Pen Pusher publish exclusive Heading South extract

Heading South launches on 26th May and the special pre-publication extract, appearing in the just-out issue 5 of Pen Pusher, is the first opportunity for the public to sample this much-anticipated comedy novel. The extract is also accompanied by an article from Legend Press Managing Director Tom Chalmers. Pen Pusher is available via a host of London-based bookshops and libraries (see www.penpushermagazine.co.uk for details).

Heading South is expected to be widely-promoted and has been tipped as a one of the hits of the summer. It has also been subject to worldwide interest, and is expected to be published in numerous editions across the world. It is a fast-paced, hilarious romantic comedy featuring hapless Nick and animal-loving Cassie, who meet by chance when Nick moves down from north-and-proud Sheffield to Cassie’s sleepy Cotswolds. The novel is split into two narratives and will be enjoyed by both the male and female reader.

The joint authors, Bitmead and Richards, never actually met in person, having come into contact through the BBC Writers Forum and challenging each other to write from the perspective of the opposite sex. Luke Bitmead, author of the popular White Summer and one of the top UK young writing talents, sadly passed away in October 2006, aged just 34, though his family and Legend Press are keen to continue to promote his work and help support the memorial fund for fledgling writers being set-up in his memory.

Managing Director of Legend Press, Tom Chalmers, commented: “We are delighted to have teamed up with Pen Pusher, who, like us, are looking to provide a new and vibrant literary edge in a market that for too long has been crying out for a fresh and dynamic approach. Thankfully, over the last year, we are seeing new independent offerings shaking up the publishing world and there is no reason why they shouldn’t all go from strength-to-strength.”

He continued: “Heading South is a fantastic, feel-good novel with a unique story behind it. It is another ground-breaking publication from Legend Press and we fully expect it to be one of the must-read books this summer. We also look forward to building a strong and prosperous relationship with Pen Pusher as the magazine grows and thrives.”

Anna Goodall, Editor of Pen Pusher, added: “The battle of the sexes? Or maybe just some hilarious misunderstandings between them! The path of love never did run smooth and Heading South explores and delights in the problems Nick and Cassie have in getting together in such a funny and touching way that this novel is sure to be a big hit.”

Heading South will be available from bookshops nationwide and also at a £1 discount from Legend Press’ own online shop – see www.legendpress.co.uk/23301 for details.

ENDS

Note to editors:

• Author Catherine Richards available for interview and comment. Contact details available on request to Legend Press. For comment from Luke Bitmead’s family, contact Legend Press.
• Legend Press is the youngest-run trade fiction publisher in the UK. For more information see www.legendpress.co.uk, www.myspace.com/legendpress, or email info@legendpress.co.uk.
• Founder and Managing Director Tom Chalmers can be contacted on 0207 249 6901 or by emailing tomchalmers@legendpress.co.uk. Tom has been shortlisted for the UK Young Publisher of the Year Award 2007.
• Legend Press also offers an online shop for its publications, regularly updated news pages and a free monthly e-bulletin packed with news, reviews and comment. To sign-up, simply email info@legendpress.co.uk stating your name and email address.
• For details of Legend Press’s publications and to visit its online shop see
www.legendpress.co.uk/23301