Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: What authors do you publish? Do you take submissions?

A: Whitlands Publishing publishes books solely for J. Robert Whittle and his wife, Joyce Sandilands. We do not accept submissions.

2. Q: How many books have the authors written?

A: Mr. Whittle has 8 adult novels published and a children's chapter book (Leprechaun Magic) in which he and Joyce collaborated. Joyce has also released the second book in the children's series, 3 On A Moonbeam. they collaberated on their first adult novel, Whispers Across Time, a ghost story, in 2007. He has many other stories and novels as yet unpublished.

3. Q: When did Mr. Whittle start writing?

A:  Mr. Whittle began writing in 1994 while recuperating from knee surgery and the subsequent staph infection which he battled for several years. He had never thought about writing previous to this. For more information on this subject and Robert's life, read his bio.

4. Q: What was the first book Mr. Whittle wrote?

A: His first 2 books are about a lad (Josh) on the Yorkshire moors in the 1700s. These books have not been published as yet and you can find them noted here. His first published book was Lizzie: Lethal Innocence (first book of the Lizzie Series). It was written in 1997/8 and published in late 1998. It became a Canadian Bestseller in mid-2002.

5. Q: Where does Mr. Whittle get the ideas for his stories?

A: Mr. Whittle has a remarkable memory and imagination and is able to utilize characters and situations from his own personal life and varied international work experiences. He has worked and traveled all over the globe including England, India, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Baffin Island, and several other locations in Canada. His CD, Laughing Through Life documents often funny experiences while in these locations.

6. Q: I really like his "Lizzie Series."

A: How many Lizzie books will there be?Book Four (Lizzie's Legacy) may conclude the series although Robert would ideally love to write one or two more. Lizzie is his favourite character which should come as no surprise when you realize her personality is very similar to what he was like as a youngster. Yes, he was every bit as precocious as she and learned at an early age to take risks in business. He continues to have his own business to the present day ... selling books!

7. Q: Will he be writing more in the "Victoria Chronicles?"

A:  No

8. Q: Does Mr. Whittle only write series?

A: None of these series were planned, they simply became multiple volumes due to fan interest and his desire to get to know his characters better. He is now writing novels which will not become a series - our 2007 novel was "Whispers Across Time." Race For A Treasure is our anticipated book for 2008.

9. Q: How long does it take Mr. Whittle to write a book?

A: If a book requires a great deal of research as with the "Victoria Chronicles", it could take more than a year just to do the research for each book due to his busy market schedule and promotional events. Outdoor markets and craft shows are very time consuming but an important part of his success. However, during his several months off in the winter, he is usually able to devote more time to writing.

10. Q: Mr. Whittle has had such an interesting life. Is he writing his autobiography?

A: Robert has never wanted to write a book about himself especially because he does not want to have to remember in detail certain days during his very dangerous job as the head of a first response team to mine disasters. However, in 2005 we released an audio CD with stories from his early life entitled, "Laughing Through Life, Tales of a Yorkshireman."

11. Q: You have Lizzie: Lethal Innocence on audio book. Will Mr. Whittle be recording other books?

A: No. Audio books are very time consuming and costly to produce. 

12. Q. Why did you decide to self-publish?

A. In 1997/98 with 3 novels written, Robert spoke with several authors and learned how difficult it would be to find a publisher who would be prepared to pay him for his manuscripts. So, his wife, Joyce, possessing both secretarial, computer and marketing skills, decided to edit Lizzie and find out how to publish it herself. Robert was then 65 and recently back on his feet after 6 surgeries and almost 4 years of fighting a staph infection in his leg.

13. Q. Mr. Whittle is such a great writer, has he won any awards?

A. Actually, there are very few contests open to self-published authors of fiction. Any of the big contests are only open to authors published by large publishing houses. However, in 2007, we did enter Loyalty's Haven in the Independent Publisher Awards and won a gold medal! Joyce had surmised they would not give awards to books in the middle of a series so she hadn't entered any of the other books.

Thanks for your questions. If you would like to send us your question, we will post them to this list also.

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