Book Launch of Judgement and Wrath in the UK

So, here I am, getting myself geared up for the 'official' launch of Judgement and Wrath, Joe Hunter's second outing, feeling the usual on-set of stage fright and uncertainty.

The launch of Dead Men's Dust was such a roaring success with hundreds of friends, relatives and well-wishers turning up, that I can't help but feel that there's no way I could top it. It's a little odd, holding a launch a full week after the book was released (and has been on general sale for almost three weeks) so that 'I now declare this book open' moment feels slightly out of place. Still, I'm up for it, and hoping that people will turn out to join me in celebrating the launch all the same.

I'm only a couple days back from Bouchercon and still suffering the after effects of jet-lag combined with a lingering flu (don't worry, I'm no longer infectious) so please forgive me if this reads a tad desultory. I don't mean it to: I'm obviously thrilled - just moving in slow motion. rest assured, once I've had my obligatory gallon of Nescafe coffee and nicotine, I'll be ready to take on the world (as long as it doesn't come at me swinging from all angles!!).

I hope to have a couple of surprises for the event goers tonight (it's OK, I won't be doing any impromptu singing) and intend to make it a great night. There might even be a special guest or two for avid crime readers to mingle with. More on that in the after-event-report.

For anyone who wishes to come along, the event starts at 6.30 pm and is at Waterstone's, Scotch Street, Carlisle. Wine, nibbles and Me. What could deter anyone?

For those of you who spotted the self-deprecatory joke in my last comment, well done. It's what I'm famous for.

Told you I was feeling crummy.

Matt

UK Book Launch Event - Judgement and Wrath - 22nd October 2009

While Joe Hunter's second adventure launches in hardback in the UK on Thursday 15th October 2009, I will be in America at Bouchercon. Due to this I am going to hold a launch of JUDGEMENT and WRATH the following Thursday, 22nd October in my home town of Carlisle, and I extend the hand of invitation to all my friends and readers to come and join me in celebrating. The event will begin at 6:30 pm at Waterstone's Book Shop, Scotch Street, Carlisle - the same venue where DMD was launched.

Those attending can purchase copies of J&W which I will gladly sign and dedicate. Also keep in mind that Dead Men's Dust will also be available in paperback.

I look forward to a fun event like last time and look forward to seeing you all there.

The Book Launch - how it went.

Things have been a little crazy in the past week and I thought it was probably about time I got round to writing a short piece on the book launch that took place last Wednesday evening at Waterstone's in Carlisle.

Basically it exceeded all expectations with - at one point - more than three hundred attendees. I was a little awestruck by the volume of friends, family, well-wishers and readers who turned out to help celebrate the launch of Dead Men's Dust. Looking out from my little enclave, surrounded by books, there was a sea of faces looking back at me. The emotion in my voice wasn't feigned - very genuine and heartfelt, it was. Demand for the book was amazing, and the 120 copies I had to hand sold out in no time, with another 50 ordered. That was stunning. And I want to thank all those who kindly elected to wait to pick up their copies to allow those who'd travelled to get theirs first. What an amazing group of people. Thanks to you all.

I went back in to Waterstone's on Tuesday to sign and dedicate all the books that were ordered, so if you haven't picked yours up yet, they're there waiting for you. While I was in store, another six copies went to readers approaching me while I laboured away at a table in Costa. What a great feeling that was - being approached by people who had no vested interest in me, only a joy of reading.

Unfortunately, and even though I took along my camera, I was so carried along with the event that I forgot to snap any pics. Others did, so when these become available to me I'll post them here.

Thanks to everyone for attending - without you it would have been a pretty quiet affair.


Keep on keeping on folks!
Matt

UK Book launch up-date 1

http://colburysnewcrimefiction.blogspot.com/2009/05/matt-hiltons-dead-mens-dust-book-launch.html

Col Bury, good friend and co-editor of Thrillers, Killers 'N' Chillers posted an account of his attending the launch of DMD at Waterstone's in Carlisle last Wednesday evening. Click the link to read Col's take on the event.

I'll share my own impressions once the Dust has settled a little (pun to be excused please).

Would you believe it? Less than four weeks!

This is just a less than subtle reminder that it is now less than four weeks until the publication of Dead Men's Dust. The official launch date for the UK is Thursday 14th May 2009, but I am holding an 'unofficial pre-launch' at Waterstone's in Carlisle, Cumbria the evening before.

The book can now be pre-ordered from most booksellers.

Anyone purchasing a copy of the hardback on the night of the launch can have it personally signed for them.

Book Launch - Waterstone's Carlisle Wednesday 13th May 2009

It's official, I've got a date, time and location for my book launch.

WEDNESDAY 13th MAY 2009
18.30 - 20.30
WATERSTONE'S
SCOTCH STREET
CARLISLE

and everyone's invited.

This is an unusual move apparently, because debut authors don't generally get the opportunity to launch in their home town. However, due to the support and enthusiasm I've been shown by friends and family I feel I owe them all and am therefore holding drinks and nibbles and a book signing opportunity for all those attending and purchasing the book on the night (special signing is also available - please ask).

My thanks go to Simon, Leni and everyone else involved.

A further 'official' launch will be held in London the following day and I will be going to various stores to do stock signing and also to see some of the sites. There's going to be a huge tube station publicity campaign which I can't wait to see.

Only 60 days to go!!

Wow, does that feel good. 15 months ago I thought that I'd never see the day.

Keep on keeping on
Matt