Airline buys 2,000 copies of self-published bedtime story

A devoted dad's self-published bedtime story, about a hot air balloon, a rabbit and an owl, has got off to a flying start after receiving an order for 2,000 copies from Virgin Atlantic airline. The Bookseller reported.

Stephen Holmes, who works in data management, has been telling his daughters Madison and Ella a tale about two children who go on a magical balloon ride for years.

Madison, who is now seven, finally convinced him to publish it earlier this year. They found an illustrator, Kev Payne, online, and Holmes ordered a print run of 1,000 copies of The Great Hot Air Balloon Adventure, thinking he would sell the book to family and friends, and at local fairs and fetes. Guardian UK reported.

After selling just 500 copies, Holmes decided to try his luck by tracking down the name of someone from Virgin Atlantic on LinkedIn, and sent him the book one morning. By the afternoon, he’d heard back.

He was shocked to discover that the company loved it, and they ordered 2,000 copies to give away on night flights.

Matt Webster, senior customer experience manager at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We were instantly charmed by Stephen’s endearing book, as well as the story behind it, and felt it would be a great hit with families on night time flights. It was the icing on the cake that Stephen is based in Haywards Heath, just around the corner from Virgin Atlantic’s HQ; we always like to support up-and-coming local talent where we can”.

Since the book became a hit, Holmes is now keen to find an agent and a publisher, to give the book a wider audience and to continue writing.

He told Guardian UK: “The original plan was to sell a few to make some money for the girls. That’s not changed, it’s just on a larger scale, now. We are going to donate to the Make a Wish charity for every copy sold, and if it sells well it will be a legacy for the girls. I’d certainly never thought of myself as an author, just a dad making up stories for his kids. But what’s happened with Balloon has been incredible. I’ve definitely got the bug now and I’m testing out new stories all the time with my two biggest critics and supporters – my girls.”

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