Pressman PR

Ever wondered what newspapers do with all the unwanted books eager publishers and writers send in for review? Well now one bestselling author has found out.

Big Brother TV producer turned author Shed Simove tried to purchase a copy of his own bestseller Ideas Man as a gift for the show’s presenter Davina McCall.

Mr Simove’s inspirational book, detailing his adventures as a TV industry insider and entrepreneur, had sold out from bookstores and online in just three months, causing him to turn instead to the enterprising folks on Amazon Marketplace where he was pleased to find a “brand new” copy in mint and unread condition.

Shed duly handed over his dosh and a few days later a package arrived with his book packed carefully inside.

But when Shed opened the front cover to pen Davina a dedication, he was surprised to see the book had already been dedicated by himself.

Shed said: “I always sign and stamp books before I hand them to friends or send out promotional copies. This particular book had been signed by me, dedicated to a journalist at the Guardian who had requested a copy and then stamped with my own personal seal I created just for this purpose.

“I could hardly believe it when I saw it. The book clearly hadn’t been read, so it’s no wonder it didn’t earn a review in the newspaper’s books section.

“The annoying thing is I still don’t have a book to give to Davina. I clearly can’t give her one that’s been dedicated to someone else. It looks like I will have to wait for the reprint.”

The journalist, from the Guardian’s feature desk, said: “I did receive the book but some promotional books are sold on to raise money for charity when we are finished with them.”

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