Wednesday, February 20, 2008

ADVANCE READER COPIES!



Once again, the UPS man snuck up to my front door and tossed a big fat envelope from Delacorte Press, Random House, then vamoosed.

Inside were TEN (I was only expecting five, so yay!) very beautiful Advance Reader Copies (ARCs or Bound Galleys as Random House calls them) of I So Don't Do Mysteries.

This version of the book goes to reviewers and, uh, wherever else Delacorte Press decides to send it. It gives reviewers a chance to read the book pre-launch and write very very loving and terrific things about it and drum up all kinds of positive advance publicity.

It's very cool, albeit a little scary, to see my story in book form. The ARCs are paperback (the book will actually be released in hardback) and don't have the fancy schmancy glossy cover. The content of the ARCs isn't identical to that of the finished polished version. But, still, it's my story. And it's a book. YAY tinged with a little bit of yikes.

Here, Chez Summy, we have built a little altar with them in the living room.

Darling Husband (DH) stole one and took it to work. I think this definitely falls under the heading of Willful Misconduct with an ARC. Or maybe under Proud Husband.

p.s. I just noticed I'm missing another copy from the shrine. Are these things sprouting legs and jogging to DH's office???

p.p.s. You have to admit the candle is a nice shriney touch.


And....


They don't build shrines the way they used to....

31 comments:

  1. You must be so excited. I'm getting butterflies in my stomach, just reading this and looking at your (funny) photos!

    When is the official release?

    Heidi :)

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  2. Yay! How fun to see all your hard work in book form!

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  3. I would be doing cartwheels! (And maybe ending up in the hospital) LOVE the name and the cover of the book. What age is the book for? My 12 year old is an avid reader. She's read all the Harry Potter books twice, every.single.one of the Judy Bloom books (which, if you ever looked at ONE book case you can certainly tell) and Lord knows what else.

    I'm wondering if this book is for kids her age?

    Congratulations!

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  4. That is the greatest use of ARCs I've ever seen.

    I can't even imagine how excited it is to open this package. I am so happy for you, Barrie. Wow!

    Enjoy the moment. (Gee... do I have to tell you that.)

    And try to capture one of those things running off, it could be like that Bigfoot tape they always show. That'd be cool.

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  5. That is so exciting. It just keeps getting better, doesn't it?

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  6. The shrine looks lovely.
    And I bet you are loving that UPS man!

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  7. Woo-hoo! How thrilling for you!

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  8. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on it!

    This is a dream come true and I am so very happy for you!

    Cheers!

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  9. Wow Barrie! That is really cool. I would be flying if I was you!

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  10. I'm so loving this...seeing my blogger friends having their books in hand!!! Now that you have ARCs out there (and sounds like you have one very proud DH -- as it should be!!), it won't be long before this baby is on book shelves!!! I'm ready!!!

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  11. Congratulations on your new book! Definitely a good reason for a little celebration, including candles!

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  12. THat is AWESOME! Last night, I dreamt about seeing my book in this form, perhaps because of your post about the dust jacket.

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  13. Yikes, be careful of the flame! ;)

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  14. WOW...I am sooooo excited for you!!!! Enjoy everymoment of this adventure!

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  15. oooohhhhhh.....how shrinylicious!

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  16. Oh, wow! Glad you took that picture before the rest of them gew legs and snuck away. It's kinda like a brood of puppies: pretty soon they'll be scattered in all directions, never to be together again...

    *Bill gets all teary-eyed at the thought of how lonely they'll be...but at least they'll be well-loved!*

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  17. Wow! How exciting. Love the shrine. Good for DH. He must be, as you must be very proud. Kudos!

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  18. Barrie, Love the shrine. I have some incense if you really want to start meditating at your alter :-) Just keep the fire away from the ARCs.

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  19. I can't wait to be in your shoes, and I can't wait to read your book!

    When's my ARC gonna get here, anyway??? Somebody in the class is hoarding them, I'm sure.

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  20. WOW!!! How exciting. Enjoy the ride!!!

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  21. In as much as I'd love to get my hands on one of your ARCs -- it wasn't me who took one.

    As for helping figure out who did: Sure I'm editing my own ghost mystery, but in real life, I So Don't Do Mysteries

    It must feel great to see, touch, build shrines,.........

    Jim D
    :-)

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  22. Barrie, I just had to tell you that this entry made me laugh out loud, causing my husband to put down his newspaper and ask for an explanation. The pictures were an especially nice touch.

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  23. How funny this is, and how very exciting! Congratulations you new published author, you. And yes, I'd say Proud Husband over Willful Misconduct. :-)

    ~Debbie

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  24. How exciting - so happy for you!! Enjoy every moment :)

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  25. WOW! congratulations barrie, girl! what a great feeling this must be! i am inspired by your success. and hubby is one proud guy. i LOVE that!

    :)

    maria

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  26. Congratulations! What a great way to celebrate.

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  27. Hooray for gorgeous shiny arcs!!!!!!

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  28. This is so thrilling!
    Almost like having another baby...
    in my day - first book (1989) you only got 3 advances - rather small in plain blue cover.
    Sadly, they must have got lost over time.
    The shrine is an excellent idea.
    Do NOT give them all away or you will be sorry!

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  29. Woot! Everyone should have a book shrine.

    The Possum and I will eagerly await you pub date. She's big on mysteries, as am I. And humorous. We both love that.

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  30. congrats. is this your first book? I will have to check it out when it comes into the stores and send it to my niece.

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Comments are always welcome!