Wednesday 3 June 2009

The Virtual Book Launch is launched...

NEWS: Cut Short reviewed in Watford Observer -
"taut, slick, easy to read" "it's fascinating to hear her say she 'stumbled into writing' when faced with a first work that's so accomplished." http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/leisure/cfufeatures/4459925.Hertfordshire_author_Leigh_Russell_s_debut_crime_novel_is_a_surefire_hit/

Next book signings - Borders in WATFORD Saturday 4th July from 10.30, Waterstones in HATFIELD GALLERIA Sunday 5th July from 2pm

Sold out at both book signings this weekend - Saturday WH Smith's Harrow 50 books, Sunday Borders London Colney 40 books. Thank you to everyone who bought Cut Short at these events.

VIRTUAL BOOK LAUNCH
Please email me on leighrussell2009@live.co.uk when you have your copy of Cut Short. Include the name you'd like me to sign the book for, and I'll send you a signed message for you to print out and stick in the book - a virtual book signing! Don't forget to drink a glass of wine as you do this. Thank you very much for your support. I look forward to hearing from you over the summer.

Please click on this link to publisher's website where you can see a schedule of my author visits http://www.noexit.co.uk/ I would love to meet fellow bloggers at any of these events.

66 comments:

fizzycat said...

Good stuff will be watching the postie like a hawk.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Ive been given a delivery date of 24th to 28th June. I can't wait.

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks fizzycat. Let me know when it arrives! and don't forget to email me for a signature if you want one. I hope you do - it would be nice to share a virtual glass of wine, old blog buddy.

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Debs - June! It's June now! 24th June is 3 weeks from today... Don't forget to email me for a signature - I'm already planning what to write to all my longstanding blog friends and advisers.

Charles Gramlich said...

I hope it sells out all 150 copies.

Leigh Russell said...

Would be nice, Charles... Although I think I'd end up with writer's cramp from writing all those signatures! Can you imagine? (A bit like writing lines at school - but much more fun!)

Chris Eldin said...

Congratulations and enjoy this very exciting part of the journey!!!!
:-)

Leigh Russell said...

It's quite surreal at the moment, Chris, alternating between marking dreary exam scripts (which is what I should be doing right now), and responding to gracious invitations to speak at a Literary Festivals - not so dreary! I'm also still thinking about what I'm going to say in my talks... and changes to Book 2 are shuffling around in the back of my mind...

Thanks for your good wishes.

Stella Jones said...

Good luck and congratulations for this exciting week. I'll get my copy when I return to England at the beginning of July. Meanwhile, please go over to my Blog because I have tagged you. Hope you have time to do it.
Blessings, Star

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Star. I went over and had a look. I have to write 6 things about myself, is that it?

1. I'm an author.
2. My first book is coming out in about a week.
3. In about a week's time I'll have a copy of my book.
4. um . . . I can't think of anything else right now . . . !

Leigh Russell said...

I just noticed - fizzycat watching like a hawk . . . I'm beginning to suspect you're not really a cat.

Nanc Twop said...

Leigh, are you going to add the Look Inside feature for your book on amazon.co.uk?

It could help with sales.

Best of luck!

fizzycat said...

LOL about the cat comment, just spotted. The term refers to a cat friend who fizzes about when she is running.I am fizzing with happiness at the fact I don't have to go back to work at the hotel from hell (cotton wool killers?happy to send ideas now am away from the place for good) that place could delete a person faster than you could say knife.
Chervil is nice if a watercress aniseed mix with a little Parsley flavour added is your thing.It does sound a little like a name - Chervil De Lacey,hmm, I'm at it now!

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Nanc Twopp - I don't know!!!! I'm off to investigate. Thank you very much for the helpful suggestion.

fizzycat said...

Yes I will email for a signature, then it will be a proper book!Back into hawk mode!

Leigh Russell said...

Chervil de Lacey is a great name. I can just imagine him, sneaking around the hotel, his aquiline features twitching as he follows the scent of cotton wool...

apologies if anyone reading this is called Chervil de Lacey - on second thoughts, I don't suppose anyone is reading this.

Leigh Russell said...

Hi fizzycat - yes, please do email for a signature once you have your copy. I hope the virtual book launch works. I can't wait to try it out. thinks: where did I save my scanned signature???? Not to worry, I can always do it again.

DJ Kirkby said...

What a great idea, I'll be sure to email you when I have my copy.

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, DJ Kirkby. I look forward to receiving your email.
I love the blossom on your blog, by the way. It's beautiful.

Leigh Russell said...

I hope you don't receive your copy before I get mine, Debs! My publisher says I should have a delivery at the end of next week... going red in the face holding my breath here... so I should be just ahead of you... so hard typing with my fingers crossed...

Anonymous said...

Good luck. I hope it is out here soon too.

Leigh Russell said...

Aggie - you might consider ordering a copy from the London Bookshop - there's a link on No Exit website. They have a despatch date of around 10th June (publication date).

If you've already ordered from amazon.com, by the time they send it out, you could probably give it to someone for Christmas. Of course I'll be happy to 'sign' any number of copies. Just email leighrussell2009@live.co.uk and tell me who to write to.

Now I feel like a saleswoman. (Not a very good one, I'm afraid.)

If you've already preordered from

Leigh Russell said...

woops - another typing bloop. Clearly a mistake so I won't bother to scrap the commend and repost it. Apolololologies for my carelesssnes. (Still want to read a whole book what I wrote?)

Eryl said...

Yeehah... how wonderful to walk into your local bookshop and see copies of your own book on the shelves. I'm so excited for you and have a whole bottle of fizz waiting to be popped when the moment of signing arrives.

Leigh Russell said...

Yes, Eryl, it's certainly a thrill to see The Book. I wonder if the first papyrus maker speculated about the future possibilities of the artefact he (or she) invented - a slip of paper representing a huge sum of money, a letter that destroys a life . . . and a bound collection of the pages of a book.

Leigh Russell said...

On a less philosophical note, Eryl - a whole bottle of fizz! Perhaps I should say less philosophophica... phisololosophica... hic!
And thank you again for your support.

Rod Duncan said...

Better buy some pens and start training your signing hand. :-)

Leigh Russell said...

I have got some pens I want to use (note 'some pens' - hoping a pen won't be enough!) but I'll have to wait and see what quality paper the books are printed on. The proof copy uses really good paper, but I don't know if the finished books will be the same. I hope they aren't printed on the sort of paper that makes ink blotchy.

Middle Ditch said...

Good lord! I so thought I had put a comment here!

Note to myself, check your blog buddies better in the future.

XX

Leigh Russell said...

Easy to forget me at the moment, Monique, because I haven't been round to anyone else's blog lately. Sorry, I'm just really busy, working full-time, marking exam scripts, plus being a kind of amateur events manager, trying to remember who I've invited to my book launch, where I'm signing books and working out what to say when I give author talks... and of course working on Book 2! Phew. makes me tired just listing it all. I suppose I ought to go and DO it now!

Middle Ditch said...

That's okay Leigh, I know all about how busy things are at the moment with exams every day. Roll on the summer holidays. Only five weeks to go. And then I should see you in Bath.

Leigh Russell said...

And once school exams are over, it's time to write reports... yes, roll on the summer. I can't wait.

Waterstones Bath 18th July - I'm looking forward to meeting you, Monique. Thank you again for your support.

Akasha Savage. said...

Ooooh...it's all so exciting! :)

Leigh Russell said...

Major panic today when I saw the date on my publisher's website had been moved on a week from 10th to 18th June. One panicky email later, the publisher reassured me everything is on schedule and the date is publication not delivery - or was it delivery and not publication? Anyway, panic over, we're still OK for the book signings arranged for 20th and 21st June. Deep breath... calm...

I've started working on Book 2 again, which I'm excited/concerned about. I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to give that right now. Lots still to do in preparation for the summer. I'm feeling tired just thinking about it! I really need a housekeeper, and a chauffeur - and a butler would be nice too. Oh well, off to stack the dishwasher and find the hoover...

Leigh Russell said...

So preoccupied with my panic today, that I forgot to thank you for your visit, Akasha. I'm very excited.

Did I mention that yesterday I saw my book cover - two A4 posters of it, to be precise - in the window of Waterstones. !!! That was very exciting.

Mel said...

Hi Leigh, can't wait for mine to come, there is a tag for you on my blog!

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Mel.

I've been so busy that I've not written here for a couple of weeks.

I'm feeling unexpectedly proud of my book which looks very cool.

I will blog about all this soon but am too busy right now with arrangements for my launch PARTY! and all the book signings - starting 3 days from now - and author talks.

I had an email from my local paper yesterday, wanting to speak to me, which was exciting. Hopefully something will come of it. I'll keep you posted - soon.

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Sleepy - I'm so pleased you've received a copy of Cut Short! I really hope you like it. I've emailed you a virtual signature and look forward to seeing you in Brighton. This is so exciting!!

fizzycat said...

That musical cat almost appears to be playing in tune at one point - perhaps I need to get out more.

fizzycat said...

Thanks mum is doing really well on her treatment.

Leigh Russell said...

"need to get out more", fizzycat? I can't let that one go without suggesting you check my schedule of author visits on www.noexit.co.uk. In the words of my publisher:

On the publication of Cut Short Leigh Russell has embarked on an extensive promotional tour, talking about and signing copies of her new book. Check the list below to see if she will be in your area soon and if you get a chance do come along to see her - she'd be delighted to see you!

Devin said...

Thanks for visiting my site Leigh-I so appreciate your thoughtful comments! Normally in the summer months I could have purchased Cut Short already as usually I am able to make a little money because my brother pays me to help with some yardwork and housework-well now he is having financial difficulties! I will get it eventually it is just a matter of things turning around a bit which I hope they do fast-until then I hope your books are flying off the shelves-best to you as always!!

Vidya Sury said...

Wow! Must ask someone to buy me a copy at the bookstore!

Congrats! You GO! Leigh Russell

;) and may the bookstore keep on ordering multiples of 150 copies!!

Akbar Ali said...

hello,

I bought your book and got it signed today at WHSmiths-Harrow.
I've only started but I'm really enjoying it!

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, Vidya. I went along to my first book signing today, at WH Smith's. It took a few hours, but we sold 46 books and the manager asked me to sign the remaining 4 copies for him to put on the shelf in the store. Job done. I've packed my bag for tomorrow's signing at Borders in London Colney and hope we do as well there. So far so good...

Leigh Russell said...

Hi Akbar - I am thrilled to hear from you and have been over to comment on your blog. I love your praying cat! I'm pleased you're enjoying Cut Short and thank you very much for supporting my book signing today.

The World According To Me said...

Congratulations! I'm over the moon for you.
I have just ordered mine via Amazon. I can't wait to get stuck into it.

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, World According to Me - it was a good day.

50 books delivered to the store.
50 books sold.
Job done.

Now I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow. I don't expect every event to go well, but it's a good start.
Thank you for ordering a copy of Cut Short. If you enjoy it, I hope you'll consider writing a positive review on amazon.

susan said...

I'm delighted to see your initial roll out is successful. I've pre-ordered at Amazon Us for an Ugu. 1st delivery. That's not so long. Best wishes.

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you Susan. (What is an Ugu 1st delivery? I'm guessing that's a typo...)
Please, if you enjoy Cut Short, (fingers crossed) a review on amazon would be great news for me. If you don't like the book, reviews in a bottle attached to a large rock and tossed into the sea, please...

Dave said...
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Dave said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dave said...

Hi Leigh. Thanks for your comment on the wikiHowl blog http://www.blog.wikihowl.com, if we don't win a copy in the Goodreads giveaway we'll definitely be buying a copy. Added to Amazon wish list already. :-)
Sorry about the deleted posts, couldn't get the darn link to work, lol.

Leigh Russell said...

Thanks, Dave. And there was I, all excited because I thought I had three new comments here! Life's such a rollercoaster!
Seriously though, thank you very much for visiting and commenting here. I'm going to pick a name out of a hat so it will be completely random. Thank you for the reassurance that you will be reading the book whatever happens. I look forward (with a little trepidation) to hearing what you think of it! Best wishes and please keep in touch.

Leigh Russell said...

I've just sent my second virtual signature. The virtual book signing is underway!

Simone and Mel - I hope you enjoy reading Cut Short. Please let me know if you do (and if you don't... well, let's just forget that question, shall we?)

fizzycat said...

Hurray my book is in the post can't wait!

The World According To Me said...

Your book has arrived! I am looking at it now and I shall begin reading it on the train tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to my train journey!
I feel proud to know you! Hope all went well with the second book signing.

Pat said...

Yippee! I've got 'Cut Short'!

Leigh Russell said...

Hi fizzycat - I hope your book arrives soon. Don't forget to email me for a signature - leighrussell2009@live.co.uk - if you want. I'd be thrilled to send you one (and have a glass of wine...) ! This is very exciting.

Leigh Russell said...

The world according to me - I've been over to yours to comment. Please email me leighrussell2009@live.co.uk if you'd like a virtual signature. I'd be very pleased to send you one right away. Well, before the end of the day anyway. I hope you enjoy Cut Short. Please post a review on amazon if you like it!

Leigh Russell said...

PI - signature will be on its way to you this evening without fail and THANK YOU for your email. I hope you enjoy Cut Short and review it (positively!) on amazon! So exciting!

DMM said...

Hey Leigh - I got my book, well..your book, my copy! I'm in the middle of another great read but am looking forward to starting Cut Short!

Leigh Russell said...

Hi dmm - thank you. I'm very excited to hear that and visited your blog straight away. Please email me on leighrussell@live.co.uk so I can send you a personal message with a virtual signature, if you want. And if you ever want to put a (posistive) review on amazon, that would be fantastic...
I'm glad you had a good trip and are home safely and hope you enjoy Cut Short!

Leigh Russell said...

woops - what's a posistive review? You knew I meant positive...

Rick said...

When I can find my wallet in all these bags I'm unpacking, I'm ordering! I read the interview link somewhere on your blog page and it was absolutely wonderful. You're on your way!

Leigh Russell said...

Thank you, Rick. It's very encouraging and exciting to read such supportive comments. Thank you again for your interest. I'm coming over to your blog to see where you've been.