Best thing since sliced bread?
It’s that time again in the publishing cycle: the time when I have to bend my mind to promoting my new novel. Cold Cold Heart comes out in the UK in November and in the USA in January 2018. It is always a thrill and a privilege to have a book published. But as for the promoting . . . That is another matter. I’m British! We don’t like to blow our own trumpet.
Or at least it used to be the case . . . This is what I read in the i newspaper a few weeks ago: ‘judges for this year’s Man Booker prize have condemned the breathless blurbs that overhype mediocre novels . . .’ and rejected ‘submissions accompanied by exaggerated claims by their publishers. “I learnt to ignore blurbs. They are outrageous in certain places,”said Tom Phillips . . . Fellow judge Colin Thubron [added) “In one case, a publisher submitted three or four novels and gave the same blurb to each of them, “the best novel since Tolstoy . . .”’
Perhaps publishers would do better to emulate the wonderful Ray Brooks, a London estate agent who was famous in the 1960s for brutally honest descriptions of the properties that he was selling. Here’s an example. ‘Do not be misled by the trim exterior of this modest period res with its dirty broken windows: all is not well with the inside. The décor of the nine rooms, some of which hangs inelegantly from the ceiling, is revolting. Not entirely devoid of plumbing, there is a pathetic kitchen and one cold tap. No bathroom, of course, but Chelsea has excellent public baths. Rain drips sadly through the ceiling onto the oilcloth. The pock-marked basement floor indicates a thriving community of woodworm, otherwise there is not much wrong with the property.’ In spite of this – or because of it – he made a fortune.
I am not going to emulate Roy Brooks. But nor am I going to claim that my novel is the best thing since sliced bread. I will only say that I have done my best to write a gripping story, to entertain my readers and – perhaps – to keep them up past their bed-time. It will be for them to judge if I have succeeded.
16 Comments
Margot Kinberg
October 6, 2017Oh, I am delighted for you, Christine!! So very happy! And I know just what you mean about blowing one’s own horn. On the one hand, authors do need to promote their work. On the other, well, you put it much better than I could have. I am excited to read your book, and trust me, I’ll help toot your horn come November…
Christine Poulson
October 6, 2017Thanks so much, Margot. That’s so kind. Yes, it’s a fine balance. It’s important to let people know that your book is out there, but, yes, on the other hand . ..
tracybham
October 6, 2017I am looking forward to this one, Christine. I will be getting a copy as soon as it shows up in the US. I am glad you are continuing with the Katie Flanagan character and I love the setting.
Christine Poulson
October 6, 2017Thank you, Tracy! Glad that you like Katie. This time the setting is partly Ely and the Fens and partly Antarctica. I really enjoyed researching that.
Lyn
October 6, 2017Exciting news, Christine! I’m looking forward to reading CCH very much. I’m sure honesty is the best policy but maybe Brooks took it just too far…
Christine Poulson
October 6, 2017Thank you, Lyn! I think Brooks got away with it because he was so witty.
Can we look forward to a resumption of your blog in some form soon? I hope so.
Sue Hepworth
October 7, 2017Well it’s not my trumpet so I can blow it. This is a terrific book. I have read Cold, cold heart already and it is Chrissie’s best (thus far.)Buy it!
Christine Poulson
October 8, 2017Wow! Thank you, Sue!
Jo Burn
October 10, 2017I, too, can blow your trumpet for you Chrissie! Cold Cold Heart is a fantastic read. Definitely your best so far. Looking forward to the next one!
Christine Poulson
October 20, 2017Thanks, Jo! So pleased that you think so.
Moira, Clothes in Books
October 18, 2017I can’t wait to read it! I can see it must be quite a difficult line to walk between proper Brit modesty and legit showing off…
Christine Poulson
October 20, 2017Thanks, Moira. Yes, difficult to know . . .
Naomi
October 19, 2017Can yoy give us an informative blurb? I’d love to know more about the new book!
Christine Poulson
October 20, 2017Thanks, Naomi! The blurb has just been written, and I think I’ll make it – and blurb-writing in general – the subject of a post very soon.
Helen crimlisk
November 3, 2017So pleases this is coming out soon Chrissie.., I really enjoyed the earlier drafts and think it will certainly get a second reading…. congratulations & lots of trumpets on your behalf ????
Christine Poulson
November 3, 2017Thanks, Helen! I am hoping to have a book launch. Will let you know . . .