprint for my business but also received full-price orders for as many as 50 copies of a title. Nowadays, much of the successful groundwork in running an independent business (especially taking stock firm sale) is to keep up to speed with booktrade case history. Nobody was keener than myself for Alan Sutton to succeed with NPI, however as CEO until weeks before they were put into administration he must bear considerable responsibility for the running of the group : I have been absolutely disgusted by some of the anonymous comments made against The History Press, which in my opinion should never have been allowed to be aired on TheBookseller. Alas, the whole sorry episode of NPI is not yet totally put to rest as readers of The London Gazette (issue 58766 - 15th July 2008) would be aware : the same issue gives details of the call for creditors of Oaklands Book Services Ltd, (Company Number 04762583), which is subject to a CVL. I am ambivalent about the prospects of Amberley Publishing, but certainly will not be stocking any of their books ; however, I think that Octopus Investments deserve the right to see some sort of return from The History Press and wish them well in the weeks ahead.24 Jul 08 07:18
By Cupid Stunt
Clive I may have been too harsh on you last night. It was a late night. Sorry. However, as a businessman, I cannot believe that you would not stock a book if it were to make you money and for there to be a demand for it. These are exciting times within the independent booktrade : the public have become increasingly disillusioned with the central stocking controls of the corporate bookchains and their heavy reliance upon a few selected bestsellers. Discerning customers appreciate the very personal and individual attention which is offered by the quality independent bookshops. And as such, I find it hard to beieve that you would cut off your nose to spite your face when it comes to selling books.24 Jul 08 10:52
By AND THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING THP IS...
Dear All, There are various versions of the email signature floating about (differing in content, colour and format). Please ensure yours follows the format below (font Trebuchet MS; font size 10; main text black and web link blue). If you need assistance, please ask IT.Sender address details removed
26 Jul 08 14:13
By Cupid Stunt
Retired Publisher, I believe that this 'Dear All, There are various versions of the email signature floating about (differing in content, colour and format). Please ensure yours follows the format below (font Trebuchet MS; font size 10; main text black and web link blue). If you need assistance, please ask IT. Many thanks' may be the contents of an e-mail telling the staff how to lay out their e-mail signature, including the font and size. There's nothing like the important business of printing and selling books when your company is in terminal decline...28 Jul 08 11:52
By Tired
I am tired of reading all these back stabbing comments about both publishing companies, past and present. It sounds like play ground bullying. I can understand the Authors being upset of the whole situation and can sympathise. However all this has become very personal. The whole country is suffering the credit crunch at the moment, im sure we are all feeling it and many people are not in the position to be spending money on history books. Why do we need to make things so much harder by dealing with petty bickering. This website, im sure was not created for personal slander. I believe, from experience and talking to others that the most recent Royalties from THP have been paid. If you are awaiting a cheque from THP give them a call instead of venting on here. So many comments on here seem so juvenile, heated and emotional, makes me wonder who is writing them!?29 Jul 08 07:27
By Retired Publisher
I´m tired too. We´ve heard all this before, the grand plans, the staff, lets talk to whoever. It´s nonsense. Local publishing does not make much money, it makes a living for a few people in a special and niche environment. It dosen't support large overhead, flash cars, numerous staff or posh premises. Why don't the people at Amberley try to get on Dragons Den ? I think they would hear some straight talking which might be useful.29 Jul 08 18:22
By PostScript
I just got my copy of the "PostScript" - Quality books at reduced prices courtesy of Sandpiper (www.psbooks.co.uk) It is free - anyone can log on and order it - delivery is amazingly quick. The catalogue is FULL of Phillimore titles. About 80% of it is THP stock (Sutton, Tempus, Spellmount, Nonsuch, Phillimore). I remember meeting Noel Osborne at a fair - he believed Phillimore to be 'the Rolls Royce in the Group [NPI or THP]' Little did he know that Rolls Royce will see on the pages of a Discounter!!! This is outrageous!!!29 Jul 08 20:49
By downbythebeach
Does somebody needs a hug? If you are going to comment on someone's spelling, you should probably learn how to spell. Also, not wholly sure posting a confidential email on a website speaks too highly of your ethics, but what do I know? I think, like most people, I know who posted this, but that is probably all. Good luck. Love your work.30 Jul 08 12:09
By Sour Grapes
Why should people believe in somebody who was sacked by Alan Sutton?31 Jul 08 07:01
By Russian Moon Woman
Oh come on you lot, it's been about 2 hours... where is the next entry. I Need my next fix!31 Jul 08 07:56
By Retired Publisher
Alan Sutton Publishing/Alan Sutton Ltd/The Chalford Publishing Company/The Tempus Publishing Group/NPI/Oaklands/THP/Asterim/Amberley Publishing...........31 Jul 08 11:07
By philip.jones@bookseller.co.uk
I am closing this thread for now: thanks.31 Jul 08 18:42
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