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Friday Quiz: Why Should Anyone Order My New Book? (April 7, 2006) 
Q: Why should anyone order my first novel I-State Lines? Answer 1: Because the writer is a poor, dumb unknown with no other prospects other than fellow weblog readers and his loyal friends. Answer 2: Because the book on the buyer's shelf will be a happy reminder of the always-pleasing thought, "I could do better than that with one hand tied behind my back!" Answer 3: Because the reader need only sacrifice a forgettable first-run movie at a theater, a small Coke and a medium popcorn to buy the discounted book on Amazon ($13). Unlike the movie, however, the book is perfect for balancing that wobbly table in your den, and will serve that function very attractively and reliably for years. Answer 4: Because the book is the ideal gift for that "impossible-to-buy-gifts-for" age group of 18-25, since it's about youth tackling adulthood head-on: moral awakening, idealism, sacrifice, falling in love, friendship, cars breaking down, first jobs, traveling and being gloriously, desperately broke. Oh, and it's a comic novel. Answer 5: Because you'll earn the public and private gratitude of a poor dumb unknown who, unlike all those rich and famous authors you enjoy reading, is supremely grateful for readers. Answer 6: Because the book is episodic, you can open it anywhere and start reading-- perfect for a commute or "throne-side" amusement. Answer 7: Because the publishers who are taking a chance on it are real people, Martin and Judith Shepard, not some German corporation (which owns numerous American imprints that masquerade as "independent publishers"), who've been publishing books (though they must have doubts about this one) for 30 years. Order the book from The Permanent Press, a real independent publisher, (or if you want the discount, from Amazon.com ).
Note: the Amazon pre-order price does not yet reflect the soft-bound list price of $20, which will be discounted to about $13. If you order something else to bring the value up to $25 (another book, a DVD, a CD, towels, etc.), then shipping is free. Here are some other books/films to consider for your order. For more on this subject and a wide array of other topics, please visit my weblog. 
copyright © 2006 Charles Hugh Smith. All rights reserved in all media. I would be honored if you linked this wEssay to your site, or printed a copy for your own use.
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