So You Want To Write A Book!

 

Writing a book is easy. Getting it bought by the public is the hard part. Just when I thought I’d completed the task of researching, writing, editing and finding a publisher – I was then faced with the real challenge of getting people to read my work!

To give you an example, “From Handbags to Hand Grenades” was released in January 2025. Since then, I’ve repeatedly contacted over 800 media outlets from newspapers to TV – yet so far, all I’ve managed to do is secure just three interviews in obscure and hard to reach far corners of the British Isles.

I also have multiple social media profiles and make bi-monthly contributions to over 440 specially targeted groups to those who I think would like the book. After combining all the figures from each group I’m looking at a collective potential audience of roughly seven million views of my posts every two weeks. Yet, this again was slow on the uptake and all I seem to attract are hordes of fake marketing agents and scammers who try and offer me their services. It’s been a bit of a surprise with how little the overall response has been, and a very steep learning curve.

However, there is something positive in all of this. Despite the knockbacks, the mistakes I’ve made and the constant worry of whether I’ll make any money; I can be proud to say I’ve produced something out of nothing. And that something is now being read by others who are enjoying my work and leaving a string of five-star reviews across the board. I found out recently my book is being sold in 86 countries which was a real boost and has now recently become available in audio format – as well as Paperback and Kindle.

Promoting and selling is like a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows and you never know what’s coming around the corner. If someone had told me before I embarked on this three-year journey what I was going to be facing, then I may have had second thoughts. But here I am, and I’m glad that despite the difficulties faced, I’d say to anyone who’s thinking about doing this to go for it. The feeling of something tangible in your hand that you’ve created is like nothing in this world - even more so when you see that others are enjoying it too. It’s quite awesome and something I’d highly recommend. If this is one of your dreams in life, then you ought to give it a go.

From Handbags to Hand Grenades by Mark Robertson is the inspirational true story about former Police Officer Kathryn West. The book talks about her life, career and dangers met every day for officers on the thin blue line. From the Tavistock Square bombing to Grenfell Tower, West’s first-hand experience talks candidly of chilling tales and memorable moments of life on the beat during her 30 years in the MET. Paperback and Kindle available on Amazon, with the audio version available to download from Audible. Click on the links below to order your copy today.

 

For Paperback and Kindle (UK) Click here.

Paperback and Kindle (Rest of the world) Click here.

Audio version Click here.

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Sale of Marmite Collection.

Are you a lover or a hater? 

Dear visitor,

This page is for the sale of Marmite products which belonged to my beloved late wife Laura. As some of you will know, she passed away from Cancer in 2020 at the age of just 45. More info about Laura can be found here.

Laura was a collector of Marmite memorabilia and wanted others to benefit from her incredible collection, which originally amassed over 300 items. Some pieces have now been sold and I'm now starting the next round of sales which you can have for exceptionally low prices. 

In the picture below, you will see two sizes of box described as small and large with the items contained within the box written on there. To keep things simple, a small box is priced at £10 and a large box at £20. However, if you purchase two boxes or more, you get all subsequent boxes after the initial one for half price!!! 

With reference to the other products, they are done on a price per item basis, but the sames rules as above will apply - buy the first item at full price and get the second item for 50% off. Carriage cost will be extra based on weight and sent by Royal mail using either a tracked and signed for method - or Special delivery whichever works out best as per the consignment. 

To place your order, please email me on davidwalkerfj@gmail.com and put MARMITE SALE in the subject line. Include a clear description of the boxes you would like along with a full name, address and post code. I will then reply back confirming availability, along with the total price including the carriage and payment details. Once payment has been received I will ship out the items to you. Please note - under new rules that PayPal has recently set out, I have decided not to accept PayPal as a method of payment.

Please help me to keep the memory of Laura alive by owning a part of her special collection. She was a caring and wonderful person who always went out of her way to help others. If you have any questions then don't hesitate to get in touch where I will try and answer them as best I can. All jars are in extremely good condition with very little wear / tear / damage as they were originally stored in either a display cabinet, or set of drawers as you can see in the photo below. 

Please note - due to their age, the contents of the jars should not be eaten. No responsibility will be accepted for anyone who attempts to do this. Everything is for decorative purposes only. 

Thank you in advance. 

David. 

Buy one item and get a second for HALF PRICE!!!