Publishing a Novel - The Ozone Cafe

UPDATED 28/12/2021

Writing a novel is one thing, but getting the manuscript published is another. I have sent this novel The Ozone Cafe to all major publishers including Pan McMillan, Allen & Unwin, to writing competitions including the Caledonian Novel Award, Varuna Publishing Programs and to my state's publisher Fremantle Press. I received rejection after rejection or in some instances utter silence.
I was going to self-publish with Amazon.com, but luckily found Adelaide Books in New York. What a legacy Australia - you rejected me when a New York publisher was willing to take a chance - sight unseen. Well, they must have gone on the work alone. 

Imagine to my surprise when I wrote to the History Dept of the Gosford Shire Library, how pleased I was to be granted permission to use the "original" photograph of the Ozone Cafe that occupied the Cnr of Memorial Avenue & Beach Street, Ettalong N.S.W.  However the real story needs to be written about its infamous past.  Perhaps I could write a short non-fiction book.

Here is their reply:

Good morning Helen,

Thank you for your email.

We are happy to grant permission for you to use the photograph of the Ozone Café, on the proviso that the following attribution be made:

Ozone Café, Ettalong, circa 1945. Sam Hood photograph courtesy Central Coast Library Service

Are you aware of this photograph also in Gostalgia?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gostalgia/6165134726/in/photostream/

This is the view that Café patrons had from the building. I think it has an air of mystery. You can also use this image if you wish, with the attribution

View of Lion Island from the Ozone Café, Ettalong, circa 1945. Sam Hood photograph courtesy Central Coast Library Service

If you can, we would appreciate a copy of your book for our Local History Collection when published.

I wish your project great success,

Best regards

Geoffrey Potter | Local History Librarian | 5/07/2018

 

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