Susan Hill to publish Serrailler Kindle Single

Author Susan Hill is to publish a Kindle Single short story featuring her series detective Simon Serrailler, saying she prefers to self-publish in digital where she can "until all publishers play fair(er) on e-book prices".

Chatto & Windus will publish the eighth Serrailler novel, The Soul of Discretion, on October 2nd.

Hill said the short story "A Breach of Security", to be released on 25th July, meant Serrailler fans "who have been waiting (im)patiently for the new book will have something to keep them happy until October."

Asked about her decision to publish the short herself, Hill commented that it was an "easy" decision, saying: "I get 70% from a Kindle Single and 25% from PRH. Until all publishers play fair(er) on e-book prices I will continue to do them myself where I can."

She added: "I just had an idea for a crime short… and Kindle Singles have been very good indeed to me. I have four short stories up there and they have all done very, very well."

Hill will also publish a small card-cover paperback of the story via her own publishing imprint, Long Barn Books, at £1.99.

Following reversion of the rights, Long Barn will also republish Hill's Christmas story for children Can It Be True? on 25th September, as a small hardback edition. The new edition will carry freshly commissioned illustrations from Valerie Greeley.

Hill can be contacted via mail@susan-hill.com.