Monday, July 09, 2007

Book update



This is a just a quick update about the book, because that's what's been consuming me and my time lately. But, as a side note, I don't really want this space to be used too much for book stuff, so I've crossed over to the dark side and created a MySpace page. This is where I will post updates, information, reviews (only if they're good, of course), and any other crap that relates to the book. Go and befriend me! The page is at www.myspace.com/melissaplaut.

But for now I need to share something here because it's kind of big news: The book is going to be published as a hardcover after all! Fucking awesome, no? And it will still be out on August 28th so I'm getting pretty damn excited.

Anyway, now the thing will cost $21.95, which is still not too out of control and I hope you will all still consider picking up a copy. I'm not sure how this change affects the Amazon pre-orders that have already been put in, but I imagine -- and this is just a guess -- that they'll probably send out an email giving those people the option to buy the book at the new price (that is, when Amazon figures out that there is a new price). As far as I know, they don't charge your credit card until the book ships anyway, so you won't be screwed over.

Also, a few New York readings and signings will be happening in September. The first is at the Barnes & Noble in Greenwich Village, on 8th Street and 6th Avenue, right across the street from Gray's Papaya, where I've eaten many a late-night cabbie dinner of hot dogs and papaya juice with my buddy Diego. It's also across the avenue from the McDonald's in which I've peed on many desperate occasions. Plus, there's a "taxi relief" stand just up the next block. So it's a pretty good spot for my first official book reading.

The event will take place on September 11th at 7:30 PM. Definitely not the happiest day in the world, but it was what the store had available, and who am I to be picky? Plus, in a way it almost makes sense since it will be the third anniversary of my very first shift in the cab back in 2004. (I got my license a week and a half earlier but I was too chicken-shit to start right away.) So this B&N reading will be a cool confluence of events that relate to my career as a cab driver.

There will be another reading the following Tuesday, September 18th, also at 7:30. That one will be at the Barnes & Noble in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It's my home borough so hopefully all the Brooklynites will show up and represent!

Meanwhile, I plan to work tomorrow night if Richard has a cab for me, so I should be back to bitching about traffic and jaywalkers and gas prices by Wednesday.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

EXCITING!

Anonymous said...

Actually, the bastards at Random House didn't give an explanation and just cancelled my order.

At least I know what it was for. I can't wait to get my hands on it :-)

John said...

Hi welcome back stranger.
I met John McDongh in New York.
He brought us around and we finished up in Queens where your garage is. Borrow the Irish taxi drivers book I gave him,its a hoot.
Hope all this stardom dosen't go to your head.

Anonymous said...

From all of us in the mighty Bluegrass State (yes, I am arrogant enough to presume too speak for all of us)....................
How Groovy!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Yes can you please get back to writing/blogging? We understand the need for book sales but the book has been covered...and it's all you've been talking about (if you're talking at all).

Anonymous said...

The Barnes and Noble on Fifth and 46th does their signings around lunch time. After work most of us like to go home. Maybe you can do one there so a few of us working stiffs can stop by and say hi.

Dino said...

darn so that means i have to wait for the paperback since i refuse to by hardcovers as I can't fit them in my purse and carry with me where ever I go

Paradise Driver said...

I am glad it went "hardcover". Should mean more $$ for you.

I hope you keep us up-to-date with the sales figures, either here or at MySpace, after it is released.

MrFunkMD said...

I'm very happy for you. Making a better name for cabbies everywhere. Next stop: New York Times Bestseller' list.

NYC taxi photo said...

your success and writing has been an inspiration. i'll definately take a look when it comes out. I'll probably buy it. but i'm so cheap i haven't bought my friend' self published dealy yet.

Anonymous said...

This Park Sloper will be seeing you on Sept 18th!!! Yay so glad you decided to do a reading over here!

ehanson said...

Thanks for the information about the book.

I'll probably buy it from B&N so I can read it the same day instead of waiting around for it to be shipped.

Can't wait.

M said...

so exciting for you - $21 isn't too muc hto spend for a good book at all!

Unknown said...

I don't know, but I've marked it on the calendar for the 18th in Park Slope. We don't live there (anymore) - we're now three hours out, in southern Jersey - but I'd really like to be there! (And get a book signed! :-) )

Carolyn Ann

Nan Patience said...

congratulations! how exciting. Love the title, and nice cover design, too.

I imagine blogging/writing has made the cabby experience more interesting to you. Will you continue to drive cab and write about it when you're sitting pretty with mountains of cold cash under your mattress from book publishing?

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa,

I'm really excited that your book is coming out on hard cover! That's not kind of big that's huge & you deserve it! After 7/28 the next 4 weeks are going to CRAWL by ---- it's hard being patient but I can only empathize how hard it is for you! I think your my space was a good choice - although I'm not nuts about that "place" either. I only wish I was closer I'd be there w/ bells on for your first signing.....maybe you can make some arrangements w/ your editor or whomever to have autographed copies available to buy for maybe what $10 more? (Please don't take offense @ the price I don't really know what your autograph would be worth). Anyway, I am 2 entries behind and itching to read the next one. Peace, Janelle Ryleigh

Anonymous said...

New site to watch free online tv http://stafex.net

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to get your book.

If the stories on here are anything to go by I won't be able to put it down.
Well Done!!

Anonymous said...

According to Amazon, the book has been delayed until NEXT summer. Has anyone else received that email?