Letter to the Editor - from Nasreen Akhtar, publisher

December 29, 2008 - Press Dispensary -

Dear Sir/Madam,

As the author of 'Catch a Fish from the Sea (Using the Internet)', which has been long listed for the ‘Book to Talk About 2009’ – a part of World Book Day, I would like to thank all the people behind this award for giving me a chance at success.

I set up my own publishing company, Greenbirds, several years ago - with help from the Prince’s Trust - to publish my work. However, I do not have the contacts or weight that an established publisher would enjoy and I am grateful for the industry interest in my book.

The long list of 50 titles chosen for ‘Book to Talk About 2009’ by an expert panel was opened to public vote to help decide which 10 would go through to the shortlist. This is announced on 5 January, 2009, and I very much hope to be on it. However, even if I don’t progress any further in the award, the Book to Talk About initiative – now in its second year – has given my work a much-needed kick-start in life and has been instrumental in helping authors and publishers who do not have big name backing.

'Catch a Fish from the Sea (Using the Internet)', ISBN-13: 9780955521416, is about my quest to avoid arranged marriage by diving into cyberspace, as a complete novice, to seek ‘the man of my dreams’. The foreword is by the journalist and broadcaster Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and the book has been commended by Imran Ahmad, author of ‘Unimagined’, and Dr Joy Manné, editor of ‘The Healing Breath’. It was ‘Asian Woman’ magazine's Book of the Month in May 08, gained five star reader reviews on Amazon.co.uk, and has been described as the “Asian Bridget Jones”.

The increased exposure from the ‘Book to Talk About 2009’ long listing has made publicising ‘Catch a Fish...’ much easier and has taken my work to a wide audience. Above all, I hope readers enjoy my personal account of journeys along the path to love and be loved: a path most of us are compelled to follow!

Yours faithfully,



Nasreen Akhtar
Publisher, Greenbirds
Author, 'Catch a Fish from the Sea (Using the Internet)’

- Ends -

For further information, please contact:
Nasreen Akhtar, publisher, Greenbirds
Tel: 0208 223 7032
Email:
Site: www.greenbirds.co.uk