I knew that Harper was running low on galleys of STILTSVILLE, but last week I received a second request from a blogger for the book — she’s from Florida and had a particular interest, so I wanted her to have one, whether or not she chose to review it. Unfortunately, I think I kind of promised one without realizing that by this point not only was Harper running low — they were out.
I own three personal copies of the galley. One is riddled with my own marks, which I made when it arrived even though I would not get another pass at the manuscript — so that one’s trashed. Another is loaned out. A third sits on a bookshelf in my living room, where I’d like it to stay. And my father’s been asking for one, so I’d like to oblige.
Coincidentally, at about the same time that I realized I needed just one more copy of the galley, I also received word that one was for sale on eBay. Rescued!
I purchased it for $9.95 plus the cost of shipping. (I should say that I realize there are some ethical issues with buying galleys in the first place, and I apologize to the kharma keepers for my bad behavior.)
I sent a note to the seller saying that I hoped what I was doing wasn’t weird, buying my own book and all, but thanks. The seller responded with this message:
“Hello — you are not the first one to purchase your own — Tony Bennett bought one of his own LPs from me for instance — I also had a witch who put out an LP in the 60s about how to seduce men in a witchly fashion buy her own LP – said her house burned down and lost everything – so it’s hardly weird — Thanks, XX”
It was kind of the guy to reassure me, and I really am grateful that I found it.
But then I started thinking about my little book and its little future. I want everyone I know, everyone I’ve ever met, to read this book. I mean everyone. Not because to make it a bestseller, but because I worked a long time on it and I think it’s kind of neat — not perfect, not brilliant, but pretty OK, with some above average parts — and I’d like everyone to share that. (And if they want to blog their review, great!)
Contractually, I’ll receive 25 copies of my hardcover. Considering the length of my acknowledgements, these will be out the door as soon as they arrive (save the one for prominent display on my bookshelf, of course).
So how realistic is it to think that the galley off eBay is the last time I’m going to buy my own book? Probably not realistic at all.
–Sd
Susana, I think you are talking about me. I just wanted to let you know that I started the book two days ago. Your novel is very magical for the place. When I opened the book, and started reading it brought me back to Miami. I have not been there since 1996, when I moved back to NJ and now I live in Myrtle Beach. I am enjoying reading how you made Stiltsville come alive. You did not get the book in vein.
Your discription of Stiltsville is so beautiful. I want to go back to Miami. Actuality I never knew about Stiltsville. I don’t know how I did not realize it was not there. I have been to the Keys several times.
I lived in Miami from the 1983-1996. I was living in Kendall Lakes and married with my first child in diapers. At the time when Hurricane Andrew came to town. That was August 1991. Is this the reason of your release of your book, or just coincedence.
Just thought about something as you are talking about galleys. Many book bloggers have contests when books are about to be released. I would be so honored. If you have a copy. I am so sorry you had to put out money for me. If you would like I will pay you for the trouble. I feel so bad that you did that for me.
Good Luck with your novel. I can’t wait to finish and post my thoughts about your book. Thank you for writing a little known history I was not aware of. Hope you write more stories about Miami, possibly the history emerced with a story line.
Oh my gosh I just realized I got my history wrong. My son was born in 1990. Hurricane Andrew was when my son was just turning two so then it was make it 1991. I don’t want you to think I am conning you. I really did live in Miami and used to go to Keys, and go fishing and to the beach at Key Biscayne and never noticed Stiltsville. Could you see it with a blind eye from Key Biscayne. I actually feel very stupid, if this is true. I don’t think many Miamians knew about it. Or possibly if you were a owned a boat on the Keys, or scuba or fishing you would know that, unless I was unconscience.
Hi Susan! Yes, you can see Stiltsville from Bill Baggs, the lighthouse, anywhere on that far end of the Key. But I would still agree that the majority of South Floridians do not know about it. I hae no doubt you’re not conning me — you obviously have strong and affectionate memories of the place.
I was perfectly happy to purchase the galley– do not think twice about it. And I got a blog post out of it, which is a bonus!
We will chat more about the contest — I’d be very happy to do it, though I don’t yet have any bound books. We should email about it.
Sd