Happy publication day now added to my lexicon

A new phrase has entered my lexicon: happy publication day.

I never imagined such a greeting existed, but I must say, everyone with whom I have been dealing at Hachette (Aust) this week has sent me a cheery message. The company CEO Louise Stark wrote a delightful card saying: “Congratulations on the publication of Betrayed — such an extraordinary story that Hachette is so pleased to publish.” My publisher, Sophie Hamley, who has been an absolute rock, not only sent an eMail with the message: “Congratulations on the publication of Betrayed and thank you for trusting us with this story you have held dear for so long. Happy publication day! I hope you are having a celebration of some sort!” but also sent me a bottle of champagne which arrived on the same day. She wrote: “The Veuve Clicquot felt like something Toddie and Beezie would have shared with you to celebrate. So here’s to all three of you! Congratulations on bringing their story back to life.”

Hachette publicist extraordinaire Ailie, who has put together a killer media schedule — outstanding reach and national exposure — sent me a message saying: “Just wanted to wish you a very happy publication day! It has been really great to work with you on this book, and I think we’ve pulled together a strong campaign for Betrayed. Amongst your interviews today, I hope you have time to celebrate – congratulations!” That was so sweet. Likewise, Hachette marketing supremo and campaign exec Emma found time to say: “Congrats Sandi! What a stunning release day.”

With the book’s official release on 1 June, photos are beginning to pop up on social media of purchasers’ new books arriving, packets being opened, and a variety of cats, dogs and people starting to read their copy of Betrayed. I’d love you to share your pix or selfies, and with your consent, I’ll share them on my socials too! Just send them via <sandiloganauthor@gmail.com> or post them and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. Include something original in the picture! You could also use the hashtag #druggrannies.

The photo with today’s blog is from around 1975 showing Beezie and their dog Suzette celebrating Christmas in Toddie and Beezie’s La Pine home.

Readers have been asking me questions about the story, which I expect, given the layers of character complexity, the deep and at times nasty plot, and the many consequences falling from the twists and turns of the storyline. It’s non-fiction true crime and all the more remarkable that Toddie and Beezie survived their ordeal.

The Betrayed paperback was listed as a #1 Best Seller by Amazon in the LGBTQ+ History section when it launched while the eBook is the top seller in the True Crime section. The audiobook is also doing very well on Audible (ranked 2 in True Crime).

This is very exciting and more than I ever imagined.

Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered a copy; I am so appreciative of your support for my book and for the book publishing industry generally.