“In the end, everything comes down to great books by great authors. We just make sure the amazing readers discover them.” JASPER JOFFE, ceo
Joffe Books pride themselves on innovative publishing, an approach that has built a reputation for crafting great books for readers, long-term relationships with authors, and fleet-footed marketing of the books they love. How refreshing, and how well deserved that Joffe Books was shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year 2020 at the British Book Awards.
Joffe Books are renowned for discovering new talent, and – hooray – bringing overlooked books springing back to life, and to the audience they deserve. In 2019, Joffe acquired the Robert Hale backlist from Crowood Press and extended their core list of crime and mystery to include sagas, historical and romance. In 2020, they acquired the rights to the ever popular Nicholas Rhea’s Constable Nick series.
Murder Squad founder Margaret Murphy’s critically acclaimed backlist of gripping thrillers joined Joffe Books, and the whole of Faith Martin’s romance list, written under the pseudonym Maxine Barry are on board too. Excitingly, Joffe Books also began a partnership with Severn House to bring the likes of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stella Cameron and Judith Cutler to a whole new audience.
Behind the scenes Joffe Books are invested in creating and maintaining their existing and new authors’ careers as writers, ‘Each new title is edited with passion and each new cover is designed with a keen eye on how the book will reach its readers.’ And as writers ourselves, the Frost Magazine team feel that Marketing is crucial – after all, it is the cover that makes a reader reach out for a particular book, Apart from needing to be attractive, it must identify the genre but not slavishly follow what has worked with one, and therefore, so the tired strategy goes, it will work for them all. But where’s the individuality? A book cover should say, Read me. I am what you’re looking for.
As a result of reaching for excellence in all spheres, say Joffe, they are proud that their authors have become some of the most read in the UK, consistently topping the Amazon Kindle and Audible charts for weeks at a time.
It does seem a partnership set to endure, as authors love to work closely with committed editors, love to have a marketing programme, a good cover, social media promotion on top of their own efforts, and on, and on. They love … well, for their babies to reach their readers, and new readers too, and then to build a following.
So … for authors with that manuscript or out of print novel head to Joffe Books Submissions page. For readers, head for Joffe Books to receive their regular news letters, and while you’re there, have a look at the books on offer.
Remember: “In the end, everything comes down to great books by great authors. We just make sure the amazing readers discover them.”
But for now let’s look at a few books out within the last few weeks.
Winter sunrise over stream on the Lincolnshire Wolds
THE CHORISTER AT THE ABBEY by Lis Howell – 99p / 99cA cozy winter murder mystery set in a picturesque Cumbrian Village. A victim has been found dead in the music department at the local collage. He was a grumpy old sod but surely that’s not enough to get you killed?Once again, Suzy partners up with Robert Clark as they find themselves drawn further and further into this mystery.
DARK COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton – 99p / 99c
5 page turning crime thrillers on one bargain box set. A good idea for lockdown?
‘So good, I couldn’t just read a chapter at night!’ Amanda
‘Fantastic read with brilliant characters’ Sue Wallace
Next week we will be featuring EMMA GRUNDY HAIGH COMMISSIONING AND MANAGING EDITOR of Joffe Books
And catching up on crime and other genres.
Until then, from the Frost Magazine team, keep safe, keep well.
Annie Clarke is the author of the Home Front series
