It's over ten years since Billy Hopkins independently published his first novel, OUR KID. Isobel Dixon became aware of the book's regional success, took Billy on as a client, and sold rights to Headline. The novel, based on Billy's own journey to adulthood before and during the Second World War, won the hearts of thousands of readers, selling over 200,000 copies through BookScan. Four more novels chronicling Billy's further adventures followed, while for KATE'S STORY the author focused on his mother's long and fascinating life. Total sales of Billy's books now amount to over 540,000 through BookScan.

TOMMY'S WORLD, Billy Hopkins' 7th novel based on the childhood and early adult years of Billy's father, Tommy, is published in the UK by Headline today. Born in Manchester in 1886, Tommy encountered hardship and bereavement from an early age, but despite this he picked up an education and fought his way to a decent job in Smithfield market. Then he met a young woman called Kate…...

TOMMY'S WORLD will initially be published in hardback, with the paperback to follow in early 2010. Billy Hopkins - now in his 80s - will actively help to sell the book with visits to bookshops and libraries, where he has been a great hit in the past.

Marion Donaldson of Headline said: 'I'm thrilled to have a new novel from an author who has such a wonderful ability to evoke days gone by. It's always a pleasure to work with Billy, and his many readers will be delighted to encounter Tommy - who has of course appeared in earlier novels - as the central character in TOMMY'S WORLD.'

Large print and unabridged audio editions will also soon be available from Magna and Isis respectively.

Click here to go to Billy's website