NEWS: Topps Release Star Wars Universe Sticker Collection - Topps

Hail Mighty Readers and Fans from from a galaxy far far away,
Our friends at Topps have let us know about the new Star Wars Sticker Collection released on the 25th May. Here's what they had to say:
"TOPPS CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF STAR WARS WITH UNIVERSE STICKER COLLECTION

On the 40th anniversary of the very first Star Wars film, Topps, the UK’s leading collectibles company, is proud to present their biggest and most immersive sticker collection yet: Star Wars Universe!

The latest collection from Topps spans all eight Star Wars films from the past 40 years, including the recent Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The collection of Star Wars Universe stickers is the ultimate compendium for collectors of all ages.

Fans will be able to explore the world of Star Wars from the time of the Clone Wars through the rise of the First Order, discovering the history of the Jedi and seductive power of the dark side along the way.

Additionally, there will be added incentives including special foil stickers, die-cut shaped stickers, and even historic movie stickers.

With 344 stickers to collect, Star Wars fans will learn about all the weapons and ships from the franchise including the Death Star, the evil Sith, and the heroic Rebel Alliance.

Louise Ramplin, Entertainment Marketing Manager at Topps, comments: “Star Wars was unleashed to the world and changed the cinematic landscape forever on May 25th, 1977. Now on the 40th anniversary, we are proud to celebrate the thrilling space saga with our biggest Star Wars collection yet. We’re confident the collection will be an instant hit with collectors and movie goers alike.”

The Star Wars Universe collection will be on sale May 25th. Starter Packs will retail at £2.99 including six packets of stickers. Individual packs of five stickers will retail at 50p."

So whether you're a Rebel or with the Republic, nows your chance to get started.



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: We're Back

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Yes, its true, we're back.  Having recently undergone massive locational renovations (Ok so two bedrooms, a lounge, a bathroom and a kitchen) we are now back in a position to get back to what we love and thats bringing you, our readers and friends, the latest in Books, News and Video games.  

We thank you for staying with us during this period and we'll be bringing you a whole ton of fun over the next few month.

All the best,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

FILM NEWS: Samsung Discover Superhero Formula with Marvel Avengers: Age of Ultron - Samsung

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Samsung, have sent us this information in conjunction with Marvel: Avengers: Age of Ultron:
"There is so much more to a Super Hero than just using superpowers, as intelligence and technology make up the definitive formula discovered by Samsung as part of its collaboration with Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Researchers found that the ultimate formula for a Super Hero is:

(Strength + Intelligence + Technology + Speed + Likeability + Superpowers + Morality = Super Hero)

The formula was developed in line with the launch of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, which recently recorded the biggest opening weekend of 2015, in which Samsung technology including the brand new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphone, features heavily.

The study of 2,000 Brits found that strength (79%) and intelligence (71%) were both rated more highly than actual super powers, showing that being a Super Hero is not all about flying and x-ray vision. Similarly morality (57%) and likeability (45%) both make the formula ahead of traditional Super Hero traits like a Super Hero outfit or a catchy name, with more women (51%) than men (39%) valuing likeability in their hero.
When it came to the super powers we would like ourselves, it was invisibility that topped the list for both men and women, with 23% of the vote, followed by time travel (19%). Technology features highly in the make-up of a Super Hero, with Super Hero cars (30%) topping the list of “super gadgets” Brits would most like to have, followed closely by Virtual Reality headsets (17%).

Conor Pierce, Vice President IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said:
“Super Heroes have fascinated us for generations, with some of Marvel’s originals remaining firm favourites for decades. What is really interesting is how they have developed as society has developed, seeing technology and morality up there in the list of what makes the ultimate Super Hero is a real testament to that.

“Samsung’s collaboration with Marvel is a perfect example of how the real world interacts with the fantasy world of Super Heroes. In fact, if you look at the elements of the formula such as strength, speed and intelligence these can be applied to our Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge handsets – they’re the Super Heroes of smartphones!

“The collaboration is designed to bring together two of the world’s most iconic multi-media brands, and means we’re able to bring unrivalled content, products and experiences to fans around the world.”

The formula can also be applied to “real life” Super Heroes, with nearly 60% of respondents saying that firemen most fit that combination of speed, strength, morality and technology.

The Samsung and Marvel collaboration gives consumers extraordinary exclusive content coupled with an unrivalled visual experience. As well as creating one of a kind mobile technology for the movie Samsung has developed a range of exclusive accessories featuring Marvel favourites for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge handsets."

NEWS: Deja Review - March 2014

Hail Mighty Readers,
Here are this months book reincarnations (covers may not match the new incarnation), please click on the cover to go to that titles review:





 

DVD NEWS: Danny Trejo has a Softer side.

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our Hollywood friends have let us know about big action star Danny Trejo and his passions.  Yes he likes Machete's, knives and of course big bad ass guns, however, he also has a softer side.  

Yes believe it or not, international action star, acting titan and Latin icon Danny Trejo revealed a secret new hobby in a really funny new online video, Breadanimals.
 

View his clip:

Danny's latest film, Bullet is out now, available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

NEWS: Indie Film Maker Plea's for Funds - Rock and a Hard Place

Hail Mighty Readers,
Long time friend of the blog, and award winning scriptwriter, Ian O'Neill has sent us a film to let us know how his fund raising is going.

Ian, is a Canadian Film Maker who has gone on to show not only how hard it is to get funding but also to strive for your dreams. 

Here's his Plea:
)

If you wish to help fund his dream please visit here and donate.

Thank you,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: Gollancz Announce Debut E-Books for £1.99

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Gollancz have let us know about some stunning news.  After all we all know that with budgets getting tighter every day, some of life's pleasures have to suffer.  Yet worry not.

For Gollancz have announced this:

"The science fiction and fantasy imprint of the Orion Publishing Group has decided to reduce the price of the eBook editions of six stunning debut novels to £1.99 for the week of publication. All pre-orders and purchases for these titles, made up to a week after publication, will cost the reader less than a cup of coffee.

Gollancz has a tradition of discovering new writers in the science-fiction and fantasy genre. Over the years they have been proud to launch the careers of authors including Ben Aaronovitch, Joe Abercrombie, Elspeth Cooper, Elizabeth May, Suzanne McLeod, Hannu Rajaniemi and Alastair Reynolds, and of course the adult fantasy debut of Joanne M. Harris. Gollancz are confident that all of their 2014 debuts are equally exceptional new talents and want to share these remarkable novels with as many readers as possible.

Darren Nash, Digital Publisher at Gollancz, writes:

“When we publish a debut novel, we’re very aware that we’re asking readers to take a chance on something new, rather than spend their money on an established author they know they’ll enjoy. That becomes even more challenging at a time like this, when money doesn't stretch as far as it used to. So, we’ve decided to help.  We're confident that all of our debut authors are wonderful new talents that you should read – so confident, in fact, that we're prepared to put our money where our mouth is and make it possible for you to try these books for less than the price of a Saturday newspaper.”

The Gollancz debuts that will be included in this initiative are The Boy With the Porcelain Blade by Den Patrick, In Dark Service by Stephen Hunt, Barricade by Jon Wallace, The Seventh Miss Hatfield by Anna Caltabiano, The Incorruptibles by John Horner Jacobs and The Relic Guild by Edward Cox.

The Boy with the Porcelain Blade * Den Patrick * March 20 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

In Dark Service * Stephen Hunt * 15 May 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

Barricade * Jon Wallace * 19 June 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

The Seventh Miss Hatfield * Anna Caltabiano * 17 July 2014 * Hardback £12.99 / eBook £6.99

The Incorruptibles * John Honor Jacobs * 14 August 2014 * Trade Paperback £14.99 / eBook £7.99

The Relic Guild * Edward Cox * 18 September 2014 * Trade Paperback £16.99 / eBook £8.99"

So remember, for the first week of each title's release (mentioned above) readers will only pay £1.99 for the E-Book.  Talk about serious value.

NEWS: Join the Greatcoats with Jo Fletcher Books

Hail Mighty Readers, 
Our friends at Jo Fletcher Books have let us know about some cracking information to do with the forthcoming Traitor's Blade by author Sebastien De Castell.  

Here's the latest news for you:

Due to popular demand the eBook of Traitor’s Blade has been bought forward to February 10^th and to celebrate we are offering up to 100 eReview copies of Traitor’s Blade via NetGalley. To enter this competition people need to tweet @JoFletcherBooks their Greatcoat Name which is worked out this way:

1.       Writing down the name of your first school – OK, for me this was Jericho

2.       Writing down the MAIDEN name of your Grandmother on your Mother’s side – Cunnington

3.       Combining the two – So in this case my personal Greatcoat name is Jericho Cunnington

The winners of this completion will be announced on the 6^th of February and will receive eReview copies via Net Galley. Information about this is now on our blog:

http://www.jofletcherbooks.com/2014/01/get-your-hands-on-traitors-blade-sooner-than-you-think/

So why delay, sign up now, your King needs you,

Gareth

NEWS: The Reading Agency joins forces with the Historical Writers Association

National charity The Reading Agency is joining forces with the Historical Writers Association in an exciting new partnership that has already brokered over 100 events, involving over 70 authors.

The initiative coincides with Historical Writing Month in November, with events held in public libraries and other venues around the UK during the Month and beyond, featuring historical authors such as Michael Ridpath, Karen Maitland, Ben Kane, Ruth Downie, Robyn Young, Rory Clements, William Ryan and Manda Scott.

The new partnership will take a coordinated approach to programming events covering a diverse range of historical time periods and themes, offering innovative approaches to bring readers, writers and libraries closer together.

The extensive programme for readers yielded by this new partnership is still growing, but begins with an historical crime panel evening at Bedford Library on 17 October featuring Rory Clements and Ruth Downie, and continues with Essie Fox, D E Meredith and Lynn Shepherd discussing their Victorian novels at Crowthorne Library, while Roman-era authors Anthony Riches, Henry Venmore-Rowland and Harry Sidebottom will travel to Norwich library to complement a new exhibition at the city’s museum.

Other event themes include Medieval, Espionage, Historical London, The Blitz, Warriors Through History, and Victorian Crime . There will be a ‘Sex and Scandal’ discussion at Pimlico Library in  central London featuring Gabrielle Kimm, Linda Stratmann and Hallie Rubenhold on 22 November, while Tudor period authors Vanora Bennett and Elizabeth Fremantle will travel to Peterborough in the new year to mark the anniversary of the death of Katherine of Aragon, who is buried in Peterborough Cathedral. Further events have been organised as far forward as September 2014 when Michael Ridpath, Stav Sherez and William Ryan will be at London’s Chiswick Library, discussing the challenges of setting novels in totalitarian regimes. 2014 will also feature a range of events marking the centenary of the start of World War One.

•    Readers can find event listings at: http://hwa-galleria.co.uk/events/

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from libraries and readers,” says William Ryan of the Historical Writers Association. “We’ve organised many more events than we thought we might and we’re arranging new ones every week. It’s a fantastic opportunity for libraries and authors to reach out to readers and, thanks to our partnership with The Reading Agency and the support of libraries in almost every part of the country, we’re hoping this is just the beginning.”

The new partnership is part of The Reading Agency’s work to bring together its partners from the publishing world and the whole of the UK public library network to create successful and exciting events and activities for readers of all ages. The publishers who – via The Reading Agency’s Reading Partners consortium of libraries and publishers – have contributed to making author events happen in libraries for Historical Writers Month and beyond include Transworld; Hodder/Headline; Penguin; Constable & Robinson; Little, Brown; Bloomsbury; HarperCollins; Faber and Macmillan.

“We’re passionate about connecting readers to writers, and libraries are brilliant at reaching and engaging audiences who share the Historical Writers Association’s fascination with all things historical,” says Sandeep Mahal of The Reading Agency. “Amid all the news about library cuts and closures, an important beacon of light is the huge growth in popularity of library author events, so we’re really pleased to be partnering with the Historical Writers Association to broker events in library venues across the UK.”

NEWS: Falcata Times to get a new look in the New Year and more...

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Well, you've probably already noticed that the avatar I use has been changed to an anonymous image.  Why?

Well due to the photo realism, people tend to think that its a genuine shot of me (its not, I'm much uglier in real life as well as 40 years younger,) so in the New Year, we've decided to relaunch with a new logo as well as taking the step to run from our own domain name and I thought it was time for me to use a proper image of myself, fully emerged from my reading/gaming den.

As you can guess its going to be a real Beauty and the Beast type of thing with Lady Eleanor (but if anyone else calls her beast she'll take her own vengance.  LOL)

In addition to this we also thought that we'd take the time to answer some questions from fans/readers of the site.  So if you have any please ask and we'll do our best to answer them.

All the best and keep reading,



Gareth.

 

NEWS: Deja Review - August

Hail Mighty Readers,
Here are this months book reincarnations (covers may not match the new incarnation), please click on the cover to go to that titles review:





 

NEWS: Deja Review - July

Hail Mighty Readers,
Here are this months book reincarnations (covers may not match the new incarnation), please click on the cover to go to that titles review:





 

NEWS: James Herbert RIP

We're sady to bring you the news that James Herbert has passed away today aged 69 in his sleep at home.

Here is the article that his publisher, Pan Macmillan said:
"James Herbert was born in London’s East End on 8 April 1943. At the age of ten, he won a scholarship to St. Aloysius Grammar School, Highgate, and aged sixteen started studying graphic design, print and photography at the renowned Hornsey College of Art. He then found work in an advertising agency where he rose to the rank of Art Director and Group Head.
He began writing his first novel when he was 28. Ten months later he had completed The Rats, conjuring a London overrun by mutant, flesh-eating rodents. He submitted the manuscript to six publishers, three of whom replied. Of those, two rejected the novel and one accepted it. At its publication in 1974, the first printing of 100,000 copies sold out in three weeks, firmly establishing him as Britain’s leading writer of horror and one of the country’s greatest popular novelists.
The author of twenty-three novels, James Herbert was published in 34 languages including Russian and Chinese and has sold over 54 million copies worldwide. They include The Fog, The Dark, The Survivor, The Magic Cottage, Sepulchre, Haunted, Fluke and Creed, and of course The Rats trilogy, all considered to be classics of the genre, while his later bestsellers including Portent, The Ghosts of Sleath, '48, Others, Once..., Nobody True and The Secret of Crickley Hall all enhanced his reputation as a writer of depth and originality.
Four of his novels, The Rats, The Survivor, Fluke and Haunted were made into films. The Magic Cottage was dramatized for Radio 4 and more recently, last December, The Secret of Crickley Hall was aired as a three-part serial on BBC One.
The paperback of his 23rd novel, Ash, was published just last week.
James Herbert was awarded the OBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours list, the same year he was made the Grand Master of Horror by the World of Horror Convention. James’ popularity with his fans was at its peak in the last few months with a series of sell out public events across the country.
He married his wife, Eileen, in 1967; she survives him with their three daughters, Kerry, Emma, and Casey.
Macmillan Publisher, Jeremy Trevathan, James Herbert’s editor for ten years, says,
“Jim Herbert was one of the keystone authors in a genre that had its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s a true testament to his writing and his enduring creativity that his books continued to be huge bestsellers right up until his death. He has the rare distinction that his novels were considered classics of the genre within his lifetime. His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th century.”
If you'd like to leave a message of condolence, please do so on the wall of James Herbert's Facebook page."

VIDEO GAME MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Skyrim: The Dragonborn Comes - Malukah

Hail Mighty Readers,
Well we're looking forward to a number of updates to do with the immensely huge Skyrim and to be blunt, its pretty hard, however whilst waiting we do every so often look for items on interest online and came across this remarkable lady, Malukah, we hope you enjoy:

All the best, Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: Falcata Times Offers Guest Blog and Interview to Charity

Hail Mighty Readers,
A few days ago we let you know about the "Evil for Crestline" campaign, well because we believe in it so much we've donated two seperate lots of a Review and Guest Blog here on Falcata Times.

What the winners will get:
"An unbiased review of your book at Falcata Times. This is open to all authors (including self-published) though books must be in English. Books will need to be delivered in mobi (Kindle) or hard copy.
In addition to this you will also get a guest blog to appear on the day of review with the blog being exclusively yours for the day."

So if you fancy this prize, head on over and bid:
Auction 1
Auction 2

Best of luck,



Lady Eleanor and Gareth

VIDEO GAME NEWS: Injustice Gods Among Us Fan Fight Votes - Warner Brothers Interactice

Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our Friends at Warner Brothers and DC have asked us to remind people to join in and vote for their favourites.

This time its the second round and the match ups are:

Joker Vs Lex Luthor
The Flash Vs Shazam.

You can vote for your favourite at:
Injustice Battle Arena

Here are the results for Round One:

 Batman Vs Bane

Wonder Woman Vs Harley Quinn        So remember, get your votes in now, Gareth and Lady Eleanor  

NEWS: Angry Robot Reboot Lee Harris with new Purpose

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Angry Robot have fed us secret communications about Lee Harris, here's their feed:

"It was a dark day in the Angry Robot Fortress of Doom. The greatest robo-minds in the global organisation had gathered, with but one purpose:
 
“We need to talk about Lee.”
Silence. Grim, quite possibly foreboding silence.
“Er, why?”
“Well… he knows things. Lots of things. Things that, if brought into the harsh light of public scrutiny, could have massive and far-reaching consequences for our mission. We need to decide what to do about him.”
More silence. This time of a more ruminative, speculative kind.
“We could…”
“Yes?”
“…promote him?”
Silence again. But of the lightbulb-going-on variety.
“Hadn’t thought about that. Not a bad idea. Right then, stand-down the grinders, issue a public pronouncement on all channels. The Lee Harris Unit is hereby promoted to…”
“Senior Editor?”
“Yep, that sounds about right. Senior editor. Good idea. Make it so.”
“Please, no Trek clichés.”
“Sorry. Just get on with it, then. And put the kettle on, someone. I’m gasping for a brew.”
Silence once more, as the greatest robo-minds in the global organisation vacated the Chamber of Contemplation, to return to their own dreams and schemes of imminent and inevitable global domination.
True story."

We'd like to say congrats to Lee but hey, we wouldn't want to be probed for supporting him.  LOL

NEWS: Evil League of Evil Authors Fundraiser for Crestline Elementary

Hail Mighty Readers,
A few days ago we hard about a school that went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that each of thier pupils were accounted for.  How do we know?  Well Lilith Saintcrow (longtime friend of the blog) told us:

"This is the school where the office staff knows every student’s name and the teachers pour their souls–and most of their paychecks–into every kid in every class, not just their own. This is the school where any adult that’s not known on sight AND carrying a red volunteer badge or sticker is clustered by very polite but inflexible staff and volunteers, to be escorted to the office to sign in. It’s the school a ten-year-old boy loves so much he’s excited on Sunday night because Monday means he can go back. The place was held together by the steady commitment of teachers and office staff, who made it work with spit and baling wire some days, and volunteers who pitched in where they could even after their kids went on to other schools. 

This is the school where nobody goes home until all the kids are accounted for at the end of the day."

Sadly the school was razed to the ground due to fire on the 3rd of Feb but Writers are banding together under the Evil League of Evil Writers to help raise funds.

So what can you do?

Firstly take a look at their online site (Here) and see if there's any items on the auction list that you fancy, then bid (in US Dollars) an amount that you can commit to.  Auctions close on Friday 15th Feb.

There's tons of stuff and this is just the first wave:

Books & Swag 

Collection of Adrienne Jones Books (signed) from Adrienne Jones [Ending February 15] 

Kiss of Death by Seleste deLaney (signed) from Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]

Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]
Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]

Magic Bites: Special Edition by Ilona Andrews (signed) from Ilona Andrews [Staring February 8; Ending February 15]

Misdirection by Melinda Skye (signed) from Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]

Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Nameless by Lili St. Crow (signed) from Lilith Saintcrow [Ending February 15]
Small Favor by Jim Butcher (signed) from Julie Butcher [Ending February 15]
To Trust a Thief by Michelle McLean (ebook) from Michelle McLean [Ending February 15]
Winner's Choice of All Wounds or Light in a Dark World by Dina James (signed) from Dina James [Ending February 15]
Wrong Bed, Right Guy by Katee Robert (signed) from Katee Robert [Ending February 15]

Query & Manuscript Critiques

Critique of the Law in Your Manuscript by Melinda Skye [February 15]
Critique of the Law in Your Manuscript by Melinda Skye [February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Dina James [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Frances Pauli [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]
First Chapter Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
First Five Pages Critique by Aubrie Dionne [Ending February 15]
First Three Chapters Critique by Julie Butcher [Ending February 15]
Query Letter and First 5 pgs Critique by Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Query Letter Critique by Melinda Skye [Ending February 15]
Query or First Chapter Critique by Michelle McLean [Ending February 15]
Query Letter Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Query Letter and First 10 pgs Critique by Skyla Dawn Cameron [Ending February 15]
Synopsis Critique by Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]

Mentorships

ELEW Mentorship Slot #1 (3 months) [Ending February 15]
ELEW Mentorship Slot #2 (3 months) [Ending February 15]
Mentorship with Christine Belle (3 months) [Ending February 15]

Other Items & Services

Aussie Snack Pack from Danielle Kendall [Ending February 15]
Beaded Bracelet by Betty Winslow [Ending February 15]
Celtic Knotwork Art Print by Becky Hitchin [Ending 15]
Crochet Dragon by Frances Pauli [Ending February 15]
Custom My Little Pony by DraggonLaady [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at the Up in the Aether Convention with Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at Romantic Times Booklovers' Convention with Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at Romantic Times Booklovers' Convention with Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Drink and Chat at RWA with Katee Robert [Ending February 15]
Evil League of Evil Writers Guest Post from Seleste deLaney [Ending February 15]
Evil League of Evil Writers Guest Post from Skyla Dawn Cameron [Ending February 15]
Knitted Evil: Horizontal Ugly Scarf by Dina James [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Dina James Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Frances Pauli Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character in a Katee Robet Novel [Ending February 15]
Name a Character (who dies) in a Skyla Dawn Cameron Novel [Ending February 15]
T-Shirt (SM) from Shane and Amy Bugbee [Ending February 15]
T-Shirt (XL) from Shane and Amy Bugbee [Ending February 15]
Tea Junkie Parcel from Dina James [Ending February 15]

We hope you'll join in,



Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: Tor UK to take E-Submissions from Writers

Hail Mighty Readers,
Our friends at Tor UK have let us know that they're opening the door's to writers E-Submissions from you the writing public.  Yes, that's right, a chance for your book to be read by one of thier editors without having to worry about a whole load of rigmarole or having had to secure an agent.

Here is a copy of what they've said (taken from their blog:

What sort of books is Tor UK looking for?
For direct submissions we only consider complete and unpublished science fiction, fantasy and horror novels, written in English of between 95,000 – 150,000 words.
We don’t publish non-fiction, poetry, short stories or novellas. If your work falls into any of these categories we regret we are unable to help.


How should I send you my novel?
Only emailed submissions can be considered (please see below for the email address). The email must include the novel’s title in the Subject line. The body of the email should contain a short synopsis and biographical note (including details of any previously published work), and the entire novel should be attached to the email as a single standard word-processing file, preferably Microsoft Word. Please do not send typescripts as individual chapter files, or as ‘compressed’, ‘zipped’ or password protected files.

Can I send more than one novel at a time?
If you wish to send multiple novels for consideration please send each one as a separate submission.


Do you accept hardcopy (printed) submissions, or submissions on disc or CD?
No, and unfortunately we are unable to return any typescripts sent to us in this way.

Will you consider incomplete novels or proposals for as yet unwritten novels?
No, we can only accept finished novels.

Do you accept submissions from authors whose work has previously been self-published, ‘vanity’ published or published electronically/online?
Yes as long as they follow the guidelines set out above, including the provision concerning word extent.

Does Tor UK accept submissions from outside the UK?
Yes. But again, they will need to comply with the above guidelines.

Will Tor UK consider translations?
No. I’m afraid we’re only, at this time, looking for full and complete works written in English.

How long will you take to decide if you want to publish my novel?
If we would like to publish your novel, we will let you know within twelve weeks of receipt. 

Unfortunately, due to the large number of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful submissions. 
If you have not had a response within twelve weeks please assume that we have, regretfully, decided not to publish your novel.

How should my manuscript be formatted?
We prefer 12-point, Times New Roman, double line-spaced.

Can I resubmit a novel which has been declined by you in the past but which has been revised?
No, regrettably a decision to decline must be final.

To whom should my submission be addressed?
There’s no need to address it to a specific individual: if it is eligible and sent to the email address below it will be read and assessed by one of our team of editors.

I am a literary agent. Can I send you my client’s novel?
Yes, please follow the submissions procedure described above.

Where should I send my novel?
Please email it to: TorUKSubmissions@macmillan.com

So best of luck writing people and who know's maybe we'll be reading your work over the next few years.




Gareth and Lady Eleanor

NEWS: Toy Industry Awards Presented at Toy Fair, Olympia

Hail Mighty Readers,
Hot off the press are the winners from this years Toy Industry Awards presented at the Toy Fair in Olympia, London.

The winners are:
TOY RETAILER OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
Independent Toy Retailer of the Year  -    MIDCO Toymaster
Specialist Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year  -     Smyths Toys
General Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year   -    ASDA
Online Toy Retailer of the Year    -     The Entertainer
Judges Special Recognition Award    -     Toy Barnhaus
Judges Special Recognition Award     -     Harrods (Knightsbridge)
Overall Toy Retailer of the Year     -     Smyths Toys

TOY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
Collectable Toy of the Year    -     Moshi Figures, Vivid Imaginations
Construction Range of the Year    -     LEGO Friends, LEGO
Game of the Year    -     Angry Birds Knock on Wood, Mattel
Pre-School Toy of the Year    -     Jake and the Never Land Pirates Pirate Ship Bucky, Mattel
Girls’ Toy of the Year    -     Monster High Ghouls Rule Doll Assortment, Mattel  (Draculaura pictured Left)     
Boys’ Toy of the Year    -     Web Shooting Spider-Man, Hasbro
Doll of the Year     -     Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Dolls, MGA Entertainment
Lifestyle Toy of the Year      -     LeapPad2, Leapfrog
TRA Special Recognition Award    -     iMC Toys
TRA Special Recognition Award     -     John Adams







 
Supplier of the Year      -     VTech

Toy of the Year     -     Furby, Hasbro

We at Falcata Times would like to applaud the winners and hope that all attending the fair will have a great time,


Gareth and Lady Eleanor