No matter how cut and dried something like the publication of a first novel might seem — however long the contract has been signed and as enthusiastic as one’s publisher may be — I would imagine there’s always a sense, for every debuting novelist, that something must go wrong. With all the false starts along the way, it’s inevitable, I suppose, that the little daemon sitting on the left shoulder should whisper of 11th hour disappointment and failure.
Thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the way that it’s going with the impending publication of my debut novel If I Never. Yes, I still have to keep pinching myself — but, by and large, the doubt has been assuaged (touch wood!) The novel is now back from the printer and my author copies are winging their way to me via, I assume, Royal Mail (will probably receive them in a month or two, then!), and the promotional/marketing machine is now kicking into action. This week has been fairly hectic — bits and pieces to sort out with the wonderful Lauren and Lucy at Legend, and my personal PR/marketing team (Richard and Janet Ruzyllo) — but everything is falling into place very nicely. Let it suffice to say that I’m pretty bloody chuffed with the way things are progressing. It’s early days, of course, with much work still to do, but I have excellent support from Team Legend, Richard and Janet, my numerous online friends and, of course, my wonderful parents (thanks to whom there are now promotional posters in just about every shop window in Eston!… I’m even in the local fish and chip shop — which seems frighteningly appropriate!)
So everything is building steadily towards the If I Never launch 22 days from now. As already mentioned here, I’m going for an online/Twitter launch. I will be posting more details about this very soon but now the plan is to run it from the 29th of August until the following Saturday — with a number of “events” during the eight days and culminating in an online party on the 5th of September. There are a number of reasons for making this an eight-day event rather than just keeping to the one day — the most obvious being that not everyone can manage to turn up at the same time. Also, however, the weekend of the 29th is a Bank Holiday in England and I know a number of my faithful followers won’t be able to make it.
As I’ve already said, more details will be posted here soon — but just to whet your appetite, there will be competitions with quite excellent prizes from Legend Press. I shall say no more for the time being, because I’m a bit of a tease like that 😉
Also, I would just like to take a moment to thank a few people. Like I say, things are getting pretty hectic and sometimes it’s difficult to thank everyone personally (though I do try.) My friends and followers on Twitter, Facebook etc have been and continue to be absolutely wonderful. Many of them never miss an opportunity to give me a mention and even if it didn’t generate sales (which it does, incidentally!) I would be eternally grateful. Your efforts are really appreciated and are making a noticeable difference. Thank you. Means a hell of a lot.
So, it only remains to say that if you haven’t already read the sample chapter of If I Never, you can do so by clicking here. If you like this taster, please feel free to pre-order here or by following any of the links at the end of the chapter itself.
For up-to-the-minute information regarding If I Never, try the If I Never Information Hotline on +448703211876
© 2009 Gary William Murning
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