Publication for Cain's crowdfunded novel brought forward

The publication date of journalist Matt Cain’s The Madonna of Bolton has been brought forward by Unbound due to the support it has received by crowdfunders.

Cain's third novel was picked up by Unbound after being rejected more than 30 times by traditional publishers. Authors including David Walliams, David Nicholls and S J Watson are among those to pledge money to crowdfund the title, leading it to become one of the fastest-funded books on the Unbound platform.

The book - which tells the story of Charlie Matthews, growing up in Bolton, whose obsession with Madonna sees him through some tough times - was originally due to be published in spring 2019 but will now be released on 12th July this year, in time for Madonna's 60th birthday on 16th August.

Cain told The Bookseller that he is "absolutely thrilled" that the publication date for his novel has been brought forward.

"It’s no secret that I struggled for years to get this book published so to have such an incredible response to the crowdfunding campaign in October was amazing, but now to see the publishing industry getting behind it with such enthusiasm is a dream come true", he said.

Cain added that it is also "very gratifying, not to mention exciting", to have so much interest from retailers who recognise the book's "commercial potential".

According to Cain, following the deaths of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince and George Michael, Madonna is the only leading 80s pop star who is still alive, so this year will see a big celebration of her work and career.

Cain said: "I’m particularly pleased that it will be published in time for Madonna’s 60th birthday and all the media interest I know this will generate. All in all, it adds up to the perfect launch pad for a book I care about so passionately."

Unbound said the original publication date was spring 2019, but that it is hoping to capitalise on all the buzz the book has been having, and early interest from the trade, by bringing the date forward.

Katy Guest, the book's editor, said: “I’m so excited about Matt’s novel, which is warm and funny and full of surprises. So I’m thrilled to see that readers all over the world are getting excited about it too. They’ve got a treat to come.”