good news and bad

it was always along shot but Wh Smith haven't taken us on as central stock. here's the email

Head OfficeGreenbridge RdSWINDON SN3 3LD

Rob BassettFluffy Little Kitten Ltd44b Hazelbourne RoadLondon SW12 9NS

20th March 2008

RE: ‘Fluffy Little Kitten’

Dear Rob

Thank you for your letter and sample books concerning the above title. Following my selection meeting, I have decided not to take this title for range in WH Smith stores. As you can imagine, I receive a vast amount of potential new products and unfortunately, space is at a premium. A decision is made using a number of different criteria – customer demand, market trends, format and current range to mention but a few. A decision is then made as to whether the product would return a sufficient profit, and on this occasion, I have concluded it would not. I would like to add that if the books are registered with Nielsen BookData, we could fulfil customer orders through our customer ordering service. You can contact them on 01438 744100. May I also draw your attention to the WHSmith Approved Independent Publisher scheme, which is operated in conjunction with Gardner’s Books. The scheme offers independent publishers a number of benefits and if you were interested, I would advise you to contact Aidan Lunn at Gardner’s Books (Tel: 01323 521555). We are happy to return your sample books to you if a stamped addressed envelope of sufficient size and postage is forwarded to us within one month of the date of this letter. Thank you once again for taking the time to bring these books to my attention. Yours Sincerely

Mick Parsons
Children’s Education Buyer

however on payment of a 90 quid advertising fee in one of their catalogues, Betrams THE have taken 50 copies of each book. This is significant as it means we can get stock to bookshops overnight if they're interested in the book.