The Plesiosaur's Neck book

[DinoToyForum]

I mentioned briefly last year in another thread that I have a book in the works. Well, I'm pleased to reveal some more details as I know many of you will be interested.

The title of the book is The Plesiosaur's Neck and it explores the possible reasons why plesiosaurs had such extremely long necks. It will be a picture book aimed primarily at young readers, but I suspect adults interested in prehistoric animals will enjoy it too.

My co-author is Jonathan Emmett of https://www.scribblestreet.co.uk, an established children's author with dozens of published books under his belt. We first met when he was arranging the launch of one of his books, How The Borks Became, at the Nottingham Natural History Museum in 2017. As Jonathan puts it: "If you want to explain evolution to kids in an entertaining way, this book is the 'natural selection'." I highly recommend it! It is what made me want to work with him and I'm fortunate to be collaborating with such an esteemed writer.

The book is also being illustrated by an excellent artist (and another Adam), Adam Larkum. http://adamlarkum.com Again, we're lucky to have such a talented individual on board and it is exciting seeing the pages take shape.

The publisher is UCLan and this will be their first picture book. UCLan also recently secured a deal with British naturalist and TV presenter, Chris Packham (who, incidentally, launched my Dinosaurs of China exhibition in Nottingham in 2017): https://www.thebookseller.com/news/uclan-signs-sales-and-distribution-deal-bounce-1088051 So, we're in good company.

The publication date is tentatively set for spring 2021, so I'm afraid there's a fair wait yet, but things are moving steadily forward. There's more to say than I'm allowed to, so that's all for now!

Edit - front cover added to the top of this post.

Edit - Now available for preorder here:
Amazon.co.uk
Hive.co.uk
Waterstones.com
and others.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Awesome! Congratulations bud! Can't wait to buy a copy.

[Libraraptor]

I will definitely buy a copy!

[Faelrin]

I remember you mentioning a book before. Glad to see it is coming along, and I'm looking forward to getting a copy once it is released.

[brontosauruschuck]

Please let me know if and when you get an ISBN number for it, because I would like to read it and that's the easiest way for me to find books.

[Ravonium]

UCLan is based quite close to where I live - interesting to see that they got the publishing rights for your book.

Please let me know if and when you get an ISBN number for it, because I would like to read it and that's the easiest way for me to find books.

Seconded

[Patrx]

Whoah! Cool news, doc. Looking forward to reading it someday.

[DinoToyForum]

UCLan is based quite close to where I live - interesting to see that they got the publishing rights for your book.

Please let me know if and when you get an ISBN number for it, because I would like to read it and that's the easiest way for me to find books.

Seconded

Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be promoting it heavily, you won't miss it!

[ceratopsian]

We shall all be demanding signed copies!

[DinoToyForum]

We shall all be demanding signed copies!

Anyone who asks will receive!

But I've learned not to count my chickens, so until the book is actually published and real, I'm remaining only cautiously excited.

[DinoToyForum]

UCLan is based quite close to where I live - interesting to see that they got the publishing rights for your book.

Please let me know if and when you get an ISBN number for it, because I would like to read it and that's the easiest way for me to find books.

Seconded

I forgot to link to the publishers page. https://uclanpublishing.com They're relatively new so we're getting on board early.

I was at the launch of UCLan's newest book in Nottingham a few weeks ago. As a children's author myself (well, nearly!), I was invited to be photographed with the other writers at the launch. I'm furthest right and my co-author for The Plesiosaur's Neck, Jonathan, is next to me.



UCLan are branching out with us. That book by Dan Walker is very different to ours, here it is for those interested: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Light-Hunters-Dan-Walker/dp/1912979101

[Libraraptor]

That looks like a good-humoured team. I am looking forward to holding a signed copy of your book in my hands next year!

[Newt]

That's fantastic! I too look forward to seeing the final product.


Do you think you might work on more such books in the future? The world could use more science books (for kids and for adults) written by people who know what they are talking about.

[Sarapaurolophus]

Super interested in what you'll come up with! 

[DinoToyForum]

That's fantastic! I too look forward to seeing the final product.


Do you think you might work on more such books in the future? The world could use more science books (for kids and for adults) written by people who know what they are talking about.

Indeed, we've already pitched a follow-up book in a potential series. The response has been positive but it is early days, nothing is confirmed yet.

I can also add that the plesiosaur book has a subtitle: The Plesiosaur's Neck: A Prehistoric Puzzle. There are plenty of other 'prehistoric puzzles' we could explore in other books – you can probably imagine some of the other ideas we have.

[DinoToyForum]

Things are coming along with the book. The front cover has just been finished and it is starting to feel rather more real now. I wish I could share pictures but it must all remain under wraps for now. You guys will be the first to see, as soon as I'm able to share.

[Libraraptor]

Things are coming along with the book. The front cover has just been finished and it is starting to feel rather more real now. I wish I could share pictures but it must all remain under wraps for now. You guys will be the first to see, as soon as I'm able to share.

I am so much looking forward to receiving this book! It will be both fun and an honour!

[Faelrin]

Sounds exciting. I'm eager to see what it will look like, and hopefully to get my hands on this eventually.

[BlueKrono]

Don't know how much you're allowed to share as far as content goes, but I'm just hoping for a mention of electricity. 

[DinoToyForum]

Don't know how much you're allowed to share as far as content goes, but I'm just hoping for a mention of electricity. 

Electricity gets a whole double page spread.