The entry in Dante Alighieri’s diary for April 22nd 1980 reads: What do publishers do, who do not do their own repping, distribution, publicity and writing? I can’t help wondering? For instance, if it is a bit quiet on the sales and distribution front, I turn my attention to the publicity and Mediaville. Then there are the accounts’ statements to be sent out. When I have some spare time in the evening or on the tube, I write my diary. It is a full and satisfying life. Read on and be enthralled by the Dead Loss Success Story which has more than a passing resemblance to the early days of Dedalus.