Karoo Roads, Travel
Karoo Roads Publishing Update
Aug
By Chris Marais
Three weeks ago, we told our faithful Karoo Space subscriber group that we were planning to publish a new book titled Karoo Roads.
We called for 500 pre-orders before pressing the print button in time for Christmas deliveries. So far, we’ve received more than 360 confirmations from people who will be getting their author-signed, first-edition copies of this special book via Postnet sometime in November. Incredibly, we’re more than 70% there already.
All of this is a new experience: we normally take on the printing load ourselves and market after the books have landed. But we are publishing ‘in a time of COVID-19’ and life has changed.
Readers as Co-Publishers
However, our base of loyal Karoo-lovers is still out there. We are on track for a successful publishing venture, even during this stressful period.
Another interesting feature of this way of publishing is that it allows us to ask our readers what they think of the concept and what they would like to see in the book. It makes you all part of the process, as patrons and co-publishers. Here’s what some thought leaders in our field had to say about the Karoo Roads project:
Gus Silber, award-winning journalist and author:
Karoo Roads looks great. The cover is the quintessential Karoo: evocative and beautifully lit. There is a lovely suggestion of a road making its way through the veld as well, inviting the reader to explore the area by car or on foot.
I’ve always enjoyed reading and seeing the tales told by you and Julienne over the years – you’ve made this very special part of the country your own.
Neil Jacobsohn, joint CEO of FutureWorld South Africa:
I reckon this is pretty timely, as we city-slickers dream of getting out to the country.
Dominique le Roux, independent publishing consultant:
My thoughts are that this looks totally fantastic!
Debra Stewart, owner of Bibliophile bookshop in Clarens, Free State:
What a wonderful concept which reduces the angst of printing in the time of COVID-19. And what a beautiful, timeous new book: I overheard browsers on the weekend saying “We have all of those, what joy we have had from them. Wish they’d bring out a new one” whilst motioning towards Karoo Keepsakes I & II.
Dave Bunyard, online marketer and travel expert:
Sounds fabulous. I’m even more intrigued by details of the journeys you guys took to gather all the content. The concept is great and I look forward to reading it.
Stephen van der Merwe, entrepreneur and marketing expert:
Fabulous idea – the book looks full of really interesting facts and history little known to those not living in the Karoo. It’s a great teaser and interest generator for those who want to travel, see and learn more. It will definitely create more interest to those just travelling through, getting them to divert, stay over, spend more and spread their experiences.
Jenni Baxter, of SAPeople website and author:
I love it! Sounds like a must-have book, and a great concept to get 500 orders before pressing print.
Jeremy Nel, destination and upmarket travel expert:
That’s breathtaking – the Karoo is one of my favourite places in the world, and you capture it so masterfully!
Anthony Turton, water resource expert and Karoo-lover:
I love the intimacy of the writing and mental map it creates in the mind of the reader. The unenlightened stereotypical view of the Karoo is a wasteland of parched misery and abject poverty but your writing and images challenge that in a powerful way.
The texture of the landscape is mirrored by the exotic nature of the images and stories they tell of a rich history that has forged a culture of hospitality and caring.
I like the concept and believe it will be a success. I would pitch it as a beacon of hope in the current climate of despair. I would advertise the openness as a place of health and abundance in a world sculpted by the fear of a virus lurking in crowded places.
John Ryan, veteran journalist and author:
I think the format is great. I have long envied the two of you, travelling around the Karoo, discovering its people and places.
Mark Hinds, co-owner of the Karroo Theatrical Hotel, Steytlerville:
Absolutely love it – congratulations on another treasure trove!
Andrew Newby, journalist, novelist and platteland resident:
I think that the concept of your book is sound. It’s a logical progression from the stuff that people are already reading and enjoying.
Over the years you’ve succeeded in elevating the Karoo as a special place in an ever-expanding public imagination. No one else has a handle on the Karoo with the same assurance, flair and content skillset that you two have, so I can only see this initiative succeeding.
People are hungry for anything that anchors them in these uncertain times. Your promise hints at that and reminds them that this magical Karoo world is still there – waiting to be explored on the pages of a unique book. It will do well.
If you want to book your first-edition copy of Karoo Roads (R350 for the book and counter-to-counter Postnet delivery) email co-author Julienne du Toit at julie@karoospace.co.za
I lived in Cradock a very long time ago. Born there in 1941 and left ten years later. I’m thinking of the doctors there in those days. Jannie Wessels was in the airforce during the war and sported a smart moustache – very authentic pilot look. And Dr Scholtz whose grandson is now my opthalmologist in CT so we chat about the old days there. He told me a lovely story about his grandfather who after matriculating at the Boys High, went to Stellenbosch to become a dominee. After a year he came home and told his father he wanted to do medicine. It was not well received. In fact his father washed his hands of him and his medical aspirations. So he and a mate got themselves to Ireland where they worked to put themselves through university to qualify as doctors. How wonderful that old Dr Scholtz came back to Cradock and practised there for years. So did his son. Many will remember them. Patricia Becker Stapleton
Please could I order/ pay for 1 copy of your new book, Chris & Julienne? Well done, again! Lynne Minnaar
Oh lovely I will like to order three please.
I’m so enjoying reading your other books.
Road safe cycling from town to town perhaps included ? It’s fun for groups to plan a few days of cycling from one end to another through beauty…landing at appropriate venues pre booked ..lots of money in cycling … a Camino-style karoo off road cycle tour route perhaps? just a thought
This ‘slackpacking’ cycling option with Great Karoo Cycling Trails is great. Have a look: https://www.gkcycle.co.za/
Hey, du toit. i watched you grow up! I’ve been keeping up with you and, recall you from years ago, just when the Karoo formed
I recall feeling so happy that you found an equally gifted partner, Chris, who’ve I never met but will.`
Are you still in touch with Jackie Myburg(h).
How can I get a copy of your latest book . I can EFT in 10 seconds flat.
In case you’ve no idea who (or even whom) I am… like you, I am, an escapee from the newspaper world (do you recall newspapers/?) and, like you, found a soulmate who is a photographer. well she’s trying to be.. She is my next door neighbour and full of fun. We lost our spouses within three months of each after 37 years of marriage – and 57 years in my case – and did not know each other until we bumped into each outside after the funerals so tospeak.
Enough! You must wait for the movie.
Where are you guys on Karoo Road
Publishing. Saw the clip on karroo bewoners
Would like to order pse
Hi Theo. Email us on julie@karoospace.co.za and we’ll send you all the details.