Bully in print
To celebrate the arrival of the print edition of Bully at Ambush Corner, I’m holding a contest to give one lucky reader a free copy. Or is it only one lucky reader?
(Be sure to read all the way to the end or you’ll be sor-r-r-y. Not to mention you’ll miss some of my superbly superb writing.)
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that Bully at Ambush Corner would soon be available in print. That day has arrived. Bully is now for sale on:
Amazon and Createspace.
In order to get the launch off to a running start, or at least to a strolling start, I’m giving away a free copy of Bully to
a lucky reader who posts a comment on this blog. Since I’m not very savvy about online random number drawings, the winner will be determined by the very precise, scientific method of someone (me) writing each participant’s name on exactly the same size of paper, and with eyes tightly closed, drawing it, not from a shot glass, but from a cereal box, from a mixing bowl, or, preferably–in order to accommodate the massively massive horde of entries–from a packing crate. I know there will be a horde of entries, because each one of you is going to spread the news of the contest via word of mouth, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, e-mail, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. (I’m channeling the King of Siam here. If you don’t understand that reference, watch the movie “The King and I.” You’ll enjoy it.)
The contest will run until October 1 at 5 p.m. PDT. Naturally, I have the option of extending it, but I certainly won’t end it early, since I want to give everyone plenty of time to come up with a clever comment to post.
For those of you who don’t want to wait and learn if you’re a loser or a winner, feel free to go online and purchase Bully immediately. Please note, however, that one Amazon seller has the book listed for $47.17. I wrote to him/her and asked how s/he arrived at that price, but haven’t received a reply. It left me wondering what else might be included with the book, perhaps his or her firstborn or the cat that keeps missing the litter box. If so, I understand, and even somewhat sympathize, but if the seller doesn’t want the surprise goody, I doubt you do either. So avoid that copy. It would be wonderful if I could sell every copy at that price, but I suspect that what I would sell is—one copy.
Now I’m going to beg. I’m down on my knees, my humble, pleading, aching knees.
(Cute, aren’t I?)
Please, once you’ve read the book, go on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. (Dratted earworm!) Then write a review. I refuse to send out free copies of my book to garner reviews, not because I’m—ahem—cheap. I am, after all, giving away my contest copy for FREE. I refuse because I don’t like trying to guilt strangers into writing a review. I also don’t send money to any of those sites or publications you pay to write a review of your book—whether or not they’ve read it. (Bet some of you didn’t know those existed. Stick with me. You’ll learn something new every day.) I want regular readers to write my reviews for me, positive or scathing, because I think people trust those reviews. If I get enough reviews—I think the minimum is fifteen—I would also get the option of having my book posted on a free promotional site. (Okay, okay, perhaps I’m not entirely above guilting people into helping out, but if you’re reading this blog, to me, you’re not strangers, at least not total strangers.)
So here’s your assignment, should you chose to accept it. (Another reference some of you will recognize.)
1. Post a comment.
2. Spread the word.
3. If you lose the contest or simply because you don’t want me to go shoeless this winter, buy the darn book. It costs about as much as a couple of Caffè Mochas and won’t make you fat.
4. Write and post a review.
(“Dragging myself up off my aching, but cute, dimpled knees now,” she said wearily.)
Boy, this begging wears a girl out.
Until next week . . .
Goodness! Almost forgot. If comments number more than 25, I’ll add a second copy of Bully and a second WINNER!
Admit it. I ROCK!
BULLY AT AMBUSH CORNER 
Yes, you certainly do rock, Karen! Your blog post is very cool. I am in awe not only of your writing skills but also of your technical prowess. Call me Wilma Flintstone 🙂 “Bully at Ambush Corner” is a wonderful book. I think everyone should buy a copy for themselves and also an extra to donate so that we could make a class set for some lucky school!
Thanks Jodie for your comment and for your GREAT idea. It would be wonderful if everyone did buy a copy and also donate one to their school.
Thanks Karen! I am really looking forward to reading “Bully at Ambush Corner” – and hopefully winning a copy for our Library Curriculum Resource Centre! Bullying has been such a huge problem in schools over the years and experienced by almost every member of my immediate family. I will be looking for the “cheaper” copies where I can find them so I can pass them on! Great luck with your sales and promotion!
Thanks for checking in Shelley and for your help in spreading the word. You’re “good people.” Best of luck in the contest.
Hi,
I hadn’t known about your book before a few days ago when I received a notice from LinkedIn. (We’re connected through the NCTE group.) I’m a high school English teacher in Newton, Massachusetts, and I also serve on the Anti-Bullying Steering Committee for the school. Essentially, what this means is I help convert the anti-bullying curriculum our district purchased to fit our school. This is our second year of having the curriculum, and the main issue we seem to have is that most teaching of anti-bullying seems to be on the middle-school level; our students think the lessons are a little elementary (our teachers, too). I’m hoping that stories from the news and from novels can help them get an idea of what we’re trying to diminish. I’m under the impression that your book is geared toward middle school – I’m not sure where I got that impression, though – but I still am anxious to read the story. Good luck with the book.
(By the way, what is an “MG” novel?)
I’m so glad you found my site and added your comment. MG means middle grade, so Bully at Ambush Corner isn’t geared toward high schoolers, but toward readers 8-12. Good luck with the drawing. If you win, pass the book along to an elementary school librarian or share the link with them so they can enter too. Thanks for the work you do to help end bullying.
Hot topic! Are you writing from personal experience? Do you do skype visits – maybe we can work with local school and arrange a visit?
Hi Mamie, Thanks for stopping by. If you go to my very first post, “The Bully Who Inspired Me,” it explains the genesis of the book. I haven’t Skyped yet, but have author friends who know the ropes. Let me know if you find a school and I’ll figure it out.
I’m an “old woman” 😉 and have read this through a few times because believe it or not, I think it’s helping the little kid in me heal from the bullying I went through from about 9yrs to 15 yrs old!
Planning on buying a few hard copies to give to teacher-friends (but not for $47.17–promise you’ll post the reply from this person if you ever get one?)
Thanks for the kind words, Wendy. Perhaps you would consider sharing your bullying story in a blog post. Still no answer re costly copy, but I’ll share if it arrives.
You are not an old worman (I am), but I know about the bullying you went through. Sadly didn’t know it was happening until you were an adult. Because of you, I definitely want to read this book.
Thanks for stopping by Ellen. Will I have to give friend Wendy a commission for her promo? Good luck in the contest.
[…] of Monday, I am running a contest for a free copy of Bully at Ambush Corner. If readers go to the Monday post (9/24) they can read how to […]
Thanks for the shout out, Morgen.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a free copy. If I win,I’ll put it in our school library and also notify the counselor about it. She goes to each classroom and talks with the students about bullying and other problems that happen with students.
Thanks for stopping by and your offer to share with the counselor. Good luck with the drawing.
[…] of Monday, I am running a contest for a free copy of Bully at Ambush Corner. If readers go to the Monday post (9/24) they can read how to […]