But let me tell you more about my ‘week off’. Apart from day and night editing of the blog to book, hereinafter called the blook, I received a publishing contract. Now I’m no JK Rowling or that guy who wrote The Da Vinci Code. There’s no super agent pacing my living room while screaming in her phone, “She doesn’t get out of bed for less than that.” On the one hand, an extra 15% in my pocket, on the other hand, I had to go it alone with contract negotiation.
I did a lot of research and then reached out to friends and an incredibly generous published author who read the whole contract, sent me very specific suggestions and voilà, a mutually satisfying deal was struck. I have signed with a smaller Canadian press who likes my blook just as it is. This is important because it is, as they say, ‘unusual’. Well, people say I’m ‘unusual’ so what else could be expected?
It’s interesting how this all came about. Last winter a reporter did a story on my adventure and she put me in touch with a Canadian editor, hereinafter called MY editor (nice ring to it I think). I asked her if she thought it would be worth putting my story in a book format. She said, “Interesting. Write it and we’ll see.” So all along I had been selecting and editing posts and so on with no real plan of actually publishing it. I just wanted to do it to cross it off my ‘life list’.
Then in the early summer she emailed me to ask how the writing was coming. Well now. So I set myself a deadline for the beginning of September to send her something. Of course it was October when I finally sent her an early draft. She emailed back saying she loved it and she wanted to publish it. I almost passed out from the shock of it.
I had received some earlier feedback that the format didn’t work. That it didn’t fit as a memoir which is true because that’s not what I set out to write. I come from a rich culture built on a foundation of story telling. I love my heritage so I wanted my blook to be a collection of small stories that, when strung together, told a larger one. And besides, Under the Tuscan Sun had already been written.
My editor gets that. She is also a Newfoundlander and loves the short chapter format that weaves in pictures like a good old travel diary. Of course I considered a very serious memoir, a deep and shrinky treatise on the examined life. But this past year was all about breaking away from my solemn life, about living in the opposite, so instead I wrote the literary equivalent of a goofy pop song. I don’t know if it’s any good but one thing I can for say for sure, it’s honest and true.
The blook tells the story of me and France, the same story you’ve read here with a little (I said a little) more finesse. Of course there are chapters never before seen just to keep the faithful Finders interested. I’m very happy to be doing it on a small scale although I shall remain flexible if Nora Ephron calls to talk about film rights. Allison Janney, if you’re listening and willing to have gray hair, I’ve got the perfect part for you.
Small scale however equals big work. I have to finish the final edit (at this point it feels like I’ll still be editing long after it’s published) as the manuscript is due Jan 7. I have to secure all the photo permissions. I have to write a dedication page (no brainer) and a thank you page (long). I have to write bios and cleverly describe my book in under 250 words. And then I have to put my thoughts to promotion, the real work involved in a blook coming from a small publishing house.
Of course without my Finders (especially iScott) there would be no blook. I never would have done this without all your kind words and endless encouragement. I had no idea anyone would be interested in anything I had to say, so thank you. Now enough of all that, what have you done for me lately? Obviously it’s up to you if you want to actually lay out some cash for my story but in these troubled times of disappearing bookstores, the most helpful thing for authors at small presses is word of mouth. I’ll keep you updated as we go along and when it hits the shelves (likely late April), I’ll be asking you all to help me out.
Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. And I’ll need everyone to hold my hand.
“instead I wrote the literary equivalent of a goofy pop song.”
It’s got a good beat, I can dance to it, I give it a 9.
If I can help in any way, me with my lack of contacts and no friends in high places, just wave a white handkerchief over La Manche. So pleased for you, you author, you.
Dxx
Hey, my first review and it’s a glowing one from a highly respected Duchess. Not bad. Thanks missus.
This is fantastic ! I am so very happy for you! I’ve just swung by and this is the type of news I love to read. Congratulations and I can handle book shops in Italy! Bravissima!!
Thank you! Now I suppose that means I’d have to come over. Oh all right, if I have to ;)
Ma si! Milano, Firenze, Roma all have great english book shops!!
I s’pose I could be cajoled into an Italian book tour!
Hooray! We’re off on another adventure!
Indeed! Scary and exciting all at once!
Whatever I can do to help here in your old stomping grounds. Word of mouth is powerful in these days of social media!
I knew my big mouth would come in handy someday! Come April I’ll have you talking up a storm.
I have been reading and immensely enjoying your blogs almost since the beginning but this is my first response…. Horraayyyyyyy!!! I always knew a book of your adventures would be interesting and hugely entertaining. Will be looking forward to the book launch and sure hope you are planning a signing in Halifax!
Thank you so much! You bet your arse I’m planning a signing in Halifax. I hope you’ll be there!
And you’ve got to come to Ottawa! I’m spreading the word.
Am so excited and happy for you…for all of us.
Congratulations ,brilliant Bobbi.
Yet another Newfoundlander to brag about…
Thanks Maggie. Hey, you find enough people for a party and I’m there!
when you get to be interviewed on Q with jian gomeshi, please tell him that i love him.
Oh my, The Q. Dream big I always say. If for some reason I ever find myself in his presence I shall pass him a note saying that you love him. I bet he loves you too.
he does (he just doesn’t know it yet).
Get Averil to take a nudie shot of you and then he’ll know.
Congrats Bobbi!! and Best of Luck!
from Lorraine, Jim and Lilypad :)
Thanks so much and a special bonjour to mademoiselle Lilypad!
Thanks for sharing the story of your publishing road, Bobbi. I love that you knew exactly what you wanted this to be and didn’t let your blook get shoved in a different direction. Can’t wait to hear how all this goes over the next few months!
Cheers.
We’ll see how much hair I have left by April!!
I don’t comment nearly enough (or perhaps just enough?), but I always enjoy your posts — I’m looking forward to reading your blook and getting it on the library shelves. Our patrons are going to love it!
Thank you Sarah. Oh my blook in a library, now there’s a dream come true!
That is really fantastic news, Bobbi! See you at the book signing in Semur! :)
Hi Alli!! Yes, why not, you me and Neil at the Café Des Arts!
My heart is jumping. I love that you always knew where you were heading. That’s inspiration enough.
Know that whatever I can do, I will. All you have to do is call. And I’ll be there.
(sorry, couldn’t resist)
Everybody now…I’ll be there, I’ll be there, just call my name and I’ll be there…
huge huge huge hugest congratulations bobbi…
I will be buying your book..
so freakin’ amazing, you are.
Thank you Angela! Coming from a Yazbek sister that is high praise indeed.
It brings tears to my eyes to read how excited everyone is for you. This is just the kind of inspiration that everyone needs who may wonder if they can risk taking an entirely different path in their life………
I KNOW! Is this crowd not the best bunch of blog followers in the world? YES they are.
this is all so awesome! count me in to provide word of mouth! (or word of blook)…
I just returned from a long weekend in Paris. What an absolute blast!!! My goal in life is to drive a taxi in Paris – better start my french lessons (if it is anything like my german, my riders might not make their ‘exact’ requested destination!). Glad your blook will be in english…(at least one of many languages I hope you get it published in!!!).
Thanks! Oh Paris, so amazing. I’d let you drive me around any old time!
You are one mighty giraffe, you are. So proud of you, and thrilled to think of your blook in my blookstore! Congratulations, and obviously if there’s anything at all I can do to help, I’m all over it.
(Joan Allen in the movie, though. She looks just like you.)
XO
Thanks Averil. Joan Allen. Love her, okay I’ll call her tonight.
The gives me an idea. I’m going to start a blog series titled Buy this book and while you’re at it, buy a copy for me, too!
I can’t wait to help promote your blook.
I need to do more promos for Averil, Laura, and Erika, while I’m at it.
You guys are the best!!
I’m in.
If you need help with the 250 word marketing blurb, let me know. I write that stuff for a living.
Oh Vivian! I need help with everything!
And you’ve done these blog posts in your usual witty style. As my 85 year old mother’s Kiwi boyfriend would say, “good on ya”
Can’t wait to hear all about it.
I love an 85 year old who has a boyfriend. Good on her I’d say.
Exciting! Can’t wait to buy a copy!
Okay, that’s a total of 3 now. Good progress I’d say. Thanks Jo.
consider your hand held.
Keep it there, it’s a long time until spring.
Holy Crap this is fantastic news Bobbi. “GO BIG OR GO HOME” this quote fits you to a T. We will do all we can in this neck of the woods to promote your book, cant wait for April. Take care.
Thanks Sheila. Hope to see you when I finally get back to the Rock.
Exciting stuff! Seatbelts are fastened and bumpy rides are the only way to go!
I’m sure all of the Finders would be happy to hold your hand. Maybe if we all held hands together we would probably stretch from this side of the pond over to you!
Oh that’s a sweet thought.
enjoy the ride. continue…
Thanks Tony, that’s what life is all about.
Okay, just for the record, I love that they suggested you write a memoir and you said no. Not that I don’t like memoirs by any means, but because you didn’t want to and decided against it even if it meant no book. You quit your job, moved to a strange country all to find a better way of being, of living, a change of pace and you stayed true to yourself. Bravo, Ms. French.
Oh, and I’ll buy book 4. Hell, I’ll buy 5 and 6 and give them to friends!
Congratulations.
No wonder I’m tired. Thanks so much Lyra!
Bobby, I have no experience from this area of business, but I was left a bit puzzled, which I guess is another way of saying that I’m nosy.
If I understood you correctly, you’re being slapped with the task of editing + promoting? It makes me wonder: what is it that the publisher is doing besides printing and distributing the blook? Also, I’d be curious to know how did you decide the publishing date?
And to you (yes, it’s a statistical impossibility that there wouldn’t be some) who right from the start said/thought: “NO! SHE CANNOT GET A PUBLISHING CONTRACT! IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!” please read the following quote slowly and carefully:
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” -Walt Disney
Hi! No, I have to edit to my own satisfaction then I work with an editor who helps make it the best it can be. The publisher offers a lot, design, layout, editing, promotion but every author now has to be involved in promotion. Tough times in the book business! Thanks for the quote!!
Jan, I forgot to say that the publishing date was mutually agreed upon and was a bit of a coincidence with the publishers schedule. They had a space in the spring and I had a project that is somewhat timely. You are learning this business with me, I am a total neophyte to all this.
O my Goodness, I have to get unpacked and get out there working on this! There is a bigger reason why I ended up in HollywoodLand.
Aha!! LA Goddess, get on it baby and I’ll fly out to the coast to take a meeting with your people!
I have to say I missed this – congratulations! I’m glad you found a good fit too…hoping for smooth passage for your blook and all who sail in her.
Thanks so much, anchors up!
TERRIFIC news! Love love love this for you. You can count on me to buy a copy!
Hey thanks Dana. I’ll hold you to that!
So I missed a few days of blog reading and see what I missed?? Yikes, Bobbi, your news is over the top. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving expat. Bravo, madame.
That’s fantastic news! Now I have an idea what the question might be, and suspect I’m not too late!
I’m so excited for you, Bobbi, and I’m totally going to see if I can get it delivered to down here in Mexico when it’s released. Of course I’m going to buy it. You’re frigging awesome!