Author goes against WHSmith in battle for distribution
December 12, 2007 by Editor
Author Von Mozar sold his home to follow his dream of starting his own publishing company over a year ago. His first book Ignorance Kills was a local success, selling hundreds of copies in the Brixton branch of WHSmith, however when he approached the news and magazine outlet’s head office, he was promptly refused a distribution deal. According to Mozar, this refusal was based on WHSmith’s belief that black people don’t read books, and white people don’t buy Black authors.
Un-daunted and through his own research, Mozar discovered he could sell magazines on the street legally. He devised a new and innovative strategy. Together with a magazine publisher he went into business and created a new publication, Sable. He sold the magazine and gave his book away for free outside various WHSmith and locations around London.
Over 3000 copies sold
To date Von Mozar has sold copies of his books to over 3000 people, 90% of which are Black. However, even with his winning street sales strategy, Mozar is still struggling to publish his forth coming titles, including Little Jamaica (due for publication May 2008) and other authors with whom he is working. In addition, he wants to start a book cafe for young people, which is aimed at encouraging the benefits of reading. Mozar believes this can only be accomplished if he sells the remaining copies of his current title Sexfiend.
Local Support aids distribution
Many local south London businesses and people, at the grass roots level, have pledged support for Mozar’s efforts to accomplish his dream of starting a successful publishing company and Book Cafe, moreover he would like to prove to WHSmith’s that they are wrong when it comes to their erroneous belief. Mozar recently held a prize draw where the top prize was a trip to Jamaica. This was held in conjunction with Apollo Video in West Norwood.
Your help is needed
He has further plans to publicize his business, books and authors but needs your help to accomplish his goals.For further details or to buy online visit: www.waterbuck.co.uk now to reserve your copies.
Von Mozar has done well. Its very challenging for young black authors to get signed up. I suggest black authors use lulu.com and self-promote. Success no longer depends on a publishing deal.
I am very proud of you Van Mozar you are a great inspiration to me, I dont thnk that you actually realise how much.
Seeing you over the past two decades and knowing you indirectly growing up round town, to know what you have turned into as a young black man is heart warming.
Keep up with the good work, you never know we might meet one of these days as I am also trying to break into this field as a young black woman from around the way.
I have a friend who has highly recommended his book. I was doing some research on the author and came across this. I find it highly offensive that someone would state “that black people don’t read books”. I am glad that he has gotten out there on his own and doing the right thing.