At Eye & Lightning Books, as with most of our fellow publishers, we have been discussing the implications of the unprecedented and concerning times in which we find ourselves. At the time of writing, most bookshops in the UK remain open but we should probably expect to see some temporary closures in the days and weeks ahead. We are already aware that Amazon are no longer buying new stock of books so that they can concentrate on supplying important household items.

‘We did consider pausing our publishing schedule until things settle down but then we thought – SOD IT!’

We did consider pausing our publishing schedule until things settle down but then we thought – SOD IT! In trying times people need access to the arts and, with theatres, galleries, concert venues and cinemas all closing their doors, this access is becoming more limited. We have been inspired by the lengths that booksellers are going to in order to bring books to readers, and by the outpouring of support for authors who have books coming out in the weeks ahead. So, as long as bookshops and readers want our books, we will continue to provide them.

This is not a money-making exercise from us. Cashflow is tight, and we may well be worse off by adopting this approach as we print our books without being sure if we can sell them, but we think it is the right thing to do – the only thing we want to do – at this time.

‘If you use the code THANKS you will get 30% off your order plus free UK shipping’

It would be great if you could support your local bookshop by buying our books there but if you do not have access to one then you are very welcome to purchase from our website: http://eye-books.com/. If you use the code THANKS you will get 30% off your order plus free shipping if you are in the UK.

We hope you all stay safe and well and we thank you in advance for any support you are able to give to small and independent businesses right now.