When the preorder campaign for I’m the Girl was first broached by the Wednesday Books team, there was a discussion about what could be offered as an incentive. The book’s most obviously marketable symbols are tied to its most painful revelations—it would have been inappropriate to frame them as a gift. I had a thought of what I wanted, and in February, I approached illustrator Jenifer Prince about a potential commission. I’ve long admired her work, and the crackle and depth of its unabashed, sapphic intimacy. I was ecstatic when she agreed to create an illustration for I’m the Girl, and when Wednesday agreed a print would be a perfect preorder gift. The development of the piece you’re about to see was a wonderful experience—Jenifer executed my notes into something so special and far greater than anything I imagined.
The lesbian romance in I’m the Girl is not only respite from its greater devastation, but I suspect it will be largely and exclusively read that way. If I could encourage readers to consider anything about this story—especially if they themselves are not queer—it would be the ways in which lesbianism conflicts with the patriarchy, how that defines Georgia’s experiences throughout the book, and what the book’s final image might mean to her as a lesbian. I’ve said before I’m the Girl is an unsparing, brutal account of a dark world that victimizes and abuses girls, but more importantly, it’s about two girls holding each other in that darkness.
George. Nora. the teardrop framing. Two lights in the surrounding dark. I’m grateful to Jenifer for sharing her talents with I’m the Girl and creating a piece so alive with its story. Thank you, Jenifer.
Wednesday Books is offering the print in two editions: blue and pink. The pink is an indie bookstore exclusive—but you don’t have to choose between them! You can claim both.
You’ll also receive a signed bookplate, and, days ahead of I’m the Girl’s publication, you’ll get an email containing a short story called:
That’s right. There’s been no greater demand from my readers than for Sadie’s story to continue. Now, after all this time, a return. Since I’m the Girl is set in the same universe, Greetings from Sunny Los Angeles serves as both an epilogue to Sadie and a bridge to I’m the Girl, told through West McCray’s eyes in the years following his podcast. How did The Girls impact his life? And where does Sadie fit into it now?
There’s only one way to find out . . .
TO CLAIM:
Preorder I’m the Girl before September 13th from any retailer and submit a screenshot of your receipt to https://read.macmillan.com/promo/imthegirlpreorder/ to get the blue print, signed bookplate, and the short story.
Preorder I’m the Girl from any of these participating indie bookstores:
Anderson’s Bookshop
Belmont Books
Books & Books
Brookline Booksmith
Curious Iguana
East City Bookshop
Joseph Beth Booksellers
Print: A Bookstore
The Raven Bookstore
Park Road Books
Parnassus Books
To receive the pink print, then submit your receipt to https://read.macmillan.com/promo/imthegirlpreorder/ to get the blue print, signed bookplate, and the short story. The pink print will arrive with your book from the bookstore and Wednesday Books will send the remaining incentives.
(NOTE: If you don’t submit your receipt from the indie to Wednesday Books, you will ONLY receive the pink print.)
Eligibility details, rules, and the list of participating indies can all be found on the Macmillan site. Open to residents of US & Canada.
My career has been largely defined by the readers who choose to show up for my books and giving these challenging stories their greatest shot at success has rarely been as straightforward or as simple as it might appear. While preordering is just one of many ways you can support my work, it’s also one of the most significant and most impactful, so I’m thrilled we can offer you these extras, in gratitude. If you can preorder, I hope you’ll claim them. If you know someone who would want them, I hope you’ll share this news with them. Regardless, thank you for valuing my work and please know that I always value your readership.
And to readers unable to claim these gifts, please keep your eye on my Instagram—I’ve got some giveaways planned.
News:
I had the best time with Renata and Kait talking about R.L. Stine’s classic Night of the Living Dummy on The Worst Bestsellers podcast and you can listen to it here.
Macmillan Library was brave enough to let me take over their Instagram account for a day. Watch the highlights here.
The Project was awarded Best YA Novel at the 2022 International Thriller Writers Thriller Awards!
The Cracked Up to Be ebook is currently $2.99 across all e-tailers for the month of June. This offer expires soon, so take advantage of it while you can, and keep your eye out for the next sale . . .
I have a queer book rec over for you on The Cut.