The Wizard of BOZ

When another lockdown was looming a few weeks ago, we knew we had to find a way to sell 'Lights on the Horizon' online. Being a publishing consultant who usually deals with authors, content and general commissioning and publishing tasks, I have never sold anything on a website. One day, determined that I would find a way, I installed Shopify and thought that it would be straightforward enough to integrate into my website. I am not a tecchie, though generally not too bad with figuring things out, but with proofs still ongoing, and last minute panic stations, I didn't have the time to really look into it, so my attempts didn't get very far.

When you don't know where to go, ask for help!

I like to solve things myself, normally, but time was ticking, and I had to concede that I just didn't have the necessary expertise in the area. And so I contacted the wonderful Nathan Erasmus of Gravy Media who designed this very website for me. He was involved in another project, so wasn't available, but, in turn, put me in touch with the fabulous gentleman that is Andy Smithyman. Enter: The Wizard of BOZ.

Andy, like me, has a publishing company, bozpublications.com. And like me, he knows the importance of words, and the story behind a project. 
And, unlike me, Andy had actually already published a few books himself, end to end, including his very own, a beautiful book called 'Paradox'. It sounds intriguing and it's so gorgeously presented that I ordered a copy, and I look forward to reading it, when this crazy period is over. From the binding to the inserts, the finishing and the handwritten touches, I knew that anyone who produces such a book is someone who loves books, and who also wants to create good stories, and beautiful books, in the most sustainable way.

But really, I should hand you over to Andy, because he puts it far more eloquently! Take it away, Andy.

Andy Smithyman writes books and gives the odd talk. There's a rumour he's also a speech and ghostwriter, but he keeps those projects secret. He has an interest in social justice with a coffee-stained Masters Degree in Narrative Theory.

Always seeking imaginative ways to tell stories, in 2018 Andy fell down the rabbit hole, setting up a different kind of publishing company. This 'curiouser and curiouser' venture reimagines bespoke print through the lens of ethical production, distribution and promotion.
Andy's latest book is called PARADOX. This Fiction Social Thriller is a re-imagination of 'A Christmas Carol', set between the present day and Victorian Britain. Drawing upon how Dickens blended social commentary with fictional creativity, Paradox refocuses attention onto an inspiring movement of redemptive change happening all around us. But with a twist.

When he isn't writing or touring, Andy is a story-telling consultant to business and community ventures - but with a difference. This imaginative approach identifies and builds upon the central storyline running within the organisation. Drawing upon his eclectic years in the creative and business landscapes, Andy crafts a bespoke partnership for the client to achieve their goals. This collaboration could include content strategy and creation, project management, one-day workshops and long-term advisory roles.

We're delighted to be partnering with Andy. Take a look at the fantastic page he's designed for our gorgeous charity book,  'Lights on the Horizon'. It beautifully showcases the book, and we look forward to receiving many online sales over the next few weeks. Please swing by and support.