The Book Arrives!

Crack open the champagne! Dance a Highland fling! Break into a toyi-toyi!
We did, actually, because last week the first copies of The Housemaid's Daughter arrived on the doorstep!

You will see from the picture that there are 2 versions of the book. The hardback with the iconic acacia tree is destined for the UK and Canada, while the international paperback is set for South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, plus other Commonwealth countries. Most of you will have seen the hardback cover from previous blogs and facebook pics, but this is your first glance at the beautiful image that will appear on the cover of the paperback. I am thrilled with them both. All credit to the folk who gave them such a wonderful African feel: the aloes, the windmill, the terracotta colours... And also the faint watermark musical score, only visible when the book is in your hands.

So here's the timing:
The UK Hardback will be published on 2nd August - just a few days away! At the same time the e-book will be launched and, shortly thereafter, the audio book (see previous blog re wrestling with pronunciation). The paperback will be released in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and the Commonwealth in September. The Canadian hardback comes out in September as well.

Next year will see the arrival of the UK paperback, the US version and some foreign translations. There is actually one translation coming out in October of this year, and I will tell you about it nearer the time.

Apparently you can already pre-order your copy at various outlets both physical and virtual. Hooray! Let's make it a bestseller!

First Signings

Off to Goldsboro Books today for the very first signings of The Housemaid's Daughter in hardback!

Tucked away amongst a fascinating group of specialist bookshops on Cecil Court near Leicester Square, Goldsboro specialises in signed 1st editions - it calls itself the "book collectors' bookseller". If you happen to pass by the shop, don't be deceived by the small, Victorian-era frontage. Inside, and downstairs, is a vast array of beautiful hardbacks of every variety. And Goldsboro runs a truly international operation - it sends signed copies all over the world.

My excitement today was twofold: firstly, this was my first view of a proper pile of the first edition hardbacks - and mighty fine they looked, too, as I hope you will agree. I felt positively dwarfed! Secondly, the books I signed and dated today are the earliest copies to be out in the market. Official publication only happens on the 2nd of August.

So... if you're keen to get hold of a first edition - and who knows, they may become collectors' items?! - then leap on to the website at www.goldsborobooks.com or take a stroll along one of London's most intriguing, hidden lanes.