Thursday, 11th April was the official launch date of “Cold Bath Street”. Published by UCLan Publishing, the novel was written by A J Hartley, New York Times prize-winning author, and illustrated by myself. Hartley now lives in the US but originates from Preston, the setting for this YA  gothic novel.

Sam Johnson, one of the publishing team behind the novel, had presented to an audience at the London Book Fair, the previous day. Sam was shortlisted for an award for this novel. His self-effacing delivery under-played the huge amount of work behind the production and completion of the book.

The official launch took place at the prestigious Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road.

The production team behind the novel were reunited and discussed the process behind the creation of this lovely wee book.

AJ Hartley and I had a great time signing books for a room full of enthusiastic book-lovers. I felt the illustrator’s autograph should be of a more visual nature so used my special “terrified eye” stamp to add a little interest.

My first ever book signing was such an exciting experience. Can you tell?