Wow you check the site often huh?

Jamie: Try “Old Man’s War,” which the science fiction book I currently have out in the stores. It’s military science fiction, so there’s lots of action, but it’s also got some introspective and funny moments. If you can’t find it, look for one of my “Book of the Dumb” books, which are about stupid people doing stupid things. That’s always fun. And happy birthday!

Ivan: At this point there’s no other book run planned for “Agent,” although it will remain online indefinitely. I wouldn’t be opposed to a paperback release of it somewhere down the line (and I would hope if there was one they’d use Gabe’s excellent work), but to date there’s not much movement.

Ironically, what would probably spur interest in a paperback release is if this this limited run sold out in pre-order; that would prove to pther publishers there’s a market for the book (and me as an other — and Gabe as a cover artist, not coincidentally).

Kiyoshi, Jamie, Skye: Thanks!

Thanks, Benson C!

To be clear, the publication date will be in July. We opened up pre-orders early so that Penny Arcade readers (and readers of this site) can be sure that they get a copy if they want it — as I mentioned, there’ll be only a limited number, and when they’re gone, that’s it.

From what the publisher had told me, it’s selling at a pretty good clip (it was last month’s biggest direct-seller — even though it was only available on the last day of February — and looks like this month’s sales are good as well), so those of you have pre-ordered, I give you my most humble thanks.

Another from the Penny Arcade bunch; it took me a bit longer then 8 hours to finish, but I had to sleep somewhere in between as well as go to work, so I think I did OK overall:)

Thanks John, excellent work! I was about to send a few nitpick suggestions, then realized that books are not like software and no matter how much we try, there is rarely a version 1.1 out there (Ender’s Game being the only example I can think of). So, good thing book stands well as it is! ;)

Btw, for those who support this type of business model, I think baen library (http://www.baen.com/) also has a similar read-before-you-buy system. I paid for all ten Harrington books before I ended up getting them for free on a CD with last book’s limited edition, but I certainly appreciated the gesture, guts, respect, dedication and ideology it implies in the writer!

Joe asks:

“I just can’t afford $30 for a book, even if it is hilarious… maybe if it was a softcover for under $10? Any chances of that ever happening?”

It’s possible at some point but right now there’s no offer on the table. If it sells well in this limited edition there may be some ammunition to approach a publisher with re: a mass-market release. No matter what, however, this is probably the only hardback release the book will get.

And of course, don’t worry if you can’t afford it; the book will be available online. And suggesting to your friends will be payment enough.

Alex and all: Thanks for the pre-orders! I’m very happy and gratified to see the book doing so well.

Well done, John. Great character development, nice dry sense of humour. Something in there is reminiscent of those “hard-boiled” detective novels. The end of each chapter sucked me into the next one, and everything tied up nicely at the end. Time well spent; I’m thankful that PA steered me here.

To the Stars

Instapundit noted that John Scalzi’s Agent to the Stars was available online. I took a quick look and now 4 chapters and 2 hours later I’ve realized I’ve been hooked. In addition to liking the characters I’ve met so far…

Just thought I’d contribute a bit of a “me too”-style comment.

I first found out about “Agent” when it was linked to from Penny Arcade. Started reading a few chapters online, and really liked it. I was never a big fan of reading books on a computer screen, so I ordered a hard-copy of the book when I realised it was available here in the UK. It just arrived this morning, complete with its very pretty cover art; I am now the proud owner of book 1105.

Really looking forward to continuing my reading of the book later. I’d like to add that it was great of you to keep the book available online even after you published it in the real world — otherwise, I would probably have never started reading it, and thus never getting my hands on it either.

That’s it really; I guess if I like the ending of this one, I might end up checking out your other work.

Cheers,
Pavel

Is this being done with a vanity press or is the publishing company only printing 2k for another reason?

Jon Hansen:

Now, now. It’s a reasonable question.

Steven:

It’s being done through Subterranean Press, who is not a vanity press (I know this because they gave me money for the book, not the other way around — paid Mike, too). Subterranean specializes in signed, limited editions of books. Authors who have made signed, limited editions of their work made available through Subterranean include Orson Scott Card, Dan Simmons, Robert Silverberg, Charles de Lint, George R.R. Martin and Brian Lumley.

The reason it’s printing 2,000 copies is simply that’s the business model it works with: Small printings of high-quality, signed collector editions. Actually, 2,000 is a high print run for Subterranean — most printings, from what I understand, are between 250 and 1,000 copies.

It’s still a secret.

Do you know, until I saw that cover, it never even occurred to my SF-soaked mind that “agent” and “stars” could have other meanings.

Speaking of hood ornaments, and knowing PA’s history of copyright litigation (f**king strawberry shortcake bullshit), please tell me someone got Audis approval for the logo?

Yes, Gabe left off the last ring, but Audi is EXTREMELY protective of their copyright, and the vehicle in question is pretty clearly an Audi TT.

Uh how to start my post to make it noticeable and have people comment on it, thats always my problem getting people to check out my posts, the attention who*e(censoring it because I don’t have time to read the rules right now, gotta get back to reading in a second) that I am.

Anyway, I just started reading the novel, online version of course and I am absolutely hooked. This is going to basically be a flagrent Fanboy post so delete it if you want. I mostly just wanted to say that I am hooked on Agent of the Stars, and will probably be checking out another one of your books soon, my birthday is tommorow and I am going to the book store so it works out nicely. My world of warcraft patch is done and installed and everything and I’m not logging in because I have to read more of this story.

I have to admit tho I wouldn’t have even found out about this if it wasn’t for Gabe and the fact that one of the posts above said that one of the other novelists that had his books published from subterrainian(spelling)press was Orson Scott Card who is my all time favorite author (but your quickly climbing the charts) coincidently the last book I completely read was Shadow of the Giant, which was like three weeks ago, and i’ve been reading The Age of the Spiritual Machines by Ray Kurzwell sporadically for the last couple weeks.

I don’t think there is a single conducive thought through out that babbleing but I am excited to get back to reading, wasn’t planning on going to sleep tonite anyway, gotta wait up for my birthday, tradition and what have you. I’ll check back here in a bit because that’s what I do.

You rock! Keep writeing.

Wow you check the site often huh?

Cool, I’ve got a question for you then. As I said before my bday is tomo and I am going to the book store, and if they have any of your books I am definetly going to get a couple, but here’s the twist, I am not going to have time to surf around to see what your other books are about so if you could possibly tell me the books your most proud of or your favorites or what not, it would go a long way to helping me out.

My cousin just IMed me, he’s actually an aspireing author but he’s still in highschool so his aspirations change on a daily basis and I have sent him your link he’ll probably check out the book soon.

Jamie: Try “Old Man’s War,” which the science fiction book I currently have out in the stores. It’s military science fiction, so there’s lots of action, but it’s also got some introspective and funny moments. If you can’t find it, look for one of my “Book of the Dumb” books, which are about stupid people doing stupid things. That’s always fun. And happy birthday!

Ivan: At this point there’s no other book run planned for “Agent,” although it will remain online indefinitely. I wouldn’t be opposed to a paperback release of it somewhere down the line (and I would hope if there was one they’d use Gabe’s excellent work), but to date there’s not much movement.

Ironically, what would probably spur interest in a paperback release is if this this limited run sold out in pre-order; that would prove to pther publishers there’s a market for the book (and me as an other — and Gabe as a cover artist, not coincidentally).

Joshua walked up. “Well?” he said.

“You’re going to be in a Mighty Dog commercial,” I said.

“Well, all right, then,” Joshua said. “I would hate to be associated with anything that wasn’t 100% pure beef, you know.”

Yeah I think I have hit a particularly funny part of the book because I am haveing giggle fits every 5 minutes.

It’s totally worth the read Kiyoshi, I mean not that my taste counts for anything but i just finished it, like not even a minute ago. I don’t remember when I started reading it but it was in the realm of 8 hours ago I think. Heh, it’s 5 am, and I am officially 21years and 12 minutes old.

That was a fun way to spend a night, really really great fun story. Well I’ve done my reading for today, time to see if the bars are open this early.

Kiyoshi, Jamie, Skye: Thanks!

Interesting casting choices there, Leonardo!

Thanks, Benson C!

To be clear, the publication date will be in July. We opened up pre-orders early so that Penny Arcade readers (and readers of this site) can be sure that they get a copy if they want it — as I mentioned, there’ll be only a limited number, and when they’re gone, that’s it.

From what the publisher had told me, it’s selling at a pretty good clip (it was last month’s biggest direct-seller — even though it was only available on the last day of February — and looks like this month’s sales are good as well), so those of you have pre-ordered, I give you my most humble thanks.

Roger: No longer on the fridge but somewhere in storage. I think you don’t need to worry much about whether it’ll ever be cashed. Of course, it’s not like the $1 would kill you, and I could use a soda.

Hmmm….

I also just dropped in from PA. The general consensus on these boards would seem to indicate that your book rocks. I guess I’d better get started and then see if my checking account is interested. (I just scrolled back up to that cover art…gods its beautiful)

Another from the Penny Arcade bunch; it took me a bit longer then 8 hours to finish, but I had to sleep somewhere in between as well as go to work, so I think I did OK overall:)

Thanks John, excellent work! I was about to send a few nitpick suggestions, then realized that books are not like software and no matter how much we try, there is rarely a version 1.1 out there (Ender’s Game being the only example I can think of). So, good thing book stands well as it is! ;)

Btw, for those who support this type of business model, I think baen library (http://www.baen.com/) also has a similar read-before-you-buy system. I paid for all ten Harrington books before I ended up getting them for free on a CD with last book’s limited edition, but I certainly appreciated the gesture, guts, respect, dedication and ideology it implies in the writer!

I’m reading it online, and I’m on chapter 15 right now. I discovered it at work and abused my internet access all day long… luckily I was wearing my headphones so whenever I laughed too hard I could just say I was listening to a funny song. The hour-long commute without ‘Agent’ was a killer, but now: back to it!

I had every intention of buying a hard copy of the book until I saw the price. I just can’t afford $30 for a book, even if it is hilarious… maybe if it was a softcover for under $10? Any chances of that ever happening?

Even thought I can’t afford it, I will be recommending it to all my friends, and hopefully one of them will be able to splurge on it.

Good luck John, if your other books turn out as well as this one, you’ll have great success!

Dude…wow. I saw Gabe’s post on Monday and I finished reading Agent on Wednesday! I was hooked. I couldn’t stop reading the damn thing. I’d say to myself, “ok, this last chapter then you gotta finish up work before you leave”…well, one chapter turned into 3!

Your characters felt real and that was one of the things I enjoyed most. Great story-telling. Thanks for the story. I pre-ordered my copy already.

Gonna pickup Old Man’s War next. Good stuff, good luck to you.

Now, I’m a fan. =)

Oh, man — I love Penny Arcade to begin with, so this cover utterly rocks! Now I just have to go off and order the book.

Wow. I, like many in this horde, came here from PA. The cover work is very cool. But the content. wow. I love when books draw me in and I am gone for hours. This took me there. I dropped everything and read this book in a few days. John you have talent, and it is very admirable to put this online. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Well done, John. Great character development, nice dry sense of humour. Something in there is reminiscent of those “hard-boiled” detective novels. The end of each chapter sucked me into the next one, and everything tied up nicely at the end. Time well spent; I’m thankful that PA steered me here.

Hi John,

just ordered my copy of Agent… from Subterranean Press and, frankly, can’t wait for it to arrive in july. I’m double glad a part of my payment will go to Child’s play, a good cause and a friendly tap on your back for you making it happen.

Well, that’s it, really, got nothing else to write about (insert a deep sigh here). Always enjoyed your writing and your website. Ah yes, sorry to read about Rex the cat’s demise, I hope y’all coming to terms with this great loss. According to photos he indeed was a cat with a distinctive character and looks too.

Paint yourself a lightbulb here, but I just had an idea, but before I write it down, a small remark : when one of my nieces was six or seven and in her “I may well be a devil reincarnated, but you still have to love me, uncle dear” she said to me while innocently fiesting on her icecream “when you have nothing to do, do something nasty”. So here’s my idea, more of a request, come to think about it:
How about you write something more than just your autograph on my copy, you know, make it a bit more special by adding anything else that comes to your mind, or perhaps Athena can paint something, like herself in goth phase, you know what I mean. Then you can give it to the good folks at Subterranean, saying this particular copy is for the guy who ordered it from Slovenia.

I defend this plea with the following:
1. While receiving my copy, I’ll have to pay additional customs fee for importing goods from the States, about another 40% to the actual price of book and postage I already paid with my credit card.
2. I will probably be the only reader in the beautiful country of Slovenia who ordered it.
3. Because I promise I’ll place my copy on the shelf next to John Steinbeck classics I treasure more than anything.
4. A long time ago I met Alice Cooper in Vienna (btw, one of the nicest people one could ever hope to cross paths with) and he kindly took time to listen to my namespelling so he could write it down, so why not you too?
5. Because you value and are nice to those who read your works.
6. Please.

Now, you can still say no, bugger off, but it was definitely worth a try.

I hope spring is treating you, your wife and Athena kind. Take care,

Aljaz
from Lasko, Slovenia

i had read old mans war awhile ago and really enjoyed it. i had been wondering if you were going to write a sequel so i decided to look at your site. also i do read penny arcade but must of missed the info about that cover. anyways going to read agent to the stars now, from peoples comments i cant wait. also eagerly awaiting the ghost brigade book. thanks for the quality reading material!

Just thought I’d contribute a bit of a “me too”-style comment.

I first found out about “Agent” when it was linked to from Penny Arcade. Started reading a few chapters online, and really liked it. I was never a big fan of reading books on a computer screen, so I ordered a hard-copy of the book when I realised it was available here in the UK. It just arrived this morning, complete with its very pretty cover art; I am now the proud owner of book 1105.

Really looking forward to continuing my reading of the book later. I’d like to add that it was great of you to keep the book available online even after you published it in the real world — otherwise, I would probably have never started reading it, and thus never getting my hands on it either.

That’s it really; I guess if I like the ending of this one, I might end up checking out your other work.

Cheers,
Pavel

[deleted]

Using my site to advertise your book when it has no connection to what’s being discussed isn’t cool, Ms. Joseph. Don’t do it again.

Thanks, Benson C!

To be clear, the publication date will be in July. We opened up pre-orders early so that Penny Arcade readers (and readers of this site) can be sure that they get a copy if they want it — as I mentioned, there’ll be only a limited number, and when they’re gone, that’s it.

From what the publisher had told me, it’s selling at a pretty good clip (it was last month’s biggest direct-seller — even though it was only available on the last day of February — and looks like this month’s sales are good as well), so those of you have pre-ordered, I give you my most humble thanks.

Wow. I, like many in this horde, came here from PA. The cover work is very cool. But the content. wow. I love when books draw me in and I am gone for hours. This took me there. I dropped everything and read this book in a few days. John you have talent, and it is very admirable to put this online. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Mr. Scalzi:
I recently read “Old Man’s War” with a great deal of pleasure. You certainly are in the Robert Heinlein tradition. I suggest that your novel has some similar elements to books by Van Vogt and Varley (as to the `spare’ bodies).
OMW had special resonance for me since I’m 73, spent a couple of years in the US Army, and lost a dearly beloved wife ten years ago. I’d love to have a replica of her.
You enjoy using bugshit as a synonym for crazy. You may be interested to learn that at the time of the Korean War, we used apeshit for nuts, bullshit and horseshit for lies, and chickenshit for excessive discipline.
Keep up the good work.
Morton L. Siegel