Bluemoose orders reprints for Rónán Hession pre-publication due to 'phenomenal' demand

Independent publisher Bluemoose Books has ordered reprints for a book—Ghost Mountain by Rónán Hession—prior to publication for the first time in its 18-year history, owing to “phenomenal” demand. 

The Leonard and Hungry Paul author’s third novel was reprinted ahead of its publication last month. 

Kevin Duffy, co-founder of the Yorkshire-based indie, told The Bookseller: “Due to phenomenal pre-publication sales and support from booksellers and libraries in Ireland and the UK, we’ve just had to book in a reprint. 

“The first print run for Ghost Mountain by Rónán Hession was 4,000 hardbacks and we’ve just pressed the button on the reprint, which is testimony to the legion of readers who love Rónán’s writing. It is a first for Bluemoose to have to reprint before the official publication day of one of our novels.” 

Duffy added: “We’ve already sold German rights of GM to Blessing, an imprint of PRH, which is publishing in October.”  

The author’s debut, Leonard and Hungry Paul, now published in 13 territories, was shortlisted for six literary prizes. His second, Panenka, is now translated into four languages and was shortlisted at the A Post Irish Book Awards. Both books were published by Bluemoose. 

Ghost Mountain was published on 23rd May at a launch in the historical bookshop Hodges Figgis, Dublin, though celebrations lasted over 10 days. A subsequent book launch took place in the UK at Waterstones in Deansgate, Manchester, last week followed by an independent bookshop launch at The Book Corner in Halifax with a later London launch hosted by the Irish Literary Society at Fitzrovia Hall. 

Last month it was revealed that Bluemoose was partnering with UCLan Publishing to create a Centre of Publishing Excellence at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, to boost “the creative economy” in the north following 18 months of planning. It will offer a central hub for publishing industry professionals and aspiring publishers.