Long Way FAQ!
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A lot of people say to me, "Brendan! Long Way Back came out so long ago! When's the paperback coming?" Actually, nobody's said that to me, but if they did, I'd tell them that on Tuesday, January 29th, the long wait for the US paperback of Long Way Back will end at last. Below, some frequently asked questions:Q: Who's the hottie on the cover?A: I have no idea. I believe she's there to make the book look more female-friendly. Apparently the guitar on the hardback cover was alarmingly phallic or something.Q: Where can I get my copy or copies?A: Pretty much anywhere, as far as I know. Please see below for some advice on strategic purchasing.Q: Is it possible to read the end of this book without being moved to tears?A: I don't think so. Finish the book in private if this is a concern to you.Q: I've heard the main characters are Catholic. Is this like a religious book about God and stuff?A: Not really. It certainly concerns, in part, what happens to one person's faith after a tragedy, but that's not the main focus of the book. The focus of the book is the miraculous healing power of punk rock. It's good for the religious and the God-phobic alike. I'm far too uncertain about everything to proselytize.Q:I understand that music is very important in this book. What if I don't know anything about punk rock?A: If you're on MOG, it should be easy enough to get hip to the important songs in the book. If I can figure out how, I'll make a playlist. Having said that, though, I've been told by people who don't know a thing about punk rock that they found this book really accessible and moving.Q: Is it true that the end of Long Way Back is the best thing you've ever written?A: Yes.Q: I love your work and really want to support you.(Or--I am a friend or family member and feel an obligation to support you.) I know your publisher won't be doing squat to promote this book. What can I do?A: Great question. You are essentially my publicists for this book. (you can be happy in the knowledge that as unpaid volunteers, your hourly rate is only slightly worse than what a real publicist working for a New York publisher makes!) Here are some suggestions.1.Strategic purchasing. If you are planning to buy your copy or multiple copies for friends and family from Amazon.com, please consider placing your order on the first day it's available, January 29th. While Amazon hasn't revealed their exact formula for calculating sales ranking, it seems clear that multiple purchases on the same day move you up more than if they're spread over several days. Everybody complains that the Amazon numbers aren't accurate, and everybody checks them. 2.Ask for it by name! This works especially well in independent bookstores, where the purchasing is done by someone on site. The employees notice what people want and try to stock it. (It helps if you ask at B&N and Borders too, especially if you don't see it.)3.Bring it to your book group! Long Way Back is that rare book that is a fast, compelling read that also gives you stuff to talk about. Everyone in the group will probably read it, so you can actually have a good conversation about a book before you start focusing on the wine.4. Mention it in person. People buy books on word of mouth. Tell people you liked it, even press your copy into their hands. While I love sales, every time somebody reads this book it's good for me.5.Mention it on the internets. Many of you have already done this, and I appreciate it. Anything you can do is helpful--mog, blog, reviews on amazon, shelfari, library thing, goodreads, or mentions on your myspace or facebook, or whatever other kind of networking site or blog you have--it's all good, and it all helps. Indeed, I think this might be the key to helping this book find a larger audience.Q: Will this book get the recognition it deserves?A: Let's hope so. I'm convinced this book could appeal to way more people than have already read it. I deeply appreciate anything you can do to help.
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