Posts Tagged ‘Oblong Books’
On Monday mornings I usually find myself cleaning up from the weekend. Seems like my tiding up is extending to my online life also. Here are a few loose ends–all in one location.
*Just a reminder–Between now and THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 14th you can order a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE right HERE!!!!!! Ordering a copy from Oblong books also means you’re supporting a wonderful Indie Bookstore for the holidays!
*The Class of 2k12′s year is almost over and our Class of 2k12 Epic End-of-the-Year giveaway of 20 Authors, 21 Books and just ONE winner ends on the 12-12-12. Don’t miss your chance to enter to win!!!!
*I’m still looking for people to become Hot Spots for TOUCHING THE SURFACE. (Details HERE) I have one or more Hot Spots in…
FL, TX, SD, PA, CA, MI, NY, PA, AL, CT, IL, UT, NC, KY, IN, OK, NJ, SC, GA and WA
How was your weekend? Mine was great but went way too fast. Are you ready for the holidays or has your inner holiday elf run from the house screaming in fear? Have a marvelous Monday!
Tags: Hot Spot, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Signed Books, Signed copy, Team Tipping the Surface, The Class of 2k12, Touching the Surface
I don’t know how the holiday spirit works for you, but I have what I like to call my inner holiday elf. He fights with my inner procrastinator, my inner bah-humbugger and my mother (just kidding) to get everything that needs to be done, done for the holiday season. He’s like Doby the house elf, but he’s only around from Thanksgiving until the New Year and he poops glitter. It just so happens that I have a picture of him right here (sans glitter–that would be rude)…
His name is George and it’s his goal is to make the holiday merry and bright for me and my family and friends. This year, because George is an overachiever, part of his merry-making involves a deep desire to get a copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE under every Christmas Tree, Menorah or Kinara. The problem is, that’s a lot of work for such a little guy. He can’t do it alone. I’ve looked into other options and unfortunately, getting a supplementary inner holiday elf isn’t possible. You should see the paper work involved. *head thunk* But wait–there is still hope. In the spirit of the holiday season, Oblong Books & Music has volunteered to deliver signed copies of TOUCHING THE SURFACE to your doorstep in time for your holiday gift giving extravaganza or for your post-holiday collapse in front of the fireplace, where only a cozy read will do. Yay!!!
Here’s how you can get a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE and save the life of an overworked inner holiday elf at the same time…
Between now and THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 14th you can order a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE right HERE!!!!!!
I’ll be at Oblong Books & Music by mid-day on 12/14 to personalize any copies that you would like and then they’ll be shipped to you in time for the holidays!!!!! In addition to getting a signed copy of my book, you’ll have helped to support a wonderful indie bookstore and you’ll be revered by all inner holiday elves EVERYWHERE. Completely cool. Additional glitter will be consumed in your honor. *smooches*
Of course, George and I would also love it if you’d help to spread the word. Thank you so much.
Now that we’ve encouraged books sales, the support of indie bookstores and spread kindness to inner holiday elves everywhere, we can move on to the fun portion of this blog. Love glitter? Hate glitter? Where is the most unique spot you’ve managed to find glitter residue? Any tricks for removing hard-to-remove glitter?
Tags: Books, Holiday gift giving, Inner Holiday Elf, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Signed Books, Touching the Surface
My deepest thanks to everyone at the Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie and Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck. Both events were amazing and I will remember them for the rest of my life. And much love to all those who attended or who purchased a book in support. It meant the world to me. <3
Tags: Barnes and Noble, Book Launch, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Touching the Surface
Okey dokey–let’s catch up.
Sorry there was no post on Friday. The server for my web host was down Thursday into Friday. But I’m back now and I’ll try to get you updated on everything. Soup to nuts.
First off, it’s *gasp* THIRTY FIVE days until TOUCHING THE SURFACE hits the shelves. Back in February 2011 the birth of TOUCHING THE SURFACE seemed like it was light years away. And now that it’s almost here…
…it seems as if I’m going to run out of time long before I run out of things to do to get ready for this amazing new chapter of my life.
Since I know I will never be “ready” the least I can do is invite you to share in the chaos with me.
On October 30th, TOUCHING THE SURFACE’s official book birthday, I’m going to have a launch day challenge. Tweet, Facebook or email me a picture of TOUCHING THE SURFACE out in the wild and you’ll get a chance to win this…
Which is really this…
A silver origami crane necklace. I have one of my own and I’ve given one to my agent Michelle Wolfson and my editor Anica Rissi. I’ve been holding on to this one for the big day.
Of course I’ll be reminding you about the contest again right before the launch.
My very first author event will be taking place in ELEVEN DAYS! I’ll be doing a reading of TOUCHING THE SURFACE at COTA (Celebration of the Arts) in Hasbrouck Park–New Paltz, NY.
The event takes place from 11am-5pm but I’ll be reading at 1:30pm. Afterwards I’ll have swag to sign for anyone who is interested. And OMG! I’m reading right before one of my larger than life writing mentors, KL Going. I don’t know how I’m going to keep from bursting into a million pieces from a combination of pride and nerves.
I also have several wonderful book launch events planned and I’m hoping that if you’re nearby, you’ll be able to attend one.
*The first event is a NYC Cocktail party on Thursday, November 1st at 7:00pm, thrown by my very wonderful husband–yes, I am the luckiest girl in the world. The information is HERE. Feel free to add yourself to the evite or if you’re having trouble, just contact me with your name and email and I’ll add you to the group.
*The second event is going to be held on Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00pm at the Poughkeepsie, NY Barnes & Noble. You can find out more about this event HERE. The Poughkeepsie Barnes & Noble is a fabulous bookstore and I am so excited to be launching my book there. This B&N is the site of my local SCBWI Shop Talk, the place where I began learning how to be a writer. It has so many wonderful writerly memories for me. It is also the closest bookstore to my home, so you know I’ve spent a lot of quality time there. This is my community bookstore and I can’t believe I’m going to get to share this day, surrounded by people who have known and loved me since I was just a little kid. Signing my books here will be a mind blowing experience.
*The third event is going to be held on Sunday, November 4th at 4:00pm at Oblong Books & Music in Rhinebeck, NY.
This is one of two very special indie bookstores in my area and I can’t freaking believe that I’m going to be the author at a Hudson Valley YA Society event!!! I love going to these events to eat cookies and drool on my favorite authors. I can’t tell you how many times my husband and my boys and I have attended these events and then talked the whole ride home in the car about how someday they might ask me to do a book signing. Surreal.
Oblong books is asking for an RSVP to the event and if you can make it, you can respond on Facebook or RSVP at Oblong.
If you can’t make any of the formal book launch events–I’m completely bummed–but Oblong is taking orders for SIGNED COPIES OF TOUCHING THE SURFACE. I’ll be signing them that very afternoon, so there is a really good chance that the book will have residual festiveness tucked between the pages. How awesome is that?
Oh, and before I forget–I’ll be activating my newsletter function really soon, so don’t forget to sign up at the bottom of any page of this website.
Wow! I think I finally have all the up dated info properly laid out for you, so Wednesday we can get back to chatting about regular stuff LOL! But before you leave, my friend Linda Hanlon has recently been clarifying her bucket list. And this post absolutely is going to give me a few things to check off on my own list. So, I’m wondering what’s on your bucket list? Since not everything in life revolves around books (really?) I’ll also tell you another one of the things on my bucket list…I’d love to learn to play the piano. My list is L-O-N-G so I’ll add in more in the comments. Feel free to leave more than one.
Tags: Barnes and Noble, Book Launch, Celebration of the Arts, Contest, COTA, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, KL Going, Oblong Books, SCBWI, Shop Talk, Signed Copies, Touching the Surface
I have three wonderful and very diverse events planned for the book launch of TOUCHING THE SURFACE. I’d love to give you a quick overview of what to expect so that maybe you can make one of the celebrations. I’d love to see you.
The first event is a cocktail party in NYC thrown by my absolutely adorable husband. *heart squish* If you’re near the city and would like to come and help us celebrate you can find the evite here…NYC Launch Party!!!!
The second event (still to be officially announced) will take place on Saturday Nov. 3rd in the Hudson Valley and I can’t wait to share the info with you very soon–so save the date.
The third event for launch week takes place on Sunday Nov. 4th at 4pm at Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck, NY. An RSVP is required for the event.
**If you are unable to make any of the book launch parties but would still like a signed copy of TOUCHING THE SURFACE, you can order one HERE!!!!!
Tags: Book Launch, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Signed copy, Touching the Surface
OMG!!! I have booked my very first author event EVAH!!!! *stops and does a little dance* I am so stinking excited. *dances a little more*
Oblong Books & Music: Rhinebeck, NY
Hudson Valley YA Society: Book Launch Party
The Hudson Valley YA Society (HVYAS): http://www.oblongbooks.com/hvyas was co-founded by Jennifer Laughran, formerly of Books Inc. in San Francisco, creator of “Not Your Mother’s Book Club”, and Suzanna Hermans, co-owner, Oblong Books & Music. The events attract avid teen readers and teen book bloggers, as well as grownup YA fans and writers, in fun party-like “literary salon” atmosphere, with refreshments, conversation, and giveaways for attendees.
Author: Kimberly Sabatini
Title: Touching the Surface
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012
Time: 4:00pm:
Event: Book Launch Party w/discussion, reading, Q&A, & book signing
Location: Oblong Books and Music
6422 Montgomery Street (Rt. 9)
Rhinebeck, New York 12572
*yeah…still dancing*
I know it’s a little early to start to promote this event, but I just had to share it with you. Kind of like a “Save the Date” pre-invitation. This is a FABULOUS bookstore and I’ve sat in the audience at Oblong many times, always having an amazing experience. To get to be on the other side of this–it’s truly a dream come true. Kind of like coming home after a long journey…
I’m also working on some other events for the week of my launch. I’m very lucky to live and write in a community that is so amazingly supportive. I want to have plenty of opportunities to share this experience with everyone who has been there for me. It isn’t easy to declare yourself a writer before you become published. It isn’t unusual for people to think that you have a “cute little hobby” or that perhaps–you’re a little looney. My friends and family have never done that to me. My community has always stood behind me and I feel lucky to live where I do. They have encouraged and supported and believed and it has made all the difference. So, as soon as I finalize the other arrangements, I’ll let you know about them in the hopes that everyone I love can be a part of this with me. And when things get a little bit closer, I’ll have the official invites…everywhere LOL!
Any tips for book launches that you’d like to share? What would your dream book launch look like? Have you been to any book signing events that have knocked your socks off? I’m always interested in any good advice you have to share.
PS I’m on vacation next week. You can call me Bahama Mama. Going swimming with the dolphins. That bucket list is getting it’s butt kicked lately. *grin* I’m planning on blogs magically appearing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday…but if they don’t…it’s the dolphin’s fault. *grin*
Tags: Book Launch, Book Signing, Community, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Rhinebeck, Touching the Surface
Here’s your Monday mash-up!
*TOUCHING THE SURFACE has a new release date–October 30th!!!! I know that means that I’m making you wait a little bit longer, but it also means that I get to launch my book during my favorite time of year. I can’t help but be excited–only eight months to go!!!
*Guess what’s available for pre-order??? Yup–TOUCHING THE SURFACE is on Amazon. I can’t even begin to tell you how cool this is. *does a little twirly dance* Feel free to stop over and hit the like button for the hardcover and for the Kindle ebook or…you can even pre-order it now. OMG!!!! I can’t believe I’m finally getting to say that.
*Want to learn some funky facts? You can now find out more about me and TOUCHING THE SURFACE on the Simon & Schuster website. Kimberly Sabatini-Author Revealed. You can even sign up for email updates.
*Friday night was a blast. I got to head to one of my favorite Indie bookstores,Oblong Music & Books, for their monthly Hudson Valley YA Society Event.
Jennifer Laughran (Andrea Brown Lit) Introducing Kate Ellison and Lauren Oliver!!! Yes, you heard me correctly.
Kate Ellison and Lauren Oliver talking about books and writing.
Lauren Oliver, Kimberly Sabatini, Kate Ellison *squee*
Linda Hanlon got a picture too. And yes, Lauren is really that tall and doesn’t Kate wears really cool tights?
Woot!!! Got to share Class of 2k12 swag and my ARC of TOUCHING THE SURFACE with some new friends and my buddy April from Good Books and Good Wine.
So, have you pre-ordered any highly anticipated books off of your wish list lately? I have to confess, I just pre-ordered all the Class of 2k12 books that are currently available. I wish that would make them come faster!!! I also pre-ordered IN A FIX by my Wolf Pack sistah Linda Grimes!!!! I can’t wait to read them all!!!!
Tags: Author Revealed, Hudson Valley YA Society Event, Jennifer Laughran, Kate Ellison, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lauren Oliver, Linda Grimes, Oblong Books, Pre-order on Amazon, Pub Date, Simon and Schuster, Simon Pulse, Touching the Surface, Wolf Pack
I’m apologizing in advance for the poor picture quality. I stink a big one because I forgot my good camera for this book signing event. I can legitimately blame it on the 6 year old who was needed help with his iPod so he could listen to a novel on the way to the book signing…yeah, I didn’t yell at him either. :o)
Stages on Pages is a group of authors with the arts in their novels or the arts in their lives, that have banded together to go on book tour. Five of the authors made it to
Oblong Books and Music last Sunday so that I could stalk them and be a total fan girl…
And yes, she ROCKS the violin!!!
Click
here to hear her play.
(From L-R) Uber Andrea Brown agent
Jennifer Laughran, Sheela Chari, Gretchen Mc Neil, Stasia Kehoe, Rosanne Parry and Jessica Martinez
Jessica talking about VIRTUOSITY.
Oh, and she sang some kick ass opera too!
Boo! Jess had to leave early to catch a train so she missed the las picture!
Several of the Stages On Pages authors (besides Tara Kelly) were not on this leg of the tour, but you may want to check out…
Tags: Jennifer Laughran, Jessica Martinez, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, Rosanne Parry, Second Fiddle, Simon Pulse, Stages On Pages, Virtusoity, YA Author, YA Novel, YA Writer
Today I’m going to talk a little bit about how to market your book before you get a publishing deal or possibly before you even finish writing it. It’s a little like preparing for the birth of an unborn child but without the shower. There are a ton of great similarities but not everything is sugar and spice or puppy dog tails. You are going to get the same funny looks from people when you start marketing yourself as a “pre-published” author, as you will when you announce that your top baby name choices are Petunia and Atlas.
But, if you’re serious about being a professional writer, you have to develop your platform at the same rate that you are developing your writing. This is not you being vain. It’s a vital component to being a successful writer in today’s day and age. You work to improve your writing without a guarantee of publication–you must also grow your knowledge and presence in social media the same way.
A lot of people cringe at the thought. I know, it seems pretentious. But I promise, it’s only awkward if you’re attempting to act like you’re JK Rowling or Stephanie Meyer. Yes, this will be a turn off to–everyone. What I’m asking you to do is to build a platform a group of friends, peers and resources. You are working to become a vital part of a community of your peers, your future employers, your friends and your potential readers. The way that you go about this is actually by being a genuine friend to people. Here is a real life example of what I mean.
Several years ago I attended a SCBWI Conference and met the uber amazing
Molly O’Neill from Harper Collins. I really wanted to submit
TOUCHING THE SURFACE to her, so I came home and immediately started to
stalk follow her on FB. In the process of watching and listening to the information that Molly provided to her followers, I noticed that a colleague of hers was a debut MG novelist. Molly raved about this author and her book. So I bought it. I loved the book and became a fan. Then this author had a second book come out. Just a tiny little book called…
I was already a fan and a cyber friend. I talked to Nova across multiple forms of on-line media. I was excited for her next book and shared my excitement with my friends and family. I loved the book when I read it and continued to support Nova. Then I got a chance to attend my very first LA SCBWI Conference. Guess who I got to meet in person…
That’s Mike Dangerpants Jung, Nova and myself. Mike is another one of my amazing cyber friendships, but I’ll save that story for another day. And by the way–it was awesome to meet them both. I now consider them “real” friends, not just cyber friends.
Right after I got home from the conference, Nova was scheduled to have an IMAGINARY GIRLS book signing at one of my local indie bookstores–Oblong Books. I packed up the hubby and the kids and we went up for the book signing. I was so excited to let my family meet Nova. It was such a wonderful experience. One giant love fest–books, author, friends, family, indie and mini-cupcakes.
I continue to support Nova because I’m a fan and because I’m a friend. I can’t say if or how Nova will support me and my book in the future. And I can honestly say it doesn’t matter. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with her. I learned a ton, enjoyed myself and felt great along the way. I didn’t do it to get something out of it. I did it to get someone out of it. And she was worth the time and effort it took to build the friendship.
What I will tell you is that when my editor at Simon Pulse, Anica Rissi, officially announced my book in her Fall 2012 line-up, Nova tweeted to Anica and myself that she was so excited to read it. And that felt like winning a million bucks.
Have I spent years marketing my unborn book? Absolutely. But, I’d like to think I’ve gone about it in a way that has been not only painless for everyone involved, but beneficial and even fun. You don’t have to be a spam bot to market your book. You have to be the same kind of emotionally connected person that it took to write the book in the first place.
I’m going to take back my earlier statement about an unborn book not getting a shower. If you are the kind of person who is a good friend to those around you, I have a feeling you will get showered with love, attention and support. And really, there is no better way to bring your new “baby” into the world.
I’d also like to draw your attention to two books by Kristen Lamb. They are WE ARE NOT ALONE THE WRITERS GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA EBOOK and ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, WRITER. They give you an amazing step-by step break down on how to go about marketing yourself in this very effective fashion. Plus a ton of other information. I highly recommend both books and subscribing to Kristen’s blog.
If you have any specific questions I’d be more than happy to try and answer them. And if you have any great tips on marketing your book that you’d love to share I would love to hear them. Success stories and marketing bloopers welcome. :o)
Tags: Anica Rissi, Imaginary Girls, Kimberly Sabatini, Kristin Lamb, Mike Jung, Molly O' Neill, Nova Ren Suma, Oblong Books, Simon and Schuster, Simon Pulse
