Hal Spacejock

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Hal Spacejock is the first book in Simon Haynes' humorous SF series, which features an incompentent space pilot named Hal Spacejock and his elderly but capable robot, Clunk.

Hal Spacejock was originally published in very limited numbers by Bowman publishing, the author's own imprint, as were the next two books in the series. In July 2004, just weeks after the launch of the third book, a sales rep for Fremantle Arts Centre Press came across the books during a regular visit to Dymocks at the Westfield Carousel shopping centre. The publisher offered Simon a three book contract subject to reworking the books with one of their editors, and Simon agreed.

During a two year editing process the first two books were extended by 10-12,000 words and substantially rewritten. Some of the original scenes remain, but key plot points were altered and several characters were promoted or demoted as needed.

The third book is almost completely new, bearing little resemblance to the first edition.

Hal Spacejock First Edition published by Bowman Publishing Apr 2001 ISBN 1-877034-18-5

Second Edition published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press Sept 2005 ISBN 1-920731-89-X

Other books in the series: Hal Spacejock: Second Course First Edition published by Bowman Publishing Mar 2003 ISBN 1-877034-18-5

Second Edition published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press Mar 2006 ISBN 1-921064-66-8

Hal Spacejock: Just Desserts First Edition published by Bowman Publishing Apr 2004 ISBN 1-877034-30-4

Second Edition to be published by Fremantle Arts Centre Press Jan 2007 ISBN 1-921064-39-0

Of interest to collectors: There were approximately 350-400 copies of Hal Spacejock sold or given away in various covers. These are detailed on the author's home page (www.spacejock.com.au). Approximately 250 copies of the second book were printed, of which 200 are in circulation. And there were only 175 copies of the third book printed - of these, just 125 are in circulation.