We went to Battenkill Books this afternoon to drop off the signed Simon photo postcards that will be given to each buyer of “Saving Simon” from the bookstore, and I was shocked to see the pre-orders that have come in in recent days for the book. Marilyn Brooks, Connie’s mother, could barely hold them, and many more have come in this week and are waiting online. We are shooting for 2,000 books sold in the store by Christmas. This is a great start.

You can pre-order or order the book (it will be officially published next Tuesday, October 7) online, or you can call the store at 518 677-2515, or e-mail Connie Brooks at [email protected]. The bookstore takes Paypal and will ship anywhere in the world and I will sign and personalize any book ordered through Battenkill. Everybody gets a signed photo Simon notecard (see below) and are eligible for Fromm dog and cat food coupons, notecards, photos and potholders. All I can say is “wow!” to this response. This year, more than any other, the only publicity and marketing being done is right here on my blog – I am leaving Random House and moving to another publisher – and I eagerly take up this challenge. I appreciate the support for me, for Simon and all of the truly abused animals in the world, and for the idea of the independent bookstore, we need them in our communities. Thanks.