Isle of Wight publishing company, Medina Publishing, has announced a six-book deal with best-selling author, Peter J Murray.
This follows the success of the September 2023 release of his latest title The Darker Side of Wight. The 208-page hardback book of 12 spine-tingling tales, features a startling cover of a two-faced hare and is now, after three months, in its third printing. There has been considerable interest in the book with encouraging copy sales on and off the Island, proving that this is not just a book for the Isle of Wight!
Publishing and film rights
On the back of this success, independent Medina Publishing has now signed publishing and film rights with Murray for his award-winning Mokee Joe series.
The six titles will carry new covers by artist Paul Bryn Davies who in 1986, created the cover for Stephen King’s first best-seller, IT.
An exciting new chapter
The signing marks an exciting chapter for both parties moving into the new year and promises to bring new-found inspiration to get kids reading and improve literacy levels.
Peter J Murray has been visiting schools all over the UK, passionately promoting the joy of reading with his latest release The Darker Side of Wight.
IW literacy campaign
Having engaged with over 300,000 children in 6,000 schools in the past two decades, his impact is undeniable and he is involved with the literacy campaign advocated by the Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas.
Both Medina Publishing and Peter J Murray are on a mission to inspire more children along with their parents to read and to improve literacy on the Isle of Wight which languishes firmly at the bottom of the country’s school literacy charts.
Mokee Joe series
Peter J Murray’s Mokee Joe series was first published in 2003 and has brought joy to thousands of children all over the UK and beyond.
With this new release, there is an aim to bring this classic to a new generation of children to reawaken the magic, and the thrills, all over again!
Medina Publishing is honoured to embark on this literary journey, and the decision to continue their work with Peter was a natural one, given Peter’s exceptional storytelling abilities and unfounded passion for his work.
Murray: I’m so proud of what the Medina Team have already done for me
Peter J Murray said,
“Medina Publishing are a joy to work with. They operate as a highly motivated and professional team and share my passion for inspiring children to read through engaging with an exciting and well-produced book.
“My first publication through Medina, Darker Side of Wight, is without doubt one of the most beautiful and tactile books I’ve come across. I’m so proud of what the Medina Team have already done for me and I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to relaunching my highly successful Mokee Joe series with them. All is looking great for the future!”
Beadle: A truly thrilling opportunity
Medina Publishing marketing and PR assistant, Charlotte Beadle, added,
“As someone who enjoyed this series in my childhood, it’s truly thrilling to have the opportunity to reintroduce these fantastic books to a new generation.”
Moving to the Island
Pete Murray and his wife Kath also plan to relocate from their home in Yorkshire to the Isle of Wight which he affectionately calls the Isle of Fright. He said,
“I love the Isle of Wight.
“It’s freighted with so many astonishing stories and people and I’m busy penning the sequel The Even Darker Side of Wight.”
News shared by Charlotte on behalf of Medina Publishing. Ed
