Fiction - Open Door
Before I became a full-time writer I worked in Dublin Public Libraries. I often met people who couldn’t read or write. They wanted desperately to learn to do both. I also met literacy tutors who were frustrated at the lack of suitable material for their students.

I approached New Island in 1998. My aim was to publish a series of literacy novellas with high production values written by well-known writers. Edwin Higel and the team at New Island were highly motivated, committed and eager. It would never have worked without the commitment, enthusiasm and sheer goodwill of the fantastic writers who stepped up to the plate. Many of the authors are internationally bestselling authors.All are agreed that writing these novellas was challenging but immensely rewarding. To introduce someone to the joy of reading is an honour and a privilege.

At the moment, we are discussing our seventh series. We have thirty-seven books.The concept has far surpassed its original requirement. Open Door has become an educational tool, not only for emerging readers with literacy problems, but for those interested in improving their English language and reading skills. Many teachers are using them in secondary schools to encourage teenage readers to get into the habit of reading. The goal is to promote the joy of reading so that the students will go on to read the author’s full length novels. This strategy is working in many schools.

Patricia Scanlan,
Series Editor