Tony's hopes Secret Potion will work wonders (From Streatham Guardian)

Tony's hopes Secret Potion will work wonders

10:41am Monday 14th December 2009

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Local writer Tony Flood, whose new book The Secret Potion is being hailed as a likely successor to Harry Potter, is now sharing his secrets with would-be authors.

The book is being acclaimed by actress June Whitfield and best-selling author Jessica Duchen, so 66-year-old former Kingston resident and Surrey Comet journalist Tony is celebrating by passing on tips.

Tony and his wife Heather, who has written several short stories for young children, are both members of the New Eastbourne Writers Club and Anderida Writers Circle.

He says: “I would urge would-be authors to join a writers group. They can obtain many tips from both guest authors and members on improving their writing and how to submit their work to agents and publishers. And they will be given the encouragement they need to keep alive their writing dreams.”

“But new authors have to be realistic and accept they may not make much, if any, profit from their first book. If they get fed up with rejections they should consider self publishing or joint publishing.

“JK Rowling had countless rejections, but her Harry Potter books have sold more than 370 million copies, so persistence pays off.

"Anyone trying to get their first book published has got to be persistent and not be put off by rejections. They should send a synopsis and the first three chapters (typed in double line spacing) to at least ten publishers in the hope that one will be interested. They should make sure first that the publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts (and emailed submissions) and find out the name of the publisher's editor who deals with the relevant genre.

The Secret Potion centres around 10-year-old Jody Richards who sets out to find her brother who has been kidnapped by an evil wizard. Her quest carries her to a dreamland called Tamila which is chock-full of wizards, witches and whirlpools, where drama and danger abound.

Top author Jessica Duchen from East Sheen says: “Readers pining for more magic post-Harry Potter need look no further - Tony Flood has conjured up all the wizards, witches goblins, pixies and spiders you could want, and quite possibly the world's worst monster.”

Actress June Whitfield declares: "The Secret Potion contains so many weird and wonderful characters, including a frightful witch who places a nasty spell on poor Jody. It’s a magical story for children and adults – and would make an excellent present."

The Secret Potion has also been voted by publishers Fastprint their book of the week for three weeks in a row.

Readers can snap up a bargain by getting copies for £4.99 each instead of the recommended retail price of £8.99. To receive the special offer simply send a cheque, made payable to Sportsworld Communications, for £5.97 (including 98p post and packing) to Book Offer, 24 Brisbane Quay, Eastbourne, BN23 5PD.

Otherwise The Secret Potion is available through Fastprint Publishing, www.fast-print.net/ at £8.99 plus p&p.

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