Statement from UQP regarding ‘Skeleton School’, December 2016
A statement from my book publisher UQP, via its website:
“The University of Queensland Press (UQP) agreed in 2014 to publish a work written by award-winning Brisbane journalist and author Andrew McMillen, titled Skeleton School: Dissecting The Gift Of Body Donation. In accordance with the publishing agreement, Mr McMillen delivered the work – which was intended to be his second book for UQP – in 2016.
UQP regrets to advise that, through no fault of Mr McMillen, it is unable to publish Skeleton School. The University is now of the view that the publication of any book on the issue of the Body Donor Program, however sensitive, may upset some families and friends of participants in that program. There is no suggestion that this decision reflects in any way on the quality and standard of the book, which met the expectations of UQP.
UQP is hopeful that it may have the opportunity to publish further works written by Mr McMillen.”
This is so disappointing, Andrew (understatement of the year). I only just read of this news, and there are some things I’d like to say, but won’t. I hope you find another publisher who is wise and ballsy enough to get such an important book out into the world. All the best, mate.