Brought to you BUY Sherry Thomas

Gracious, I've got to say, things are looking mighty thin here at the Blog House. No one's popped in to visit, or review, or toss up a rant about the state of the bookshelves at Borders, or tell us all about used book stores you've just gotta visit --oh, wait, that one will come.

Gird your loins because darlings, the Blog House is about to be dorky.

Or should I say gushy?

Perhaps glommy because glomming was a recent topic of discussion?

Maybe even, "Scrumptious Victorian confection... A Cinderella story with a compelling culinary twist."

Oh, yes, my dearest BRRAddicts, I'm talking about Sherry Thomas and her novel, Delicious. Like most fairy tales, it's the story of True Love--long lost True Love. It's Cinderella retold--sort of. And you've all probably already read it. It was published last year, and Kate's mentioned it already on the loop, but it deserves to be mentioned again because this aptly titled work is utterly delish.

Hard to believe the Stalwart Contemporary Reader is fawning over something Historical, innit? Just you wait until I get going on Jo Goodman, which I will at tomorrow night's gathering (7pm Borders in Brissy CBD). But back to Sherry's Delicious, or more appropriately, Sherry herself.

I purchased two copies of the novel. One I lent to Elle before reading. The other was because of the odd way it had been printed--back to front. The step-back became the rear of the book, the back 'blurb' wrapped around the spine, displacing the window image on to the front, and when one opened the book, the contents were upside-down. For some reason, I was outraged. Sherry, this wonderful author, was likely to lose a sale, because someone (Like Elle!) would never buy her book, no matter how wonderful, in such a state. Knowing a few of our members are authors, I was further outraged.

Herein lies the dorky part: I was so full o' outraged beans, I wrote to Sherry to tell her about the misprint, so she could contact her publisher and be compensated. I never expected to hear back from her, but I did. Here's the entire conversation.

Hi Sherry,

Perhaps someone one has already brought it to your attention and the issue has been rectified (in your favour!). I've come across several copies of your novel Delicious that have covers printed back to front, which means the back cover blurb folds over the spine and the print inside is upside down. I have no qualms purchasing a book in such a state because it's got a certain quirky appeal, and, well, you wrote it. I know there are some who might not be willing to buy your wonderful novel in such a state, but I'm a little curious. I know the books store is compensated by Random House because the novel is considered "damaged," but would you receive some sort of compensation as well, since the print mistake lies with the publisher? Is a stupid print muck-up like this something that could possibly hurt you and keep you off a best-seller list, a list that could net you more profit? I know it's kinda silly, but I was mad for you.

All the best and thanks for the great read!

OB

Dear OB,

Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know about this problem. I'll pass it along to my editor.I think the bookstore doesn't actually get real compensation from Random House, more like a credit to their account the same way books unsold are returned. But if otherwise, well, I'll definitely demand my due! :-)

Again, thank you. And wish you all the best,

Sherry

P.S. I'm so happy you liked the book.

Hands up here. How many of you would buy a "damaged" book? Would book in a state like the copy of Delicious I bought postpone your glom?

Put in your two cents at tomorrow night's BRRAddict-o-rama! I'll expect some lively discussion about this.

See you all there!

OB