2 pre-order gifts / BTS of THE CHARTS!

a.k.a. the last email about WGWW before it comes out!

Hi pals!

WHAT GOES WITH WHAT will be out in less than a week (ah!!). Which means this is the last time I’ll be asking you to pre-order the book (I bet you’re as relieved as I am, lol).

I talked about the following when I told you all about the book for the first time, but just in case you missed it, here’s why pre-ordering is important (for me and for all writers whose work you are thinking of purchasing):

1. Every single book sold before the book comes out (a.k.a. pre-ordered) counts towards the first week of sales — this counts BIG time for lists like the NYT best sellers list which I have such mixed and complicated feelings about, but it is a nice moon to shoot for, especially since it helps sets a precedent for other queer authors/authors who don’t have the backing of a TV network or anything like that.

2. Pre-ordering is like a bat signal for bookstores — if your local, independent bookstore gets even just *1* order in for a book that hasn’t come out yet, they will most likely flag it and order a few copies. . . this is a big deal!

3. Pre-ordering helps determine marketing/publicity opportunities + budgets…again, this is a big deal!

4. Most importantly, you get your copy the day the book comes out! You’ve waited long enough!

And if those reasons aren’t compelling enough, I have two more things to tell you about!

ONE: Everyone who has pre-ordered/pre-orders before the book comes out next Tuesday (Oct. 15) is invited to a free cooking class with me next month! Once you have ordered your copy, just head here and fill out the form. You will get details about the class after the book comes out. The class is going to be on Sunday Nov. 3 (and will be recorded for anyone who can’t attend live).

It’s going to be fun!!

TWO: If you pre-order WGWW from Oblong Books, my local/indie bookstore, not only will you be able to get a signed/personalized copy, you’ll also get a copy of this “Seven Lists” zine I made with my mom!

If you’ve cooked from/read any of my previous cookbooks, you know I always have a section in the back called “SEVEN LISTS.” Each list has seven items and the lists always cover a range of topics. Sadly there wasn’t room for this in WGWW, so I decided to make it a special zine instead. My mom illustrated it! My dad designed it! It’s really special and also very useful. It includes lists covering everything from cocktails to tips for cooking with kids. Here’s a little flip through to give you a sense of what’s inside:

Again, the SEVEN LISTS zine is exclusive to my local bookstore Oblong and will be sent along with every pre-ordered copy!!! Order yours here!

I also wanted to take you behind-the-scenes of THE CHARTS in the actual book today. Here are some photos from my journey writing each of the twenty charts by hand!

Finding the right marker…

Don’t worry: every chart that didn’t make the cut or that I made errors on was recycled!

All twenty charts!

A fun photo Grace took of my collapsed on top of the charts. I could barely feel my right hand at this point but it was all WORTH IT!!!

Anyone coming to the “EASY FISH!” class this Sunday! I’ll be there! (…duh).

Thanks so much for being here friends. It means a lot and I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK TO BE IN YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for being patient. xooxoxoxox Julia