A bigger better Horsepower Whisperer

The temptation to re-submit The Horsepower Whisperer to the printers so that I can see the new cover design properly has been almost overwhelming. But I must be patient.

I have been revising the interior layout and it has grown slightly. The text lay too close to the gutter - the vee between the pages - so that's been widened and the end papers revised. There will be a map or two and information on forthcoming books and the website.

Reaction to the hard copy has been extremely encouraging. Everybody likes the size of the text and typefaces, which apparently make it very easy to read. The paper is a really crisp white that puts other paperbacks to shame.

I now have a list of orders awaiting fulfilment. This just means more temptation to re-submit for another galley proof.

One comment from Friday lunchtime was interesting. My mate Pete said, "Why does it always have to be 'The' something. Why can't it be 'Of'? Like 'Of Horsepower Whisperers'." A lively debate ensued around the table. I happen to like The. I have positive associations with bands that start with The - like The Clash, The Buzzcocks, The Kinks, The Flaming Sideburns, The Hellacopters. There are exceptions - Iggy Pop, Jet, Stiff Little Fingers (I saw SLF in Bath last week and they were brilliant) but I will keep the title as it is. However, I reckon Pete's got a point. I think "Of Horsepower Whisperers" sounds incredibly intriguing.