Stylish book but so badly promoted

AS the author of an online guide to Lincoln Cathedral, I was more than happy to allow publication of one of my photographs in the illustrated guide to Lincoln Cathedral 'Capturing Lincoln Cathedral', especially as it was a fund-raising exercise for the building. I have though, been less than happy at its promotion and availability.

The book was launched at the Moorland Coop in Tritton Road, Lincoln. I cannot think of a more inappropriate place for a book launch. Were I to launch such a book, it would have been at the cathedral, museum or Waterstone's in the Cornhill.

Could I find it on sale anywhere in Lincoln? The answer was no.

I checked all the bookshops. I asked in Waterstone's. They said no, not seen it but had plenty of inquiries. When I described the book, they said it would have walked off the shelves and they would have expected high volume sales in the run-up to Christmas.

They would have been more than happy to have hosted the book launch.

I thought maybe try the gift shop at the museum. No. They were not even aware of its existence. When described, they said it would have sold if they had copies.

Maybe Ruddocks. It, after all, was the printer. If the book was there I could not find it and I knew what I was looking for. I could not be bothered troubling the assistants.

The cathedral gift shop? It must have copies on sale. Again no. Had it run out? No. It beggared belief that it had never had copies for sale. The shop suggested I try the Coop.

The Coop was the last place I would expect to look for a book, but having tried everywhere else, I thought I'd try the Coop as a last resort. Not any old Coop, but the Moorland Coop where the book had been launched.

Staff at the Moorland Coop told me they had had copies, but been asked to send them back. Back where, on whose request, was not clear. The helpful assistant was, though, able to find a couple of copies. As a lady and gentlemen had just been told they had no copies I gave them the good news and they bought the two.

The presentation of the book leaves much to be desired.

And is the book worth having? Yes, it is very stylishly produced and one of the best available on the cathedral. It is just a pity that those responsible for its sale and promotion did such a poor job.

It is rumoured 'Capturing Lincoln Cathedral' will be re-launched in the spring. If true, I can only hope a more professional job is done.

KEITH PARKINS Farnborough, Hampshire.