I never cease to be bemused by the ways of the publishing world. ISABELLA MOON has three release dates in the UK: an import edition paperback was available back on October 1, around the same time of the US hardcover release; the UK hardcover came out in February with William Heinemann; and the trade paperback will be available from Arrow Books this Wednesday! But, bemused as I am, I am also delighted. I feel terribly blessed that there will be small stacks of IM with its gorgeous, gorgeous cover put out on tables or bookshelves all over the British Isles this week. I just wish I could be there to see one of them! (You should follow this link to explore Paris Parfait–a most amazing blog from writer and photographer Tara Bradford.)
Somewhere here I think I’ve mentioned that the US paperback version won’t be released until December 30, the day that CALLING MR. LONELY HEARTS comes out. With fifteen months between the hardcover and paperback releases, there’s a good chance that new copies of the hardcover will sell out. Even now, one can pick up a used copy for–get this–$.37!
I just have to ask. Who would bother to sell a book for $.37?! Of course, there’s shipping and handling–usually $3.99. But even as media mail, it can’t make someone more than a dollar or two. Really, wouldn’t it be worth more as a tax-deductible donation to Goodwill or something? I guess I just don’t get the whole ebay/auction thing. But if it puts a copy of IM into the hands of one more reader instead of into a landfill, it doesn’t seem like such a bad thing to me….
A brief aside–Happy pub day to my friend Michelle Gagnon, whose second novel, BONEYARD, is available today!
Most of the really good deals on ebay are gone,you would be surprised at the price some things sell for, just make sure you can’t buy it cheaper locally.
If I am into the Writer, I will buy the hard back version, it looks a little nicer on the shelf and last longer.
Thanks for the kudos, Laura. But you’re the one who deserves them, with your terrific book! I keep forgetting to tell you that your book kept me up late one weekend and I had bizarre dreams. But the book is thrilling! And when next I’m in London (after two weeks in San Francisco), I’ll photograph the paperback versions for you. 🙂