Hey friends,
My book is out today. It’s here and it happened and I’m so, so happy. I did it. We did it. I can now say when my first book came out at parties and sound like an insufferable snob. I can’t wait.
I almost don’t have anything to say? I’ve said it all here and on podcasts and interviews and more. I’m going to keep talking about it because today is not the finish line—it’s the starting line. But you know what else is happening today? It’s the pub day for many, many other books, and here are a few of them. By total chance, three of my clients have pub days today, and I want to tell you about their books, too.
A GIRL WALKS INTO THE FOREST by Madeleine Roux
Marrying the Count was supposed to be a way out, but it was a trap. Using the secrets of the forest, Valla enacts her revenge on the evil she’s encountered, and you’ll be pumping your fists in solidarity throughout. Roux is the author of over 25 books including the New York Times best selling ASYLUM series and this might be my favorite one yet. I’m so proud of Maddie for writing this, especially now. If you’re ready for some heroines to kick some ass, read this book.
SING ME HOME CAROLINA by Joy Callaway
If, instead, you need a hug of a book instead of a fist pump of a book, then head over to Joy Callaway’s Contemporary Romance debut, SING ME HOME TO CAROLINA. Joy’s seventh book, this one is a can-you-or-can’t-you go home again slow burn romance with a strong musical twang. Hattie has to choose between her big city life in Charlotte and saving her small town life in Mountain View, an old flame and a new one. Full of colorful characters and Joy’s beautiful writing, this is a perfect vacation read.
FOUR SQUARES by Bobby Finger
Out in paperback today is Bobby Finger’s second book FOUR SQUARES!! Funny, smart, and full of heart, Bobby always brings you the most unexpected characters. Artie, who made it through the 90s as a gay man in New York City, finds himself adrift thirty years later, haunting the same haunts as his younger self. When the local queer seniors center takes him under his wing, Artie discovers a whole new community, whether he likes it or not. Bobby’s writing is funny, pitch perfect, and always surprising. Every time I pick up this book I want to hug it. This is also a perfect vacation read, especially if you can pass it along to that one cool cousin in your family when you’re done.
WRITE THROUGH IT: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate McKean
What, you think I’m not going to blurb my own book here? This is my book, y’all. It came out of this newsletter, which I’ve been writing since 2019. It’s for anyone who is ready (or almost ready) to take the step from writing to publishing a book. It’s perfect for your friend, or uncle, or neighbor who’s been saying for years they want to write their memoir, picture book, or novel. It’s full of practical information, like how to write a query letter, as well as the more intangible stuff, like how to weather getting all those rejections. (Everyone gets rejections!) I hope you get it and read it. I hope you tell a friend about it. I hope it’s there for you when you need it, for your first book and your second and your seventh and your twenty-fifth.
Happy pub day to us all. Happy pub day to you, in the future, if you want it. Read books, share books, tell others about books. That’s how all of this gets done.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX,
Kate
Totally here for the matching manicure. superb and congrats
I bought your book. I’d been waiting for it! I’m on chapter 2. So far, I value your friendly, funny, no nonsense voice and your focus on feelings. I’m not someone from your primary audience — writers seeking a traditional publishing route. I’m a freelance editor — an outsider — forever curious about the industry.