Thank you for publishing a letter from my old colleague, David Rowland, which provides a glimpse into the world of book selling (The Argus, July 8).

Like his books, it makes an accurate and cogent read and I support his sentiments entirely.

May I provide another insight into the world of writing and publishing: I have just had my first full-length novel published. In order to do this I have had to pay for the process. This is despite having had the draft read and approved by a number of people whose judgement I value and respect.

I found that when I wrote to mainstream publishers, those who bothered to reply advised me to take on a literary agent.

Every reply I received from fiction agents was to the effect that they were not taking on any new authors.

Compare this with the fact that a certain female celebrity received an up-front seven-figure advance for an “autobiography” she did not even write.

The reason, of course, is money – “her” book will almost certainly sell owing to the population’s obsession with celebrity culture.

Even if mine sells very well I don’t expect to recoup the cost, but publication is something I always wanted to achieve.

I have finished my autobiography and embarked on a new novel as well as another, more humourous, work.

It’s a shame that the world will never read them – I can’t afford to publish again.

Allan Neil, The Crescent, Lancing

I WOULD like to endorse David Rowland’s letter on the demise of the independent book shop and other small shops which sold local books from small, independent publishers.

I have lost the following outlets in recent years: a newsagent in Patcham, post offices in both Havelock and Loder Roads, Read All About It in East Street, a pharmacy and a garden statue shop in Preston Road.

Then there are multiple outlets such as Blackwell’s in Bond Street and, worst of all, Brighton Bookshops and Stationers. The latter company had retail outlets all over Sussex which ordered local books in bulk.

The newsagent I’m referring to in Patcham aimed to stock all the local books in print so collectors and teachers knew where to go to buy the latest local publications.

The owner of an independent book shop in Sheffield told me he now sells more books at events outside his shop, rather than in it.

Selma Montford, Clermont Road, Brighton