second printing

Less than one month after Straight Up and Dirty has been released, my publisher has ordered a second printing of the hardcover book!  I’m new to all of this, so I didn’t know it was a big deal.  My agents emailed using exclaimation points, so I took it as a positive sign.  People keep asking me how the book is doing.  What the hell do I know?  They give me numbers, and I don’t really have anything to measure against.  But when I heard they were doing a second edition, I realized it meant they had faith that the first edition would sell out.  The Suitor, when I first signed my book contract with Regan, presented me with a gift, wrapped it and everything.  It was a first edition, signed, copy of The Cider House Rules by John Irving.  The thought that I will now have a second edition out there makes me a little giddy, like I need to go eat a plate of well-done onion rings.

One of the most important parts of my book, actually, is the acknowledgments page (which is hard to read without glancing at the last page of the final chapter).  I didn’t remember to thank everyone I should’ve, which is a hard.  I hope people understand and don’t take it personally.  You’d be surprised actually.  I’ve received phone calls from people I love who really didn’t understand the point of the acknowledgments page and felt neglected.  They wanted me to thank anyone who has been important in my life, instead of thanking only those who were directly responsible for helping me with the actual book.  For my next book (which I am LOVING writing), I’m keeping the acknowledgments shorter.  You’d think thanking so many would work in your favor.  I’m learning as I go. 

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COMMENTS:

  1. Stephanie, I loved your book, congratulations!

    Any thoughts on the Forbe's Article on why men shouldn't marry career women?

  2. I gave my best friend a signed first edition, first printing of an obscure book that he's very fond of– he's now a collector of signed first editions. Apparently they can be worth a fortune down the road.

    I'm glad I already have my first edition, first printing of SUAD. I have faith that it will be a signed copy some day.

  3. Congrats….I can't wait to see you on Larry King…has he called to book you yet? (no pun intended!)

  4. stephanie. i think this is SO great. i love your book. subsequently from reading straight up and dirty, i have become
    ADDICTED to your blog. thank you for sharing your words and personal experience. know that what you have SAID and SHARED will help millions of women through difficult times! or help us through time we think of as difficult (aka contemplating if he is the right one)
    xo
    genevieve

  5. Congratulations yet again! Whoo-Hoo! The woman is unstoppable. I'll be driving up 35 with one of my favorite people to see you October 4. I believe I will give my copy of Straight Up and Dirty to a friend who hasn't heard of you yet. Then I can buy one there and (hopefully) have you sign it. That would be my third Straight Up and Dirty book purchase (the second went to aforementioned favorite person for her birthday). If I keep it up, you may need a third printing before you know it! Hugs!

  6. Congrats on the 2nd edition! I look forward to seeing you in SF. Let me know if you'd like any recommendations on restaurants/places to go while you're here.

  7. How exciting that the book is doing so well! I've got it and am approaching the end. I've enjoyed it, most especially the more serious parts where you've shared the insights you gained in the midst of the hard experiences. Good stuff.

  8. Congrats, NYNY. I'm not surprised. When you're hot you're hot, as they say. I told someone I'm dating to buy the book. She did and is loving it. Am still waiting for the Florida book signing. *Ahem*

  9. I came across this one recently, not sure of its origin, but it might work for Book Two.

    “I thank everyone that has caused me to suffer, without you I would have no reason to express myself.”

    (Congrats on the second printing!)

  10. Well whatever it means, it seems good, so, congrats! Now, when are you venturing over to our nation's capital to sign my 'first edition'?

  11. Congratulations, Stephanie! That's very exciting. I'm already looking forward to your next book. When can we expect it out? "Straight Up and Dirty" has been a tremendous help to me after my break-up. You're hilarious. Keep it coming.

  12. Goes to show that sometimes the less said, the better, I suppose.

    I just found out today that I'll be in Austin in a few months for a meeting! After all you've written, I'm looking more forward than ever to seeing it.

    Finally, CONGRATS on your second edition. Keep tellin it like it is..

  13. Manic Mom was in no way upset that you skipped the mention of her on your acknowledgment page! (And yes, didn't someone on Friends refer to himself in the third person? Well, Manic Mom is an alter ego, and well, she's Manic, so what'd ya expect?)

    LOL

    Major, major congrats on the second edition! Doesn't this mean major bucks for you?!?! I don't even know if I read anywhere what your advance was?

    Your next book–is it the one about how you were fat? (Sorry, couldn't think of a 'kind' way to put it)… when can we read an excerpt, and also…

    WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO CHICAGO IN OCTOBER?!!?!?

  14. I found it to be an incredibly awesome book and am so glad you're writing another. I read it while traveling and rationed myself so as not to finish too soon and have nothing to look forward to. So much of it hit home so hard. You deserve all of the wonderful things that come from your hard work and honesty.

  15. Wow stephanie, that IS GREAT news !!!
    Your book is into second printing and i have still not managed to buy the book.
    The reason, as you might remember, is that it is not available here in India.
    i tried to order it via Amazon but it does not ship to India or something like that.
    i am so irritated right now.
    i read an excerpt from your book on harpercollins.com , a part of the first chapter, and it's so beautiful written.
    can't even say 'looking forward to your next book' :(

  16. Congrats!!! I know I cherish my signed first edition of your book. I can't wait for the next one. I don't remember if you've mentioned it or not, but when is the tenative release date for that one or do you know yet? And isn't it weird how offended people can get over the silliest things? I always thought about all the pissed off people after all the award shows feeling left out.

  17. Congratulations!! Oh and try those onion rings dipped in ketchup with lots of salt and fresh ground black pepper mixed into it. Yummy and worth the water retention!

  18. Congratulations Stephanie.
    I have your book on my bedside table and I am anxiously awaiting the return of children to school .. I don't want to skim it, I want to savor it .. I think it (YOU) deserves that much!
    I am really thrilled for your success!

  19. Congratulations! I loved the book as much as I thought I would based on reading your blog over the last several months. Also, as a writer, I love the idea of having an author also be a "real" person beyond just celebrity interviews. I have a question for you: If they were to make a movie out of the book (you know, for all the people too lazy to read), which actress should play you? (I'm guessing you will *Not* choose Sarah Jessica Parker ;) I'm curious!

  20. Congrats! I was curious as to how the book was selling. I've seen it at Target and Borders, etc. — I just want to run up to it and scream out to people about how fabulous it is? Isn't that crazy? PS: Well done onion rings are the only way to go!

  21. Hi Stephanie,

    Just wanted to say I LOVED your book… So much so that I've begun reading it for the second time! For me, the worst part about finishing a book is that you have to let go of the characters and story you've come to love. This is why I love your blog. Its like the story never ends. Anyways, wanted to say congratulations on all of your success–both personal and professional. I am truly happy for you!

  22. Stephanie, congrats! That is so awesome! Can you believe you've made your dreams happen so successfully?? Not many people can say they have, so pat yourself on the back.

    And go get those damn onion rings! You SO deserve them!!

  23. hi stephanie,

    congratulations on your successes! random question – do you have any favorite stores in ny that sell fun/unique jewelery and is not too expensive?

  24. All you have to do is ask your editor how many copies were originally printed in the first printing then ask her what current sales are and then you will see how many you have to go until they crack into the second printing. Cheers to you. The last thing a first time author wants–or any author for that matter–is to be remaindered–wince.

    Also, the last thing a reader wants is to delve into and acknowledgements page that resembles the dossiers that Elizabeth Wurtzel calls "the acknowledgements", Yikes. Pages and pages of inside jokes and random references.

    You have no apologies to make. Thank who you need to thank, your real friends and fans will get it.

    That said, you are on the right page.

  25. So I got your book and read it like mad. Then forced it from my hands to prolong the experience of reading it. Then I picked it up and started over – getting further. Then I put it down again. This weekend, I'm not stopping.

    It's fabulous! You're fabulous!

  26. I'm not surprised about the second printing. I'm just finishing the book now and I have many favorite passages. It will be shared with many.

    I love that the suitor gave you a signed, first edition copy of The Cider House Rules. Such a thoughtful gift. I'm glad you found one another. The more I read about your ex, the more I despise him. He seemed to thrive on your insecurities, its pitiful.

    Look forward to seeing you in Chicago.

  27. Don't sweat the acknowledgement thing, unless it was a major blunder like leaving your dad off or something. It's like a wedding invitation list. No matter how often or how big the list is, there will always, always be someone that just missed the cut. Acknowledge one, and #2 wil wonder why they were left out. Acknowledge 25, and #26 will wonder why she was left out. And guess what? Unless it was a major blunder, they should understand.

  28. A second edition is GREAT news! How long until your next book comes out? I'm really looking forward to it. Congrats on all your success. See you at Bookpeople 10/4!

  29. congrats on the second. that is a huge deal.
    re: your acknowledgement debacle (sort of like inviting people to a wedding, where do you draw the line?), there is a cool website where you can acknowledge the people who have helped you along in life, it might clear some things up.
    http://www.iamunrepeatable.com

  30. Hi, Stephanie!
    I think that my computer here at work literally ate my first note to you … so one more time…
    Wanted to not only say congratulations to you on your much-deserved success … but I also wanted to let you that as newly-minted "half-centurion" … your appeal transcends generations! After reading about you in The Daily News several weeks back, I began enjoying your blog…after I raced out to The Port Washington Public Library to reserve your book. I was lucky to be the very first to read it! Money is tight just now (yeah, I know…kind of odd for a North Shore woman to say!!!…but that is a whole other story for another time)… but I am planning to purchase my own copy for my home library. You are truly talented and I wish you continued success and many blessings in your new life out in "Don't Mess With" Texas!!! (my daddy was a Texan…he died when I was seven, but I can hear his drawl, even as I write this.)
    (Kathi, to you only)

  31. I finished the book a couple of weeks ago. I loved it and towards the end I limited myself to one chapter a day so I could stretch it out.
    Congratulations on the second printing.

  32. Apparently your publishers are aware that I am, along with everyone else i've given your book to, quickly wearing out the FIRST EDITION copy of "Straight Up and Dirty" and will soon need to venture out and buy other SECOND EDITION copies. Hee hee – you're SO cool!!!!!!!!!! I think this might call for another round of book signings and readings (especially in NYC!)

  33. Congrats. You deserve the best. You've worked very hard to get where you are. Now relax and enjoy yourself. Have some pasta….

  34. I bought the book yesterday. I read the book in less than 24 hours and ran out today and bought "Finding Your Own North Star." !!!!! I'm beginning to think I need a new therapist. :-)

    Great book and an AWESOME inspriation Steph. You truly are stronger than you give (or gave) yourself credit.

    Question for you: Does your ex know you have written a book with him as a major character? I know the names have changed, but have you heard (through the grapevine) his reaction to the book? What about Rome? I bet this really got her panties in a knot!

  35. Congrats to you! But where the f*** can I get a first edition signed copy of "The cider house rules" (or another book) by John Irving? He`s my favourite author and I`m next to envy now ;)

  36. Your creativite talents may have landed on the printed page…and hopefully on t.v. soon….but Philip has a few creative brain cells too. What a wonderfully special gift to be treasured!

    Carole

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