Catch Donkey Books at Beverwijk Uit de Kunst!
We’ve got some exciting news to share with all our readers and fellow book lovers!
Donkey Books is thrilled to announce our participation in Beverwijk Uit de Kunst 2025! 🎉Â
We’re incredibly excited to be part of this fantastic event that celebrates art and culture right here in the IJmond region.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the faces behind Donkey Books – Emilia and Ronald – and chat about our novels, the writing process, and perhaps even get a signed copy of your favorite Fiction & Facts or psychological horror read!
We can’t wait to connect with you in person!
For more details about the event, the full program, and how to get there, be sure to visit the official Beverwijk Uit De Kunst website.
Mark your calendars and come say hello! We’re really looking forward to seeing you there!
Date & Time:
Sunday September 14, 2025
Time: 13:00-18:00 hrs
Venue:
conservatory in the library
Kerkplein 5, Beverwijk
Donkey Books Presents:
A Life in Images and Story
A Tribute to Wim and Jane
This autumn, we cordially invite you to the Beverwijk Uit de Kunst cultural market on September 14, 2025. Donkey Books is proud to present the long-awaited reprint of “The Album of Röling & Van Lieshout,” a moving family chronicle that pays tribute to the lives of Wilhelmus Cornelis (Wim) Röling (1890-1972) and Adriana Maria (Jane) van Lieshout (1889-1983).
The story begins with a difficult childhood. Wim, a boy of German descent, endured great adversity and had to stand on his own at the age of 15. He found his way as a flower grower in Castricum. There, he met Jane, a daughter from a family of water millers. They married in 1916 and moved to Heemskerk, where they built a new life as market gardeners. Together, they laid the foundation for a thriving family and a rich life.
This reprint, on the occasion of their hundredth wedding anniversary, is an expanded and improved edition. The hardcover book contains 110 pages, filled with newly retouched photos on semi-gloss paper, which beautifully capture the lives of Wim and Jane.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover this unique piece of local history. Visit us on September 14 and be inspired by this heartwarming story of love, perseverance, and family.


Lecture: Your Story, Your Audience
Experiences with Self-Publishing
Do you have a manuscript lying around and dream of finally holding it as a physical book, entirely on your own terms? Or are you simply curious about the fascinating world of self-publishing and the huge opportunities it offers? If so, you won’t want to miss this inspiring lecture!
On Sunday, September 14, at 4:45 PM, Ronald Voortman, co-founder of Donkey Books, will take you on an exciting journey. He’ll share his experiences and give a unique look into the world of independent and successful publishing. Forget the myths and discover the concrete steps to turn your written work into a professionally published book.
During the lecture, Ronald will reveal the crucial phases after ‘the last word’:
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The Quality Check with Control: From the essential importance of professional editing and proofreading to the smart use of beta readers.
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Design & Production in Your Own Hands: How do you turn a text file into a tangible book? From the art of compelling cover designs and readable interiors to the practical considerations of applying for an ISBN and choosing the right printer.
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Into the World, Your Way: Your book is finished, now what? Learn how you, as both author and ‘publisher’ of Donkey Books, can handle your own marketing and distribution.
Ronald will openly share the challenges he faced, the moments of pure success, and the valuable lessons he has learned. With practical tips and personal anecdotes, this lecture offers a unique insight into the world of independent publishing, where you hold the reins.
Meet Donkey Books at the Library
Before and after the lecture, you can visit the Donkey Books bookstand in the library’s conservatory. Emilia Voortman, the other half of the Donkey Books team, will be there to answer all your questions. You can also view and purchase Donkey Books titles there!
Practical Information
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For who? Aspiring authors, writers with a finished manuscript, creatives, and anyone interested in the process of book production and self-publishing.
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Date: Sunday, September 14
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Time: 4:45 PM
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Location: Beverwijk Library
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from an expert and get inspired for your own successful self-publishing adventure!