ARC - A Trick of the Light

rain, rain - and even more rain. temps 8

Oh, yech. It's a good thing I'm not affected by the weather or I'd be in a *&$%# foul mood.

OK - the moment has finally arrived. I have Advance Readers Copies of A TRICK OF THE LIGHT to give away! And I've set some aside just for you! Four copies, to be given out two at a time.

Starting...now.

But, being a fiend, I'm going to make you earn it. The truth is, these ARCs are not only precious (as are you) - but rare. And printed by the publisher specifically and uniquely to boost interest and (that filthy word) sales. To get a buzz going before a book is published. So - they're sent to influential booksellers, reviewers, librarians, bloggers, journalists.

And, people with big mouths.

Which is where you come in.

Your job, should you win one of the ARCs (and honestly, even if you don't...please), is to tell as many people about A TRICK OF THE LIGHT as possible. Blog about it. Comment on other people's blogs. On book clubs. Write PSB, NPR, Today, OWN, Richard and Judy, magazines, your local book reviewer. Your mom. Everyone you can think of. And then some.

Tell complete strangers.

And you know why. Because the publishing business is becoming more and more difficult. And the economy is difficult. And people need to know if they spend their hard-earned and precious money on a book - then spend their hard-earned free time on it - that that book will be worth it.

A publisher can no longer publish a book and hope for the best. And an author, even a successful one, can't just sit around hoping the readers will find the new book.

With your help, we'll lead more people to Three Pines and the Gamache books - and A TRICK OF THE LIGHT specifically.

Obviously I'm making the assumption you'd be comfortable telling people that. They can use the library copy - I'm a huge fan of libraries, and certainly understand that that's how many people read books, especially series that are new to them. But we also hope many, many people will choose to buy the book too.

With your help.

Which brings us to the ARC. You can see it above, resting on the old laptop which I use to write. Behind it is the first draft of the next book...just as a cruel tease. I'm like that.

Here's the contest -

write a comment here telling me what you'll do, if you get an advance copy, to spread the word about A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. From all your wonderful comments Michael and I will choose two - not necessarily the best...but we'll narrow it down to the best, and then I'll have Michael choose at random from that pile.

Now, I know the 'comment' button can sometimes be baffling and temperamental....so if it doesn't work, just send me an email at:

contact@louisepenny.com

Whichever is easiest for you.

have fun!

I'll announce the two winners by Saturday. Good luck!