Project

A book to inspire future generations

Overview

Visually rich publication with photographs, maps and paintings
Research conducted at Imperial War Museum and RAF Museum
Part of the proceeds benefit the RAF Benevolent Fund

Challenge

Mark Aedy’s late father, Squadron Leader Ken Aedy, left behind a collection of personal memoirs from his time in service which provided the foundation for Mark’s project, From Biplanes to Fast Jets. This content inspired the creation of a deluxe illustrated hardback volume, designed as a tribute to his father and a whole generation, and to make Ken’s wartime experiences accessible to future generations, conveying his lifelong love of flying while balancing personal narrative with historical accuracy. To navigate the complexities and range of publishing skills required to bring a project like this to life, Mark enlisted the expertise of Whitefox to guide the project through its various stages.

Execution

The book was successfully launched on 29th May 2024 at the RAF Club in London, coinciding with what would have been Ken’s 100th birthday. Beyond commemorating Ken’s legacy, the project raised funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and garnered significant interest through podcast appearances and literary festivals. A three-month marketing campaign, supported by Whitefox’s expertise, showcased the book’s premium quality through digital and print ads. The campaign boosted pre-orders and established a loyal readership, with the book praised for its authenticity and appeal to military history enthusiasts.

Results/Outcome

Our three-month marketing campaign included the creation of assets for advertising and social media, designed to showcase the book’s premium quality and striking visuals. Through a combination of digital and print advertising and optimisation of the book’s Amazon listing, early interest around the book was secured and a steady stream of pre-orders built. Continuing to sell since its publication, the book has struck a chord with military history and aviation enthusiasts and has been praised by readers and reviewers alike for its authenticity and giftable quality.

Explaining History: From biplanes to the jet age – three decades in the RAF

For the past decade, the 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 has been exploring 20th Century history on a weekly basis, helping students and enthusiasts engage with the past. In the episode titled 'From Biplanes to the Jet Age - Three Decades in the RAF', they interview Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Over the past two years, Mark has been compiling Ken's memoir 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘉𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘑𝘦𝘵𝘴, set to be published ...

explaininghistory.org • June 06, 2024

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