PRESS RELEASE: BOOK FAIR - DURBAN - MAY 17

FIRST ‘print-on-demand’ Publishing

BOOK FAIR FOR DURBAN

Saturday 17 May

9am – 4 pm

Durban Botanic Gardens: NBS Education Centre

A ‘first-ever’ book fair is to take place in Durban on 17 May at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Hosted by the independent company, Just Done Productions Publishing, the book fair is designed to showcase the diverse works of their numerous South African authors.

Founded in 2006 by John and Shirene Dovey – a couple ‘passionate about encouraging people to tell their stories’ - Just Done Productions Publishing is also the first-ever ‘print-on-demand’ publishing company to be established in SA, and is linked to the popular American website that pioneered this publishing format, Lulu.com.

“We specialise in South African material, because we feel that South Africans have wonderful stories to tell. South Africans need to be encouraged to support local authors and poets,” explains John Dovey, who has gathered oral histories since 1996. He decided to start publishing these when new print-on-demand technology made publishing feasible without a huge capital outlay - or the necessity for commercial success.

In less than two years, this enthusiastic and energetic couple has published more than 150 books. The subject matter of these works is vast and varied and includes military history, biographies and autobiographies, poetry, plays, cookery, parenting, religion and spirituality, genealogy, Christian poetry, computers and internet, travel, teen interest, fashion, performing arts, children’s stories, a number of works of fiction and much more.

Military enthusiasts will be well catered for at the Just Done Book Fair. John Dovey has for decades been involved in military service and his expertise and interest has resulted in many books on this topic being published by Just Done. These military stories are both historical and personal, giving insight into numerous conflict situations – from South West Africa to the Rhodesian Bush War – and the effects on the people involved. Military books take the top ten places on the Just Done bestseller list.

Just Done decided to host a book fair because, “We realised that a lot of people are nervous about purchasing books sight unseen on the internet,” says Shirene. “We have found that if people meet us and get to see the quality of the physical works, they are a lot more comfortable with the idea. The Book Fair is meant to serve as an occasion for the public to get to see the books and meet the people involved in producing them.”

Book lovers will have the opportunity to meet and mingle - and browse through an assorted selection of reasonably priced books to suit all tastes. A number of authors are scheduled to give talks throughout the day. Approximately 20 authors will be there on the day to sign copies of their books.

Just Done Publishing offers a service which allows authors to publish their work at a fraction of the cost of traditional publishing through the use of the latest technology in printing and distribution. John and Shirene are proud that they are able to publish works that are important both historically and in terms of giving a voice to the ordinary person.

“It is very difficult for many people to have their works published through mainstream publishers and the high costs of traditional publishing prevent many voices from being heard,” says John. ”We take pleasure in giving those who have not had the opportunity, or necessary funding, a chance to be heard.”

The book fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NBS Education Centre, Durban Botanic Gardens. Safe parking is provided. Families are encouraged to buy books, meet the authors and then enjoy a picnic or support the famous tea-garden in the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

R2 per person entrance fee will be charged. Tea and Coffee will be available.

For more information contact: Just Done Productions Publishing email: publish@justdone.co.za or phone 083 3888290.

http://www.justdone.co.za/

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Some of the authors who will speak are:

Brigadier JW Parker CBE was the first post-Apartheid British Defence Adviser in 1993 and will speak of his experiences and his factional fictional novel –The Corrupt Affair- linked to the SA ’Arms Deal’ and his next novel Just Now, Now Now – experiences as a farmer in the KZN Midlands. Title of talk: ‘Guns to plough shares’

Robin Lamplough - well known local author and former Kearsney College teacher will be talking on ‘Making History Pay’

Prop Geldenhuys - the Rhodesian Air Force Operations

Kyra - dealing with Abuse and Destructive Relationships

Eve Jenkin - ‘424 424’ –the famous emergency number which could be dialed if people were in trouble during the apartheid years…

Kim Wilmsen - Exploring the Hollow Tree

Brenda George – The Making of an Epic Novel

Di Medley – Holistic Health thematically linked to the Moon

Lesley Thomson - Elephants in my garden and other weird characters

Ed Morrison – There is always hope

and others yet to be confirmed. More information regarding specific times and topics will be available closer to the Fair.