First signing

No mistakes...

This was the one I have dreamed about since I was a wee girl.

I signed, dated and “First-Lined” 18 hardback copies of CUCKOO for Alan White Fine Books who specialises in signed first editions. As he’s based in Brighton, Alan brought the books round to my house, so I have been broken into signing quite gently – at my kitchen table.

I always use a fountain pen, and I was surprised when Alan said that I was only the second author he’d seen using one. Others are probably more seasoned and practical, but I did have a sheet of blotting paper to avoid smudges. Anyway, it was really enjoyable, although a little stressful – it would be awful to mess up a copy with a stray word or a crossing-out.

Relieved: they're all done.

11 thoughts on “First signing

  1. How exciting! And I love that you use a fountain pen, I adore my fountain pen and am now very used to the odd looks I get from other people when they see me using it.

    1. Hi Jenni
      It makes writing a even more pleasurable, doesn’t it? Though being left handed I have to be careful not to mess up what I’ve written. And using it on a plane is a no-no unless you want inky everything.

  2. Excellent. I’ve just ordered a copy from Alan. When you’re a hugely successful author – a couple of novels away – I will cherish the fact that I own a book from your very first signing. The fountain pen is fab. I use one too. I’m into brown ink at the moment. Have a great launch!

  3. Hello my name is Vanessa I am a non-profit book reviewer I have reviewed books for quite a few Authors, Publishers, and places like booksneeze.com, librarythings.com, and I post my reviews all over goodreads.com, weread.com , shelfari, and other places. I would LOVE to read your book and post my Honest Opinion on my blog. Please check me out and get back with me .

    http://www.ohiogirltalks.blogspot.com

    Sincerely,
    Vanessa

    1. Hi Vanessa. Thank you for getting in touch. I’m forwarding your details on to Headline, and hopefully you’ll be getting a copy in the near future.

  4. Hi Julia,
    I can’t wait to read! I too will order from Alan as he is one of the best sellers of signed books on the web.
    I have also pre-ordered my reading copy with Amazon,I will leave a review as soon as I have read.
    I have had an author forget her first line and re-write it twice! Thus ruining my copy, although to be fair she had had a few glasses of wine after the event!
    Another author helpfully wrote his website address across the front page?!
    I wish you all the best with your first novel and forth coming events.

  5. Hi Julia,

    Congratulations on your book launch! I just read about you in the Hanover Directory. I couldn’t find your personal contact details anywhere, so I’m contacting you here. I’m a local portrait photographer. I’d love to read your book, and I’d love to take some creative portraits of you. Would you exchange a portrait for a signed copy of Cuckoo? 😉

    Katariina

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