Events 2016

 Backroom Press Events 2016

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS – 22 October 2016

At this year’s AGM, we celebrated our tenth anniversary in style, overlooking Roebuck Bay, at the Mangrove Hotel. First was a wonderfully entertaining presentation of Backroom Press historical highlights by Joyce Hudson and Pat Lowe. This was followed by tea, coffee and a slice or two of cake by our friend and baker extraordinaire Kylie Weatherall. Thanks to everyone who came along. Thanks especially to Nicola Kalmar from the Broome Advertiser for the story and the happy snaps.

bp-birthday-2016 Photo by Nicola Kalmar

Of course we also attended to the business of the day, including reports from the Chairperson and Treasurer and the election of a new Committee.

Gillian Kennedy and Christine Elsasser were returned as Chairperson and Secretary respectively. New member Suzanne Jess was elected to the position of Treasurer, while committee positions were filled by newcomer Deb Courtney and returning members Joyce Hudson, Pat Lowe, Rani Middleton and Maria Mann.

Thanks to outgoing committee members Deb Hannagan and Carolyn Pickett for their time, energy and expertise throughout the year.

agm-2016-7-2

 

Backroom Press Goes to SPN Conference in Melbourne 

 spn-cover-sm      c-and-j-at-spn

Long-serving Backroom Press committee members Christine Elsasser and Joyce Hudson attended the tenth annual Small Press Network Conference in Melbourne

SPN caters to small, independent publishers in Australia and New Zealand. This year’s conference explored the value of the Australian book publishing industry and looked at diversity in publishing. For more, go to: www.smallpressnetwork.com.au.

We learned many trade secrets and publishing tips and discovered that Backroom Press is not only ‘one of the smallest publishing houses’ but can more accurately be called a ‘micro-publishing house’.

Highlights of the conference included an exchange of ideas about marketing and writers festivals around the country. There were important networking opportunities and encouraging presentations about the standing and significance of the publishing industry in Australia.

We found an exhibition of book covers inspiring, and noted the contacts for some book designers. We are only too aware that people do, in fact, judge (and buy) books by their covers.

It was encouraging, and surprising, to learn that the e-book market has not had a hugely detrimental effect on book publishing. Apparently, many people still like the feel of paper.

The media presents the publishing industry as being in trouble but we came away reassured that small publishers are in a strong position and can confidently continue publishing books that are not mainstream.

Attending the conference and learning about other people’s publishing experiences made us realise that Backroom Press is doing OK!.

In July we launched our latest children’s book ‘SAVE Ruby’

SAFE Ruby

SAFE Ruby was launched in July at the Broome Courthouse Markets.  The author Julie Starkey and illustrator Hannah Starkey-Morris, her granddaughter, were on hand to sign copies of the book. Ruby was there too. The launch was well attended by many of Hannah’s friends and their dogs.

Many children took advantage of the face painting offered throughout the morning at the Backroom Press market stall.

Ben Collins from ABC Kimberley read from the book to a cluster of children and their parents as he launched it from the Courthouse steps.

Sue Hedley, founder of SAFE (Save Animals from Euthanasia), came from Karratha for the launch with Wendy Roberts from the local SAFE branch. Backroom Press donated $2.00 from each book sold at the launch to SAFE.

SAFE Ruby is a delightful, colourful book. It is a story about acceptance and is suitable for young readers.  If you know a little person, this would make a perfect gift

Waiting for the launch speeches   buyers flock to stall 2  Ruby with SAFE banner  hannah, julie, ruby  Ruby with friends  safe Sue julie ruby  face painting 2  book signing