Hey, Look! The Trade Paperback Edition of Redshirts! Want One?

Posted on January 4, 2013    Posted by      896 Comments

Just arrived at the Scalzi Compound. It looks lovely. You all will get to get yours in 11 days (that’s January 15th)…

Except for the one of you I randomly select to get a copy from this comment thread! For you, I’ll mail one out tomorrow (or, like, Monday. Probably Monday). I’ll even sign it.

So let me know in the comment thread if you want it! This is open until 11:59:59pm tonight, Eastern. I’ll devise some way to randomly select a winner and let you know who it is tomorrow. One comment entry per person only, please.

Go!

Update: Yes, anyone anywhere ON THE PLANET may enter. If you’re on the ISS, piss off.

(Just kidding, you astronauts can enter too)

Category: Uncategorized    

896 Comments on “Hey, Look! The Trade Paperback Edition of Redshirts! Want One?”

  18. While I would love a trade paperback copy of Redshirts, I have been holding off on getting one for fear of finding out I am not core bridge crew of my own life.

  23. Is this for Canadians, too? If so, a good way to randomly select a winner would be to see who asks ‘Is this for Canadians, too?’ and give it to him or her.

  29. Want! I have it in hardcover, actually, but I have a friend’s birthday coming up, and this would be a very cool add-on gift.

  30. {Clever comment that successfully plants the idea that I should be the winner into John Scalzi’s subconscious}

  36. Wow. How could I possibly not enter the Easiest Contest Ever? And for a Scalzi book at that. Double win.

  38. Dear God yes please. I haven’t been able to scrounge up the cash to get any version of it, and I’m kinda desperate to read it.

  46. Just started reading your book “Hate Mail”. Bought it at Paperback Book Swap. Loved “Old Man’s War”, etc. Sadly didn’t even know you had a new book. Want it badly. Thanks.

  49. I’m game for this one – “Redshirts” was the most fun I’ve had with a book in a long, long time. Thanks for opening the contest to us!!

  53. Would be perfect timing, I just loaned my hard copy to my brother-in-law. I’m sure he’ll never give it back.

  56. My wife is a long time Star Trek fan and loves meta fiction!
    Pleaseeaseeaselleaseplease!!!!!?!

  62. Yes, do want! :D Here’s where I cross my fingers and hope my random number comes up, right? Woo! (Also, this is pretty cool of you, as an author dude and all. Thanks.)

  64. Yes, yes, please! I just bought a copy for my Kindle, and I would LOVE to have a copy to give to my mom, who introduced/indoctrinated me into Star Trek all those moons ago. Plus, it’s funny, and she’ll love that.

  67. Definitely want it! It’s another great addition to your library of amazing books!

  75. I would LOVE a signed copy of this book from my favorite author! (does sucking up help?) Seriously though, I have enjoyed every single thing I have read from you, and I am currently getting my brother hooked on your books…we just got back from a road trip to New Mexico (from Seattle) and listened to the audiobook versions of “Old Man’s War” and “Ghost Brigades”. My brother’s favorite bit? When Perry became the first man to kick himself in his own uvula. (this line rated highly with me as well!) Great stuff, keep writing ’em, and I will keep buying and reading ’em!

  98. I’ve been looking forward to reading your book ever since I heard Jonathan Coulton’s song. The fact that you asked him is a testament to your good taste. The fact that he wrote it, a testament to the coolness of your book.

  103. I found myself humming the JoCo song at my desk the other day, and realised I never got round to picking up a copy. Best. Marketing. Ever. I’d definitely be up for a copy if the random number generator of doom smiles upon me!

  104. I think my hardcover version is getting lonely. It needs the company of its soft and younger sibling. Would love to get another copy!

  107. Already have the autographed hard cover, so while I do “want”, no, thank you. If your method happens to chose this post, please find an alternative method that will choose differently.

  111. Yes please! My mom has not read this yet, and she’d be tickled pink to get a signed copy!

  131. I would love one, and if you give me one, then I’ll do the most majestic happy dance known to mankind that will involve a dog from the Swiss Mountains, a cute baby, a beautiful Asian women, a Fraggle and a can of tuna.

  132. I love the trade paperback size, it’s the best size, the most awesome size, and that means it’s AWESOME.

  134. I don’t like the odds, but as my dad told me, “you never win if you never try,” and then, under his breath, “but you still won’t win.”

  135. Please give it to some more deserving person. I already have a Kindle copy and don’t want to be a hog. Though, it would be nice to have a signed copy.

  138. as a general rule, i read ebooks as a matter of convenience. However a signed scalzi copy of redshirts would be awesome.

  144. Thanks for the consideration!!
    Were there ever UU shirts available?
    That would have been sweet to have.

  146. I gave my copy away as a Christmas present. I wouldn’t mind having another copy because the book was so dang good.

  158. ohmygodohmygodohmygod… Scalzi won’t pick me will he? WILL HE??? PLEASE PICK ME!

  159. I would love to get this. I’ve been a fan of yours since you did DVD reviews for the Official PlayStation Magazine. I haven’t gotten around to getting the hardcover of this yet, but I loved the excerpts I read.

  160. Ooh!!! Count me in, please! and congrats that it’s arrived! That definitely rates and Epic w00t!

  161. Oh please oh please oh please oh please?

    I know, I’ll shoot my eye out…..but I don’t care! I’d love a copy, especially signed by you!

  163. It would be kind of cool to get a signed trade paperback of this book.
    Wait, what am I saying?
    I would be *totally* cool to get a signed trade paperback of this book.
    *bright smile*

  171. Well, of course I want it. That would go without saying if saying weren’t a condition for getting it.

  174. I adored this book. I’ve actually read it 3 times on my Kindle. I’d love to have a hard copy!

  179. I’d love to have a copy. I was going to get it for Christmas, but at the last minute – and without consulting me first – the person who promised me Redshirts gave me a blu ray of Beasts of the Southern Wild instead. (Which I had never heard of but is cool enough that I did not follow through on my threat to cast her out of the family for not delivering the promised Redshirts.)

  182. I would dearly love to send this to a friend! He’s never had the chance to read Redshirts due to cutbacks at his library, and I know he would love it. Here’s hoping :)

  188. Yes, please! I read the hardback from the library and would love a paperback copy to own. We can think of a clever signing that will mention Wil, too. :-)

  190. I’m in.

    Please note that shipping to Western Massachusetts is much less expensive than shipping to the ISS.

    Just sayin’.

  191. Anyone else waiting until their post number has some geeky significance before submitting their response?

  192. I NEVER win at these contests! Either I’m not random enough, or just unlucky. Or both.

  211. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!! (That is if your selection criteria includes the most consecutive letters)

  214. Me. Me. I borrowed it from the library but really liked it. Would definitely get my husband to read it if you sent me a copy…

  218. Winning this would surpass my other only ever contest win, a trip to the Super Bowl from Snickers!

  222. I don’t know if saying something particularly clever makes me more likely to get a copy, or if semi-unsolicited praise will help. But this was the best book of 2012. Yes, I do want one.

  223. Unsolicited, repeat advice: how to select a random comment with a Mac. It’s pretty quick:

    1) Create a text version of this web page.
    – In Firefox, right-click/ two-finger-click to get the context menu
    – select ‘Save Page As …’
    – change filename to ‘arc1.txt’
    – change folder to ‘Documents’
    – change format to ‘Text Files’

    2) Get just the user names:
    – Start up Terminal
    JS-Mac$ cd Documents
    JS-Mac$ grep ‘says:’ arc1.txt > arc2.txt
    JS-Mac$ wc -l arc2.txt (this’ll give you the number of lines / entries)

    3) Pick a random line in the arc2.txt file
    – just use random.org, enter the number of lines
    – text editor can take you to the winning line / name

    If the first name is somehow disqualified (e.g. double-entry), just repeat step 3.

  224. Uuuh did I arrive in time?? Did I? I get a little confused with clocks and times when they are half world away… more or less… wonderful idea to make it international.

  238. I read it the day it came out in hard cover, but if I’m the lucky winner I’ll happily regift it. Anyway, I hope you sell whatever a very large number is for this sort of thing!

  242. Sure. I’ve been waiting for the Tor Store to launch in Summer of 2012 to buy it from them (I dislike all of the other eBook retailers), so I haven’t read it yet. Because apparently, Summer of 2012 is still on its way: http://www.tor.com/store/

  243. *Horshack voice* OOOOOOOO OOOOOO Mr Scalzi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pick me!!!!!!! Pick Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  245. I would love this, for my husband. He read the book at my suggestion and, now that his Masters is done, is looking to work his way through your backlist. I loved the book, too, BTW.

  246. I’m interested! I just bought a new house with built in bookshelves… I still have half a shelf empty. This would totally help fill it.

  251. I selflessly bought the hardcover for a friend’s birthday before getting a copy for myself. And I’ve been reading your work since a conversation with a gas station attendant in a college town led me to “Agent to the Stars”. I would love a copy for myself, and signed would be extra cool!

  267. Pleas sir may I have the book? I will love it and squeeze it and give it a good home. At night, I will tuck it in my batman blanket to make sure it is nice and warm.

  273. If I’m the winner, and if anyone on the ISS enters and doesn’t win, I cede my copy to him/her.

  282. (Blubbering helplessly on the floor while my office goes to hell in a handbasket) Yes. I want one.

  285. Uuuh did I arrive in time?? Did I? I get a little confused with clocks and times when they are half world away… more or less… wonderful idea to make it international.
    Also… not sure if i posted correctly… hoped it doesnt duplicate :-( damn smartphone sometimes

  286. Oh I’d love a copy, not that my e-book copy isnt great but trade paperback is definitely the best format. And obviously I need to own deadtree copies of all the books that manage to spell my name properly.

  289. The perfect read prior to starting THD. I am ashamed to admit I haven’t read Redshirts yet.

  292. It would be nice to read your book in my country. In Poland they (ISA) release only 2 toms of OMW, and there’s no hope for the rest.
    Also my mom loves your style, she would be happy if she could read another of your book.

  297. Me, please! My wife has wanted to read Redshirts, but my kindle is physically grafted onto my forearm, so a physical copy is the only way that’s going to happen!

  298. HUh? What’s that? Free? And an autograph? And I don’t even have to sell someone’s soul?

    I shall have one, please.

  299. I would love to have it! I’ve already read everything else you have written.
    I am now suffering from “Scalzi Withdrawal Syndrome”, SWS.

  305. I loaned my hardcover to my stepfather and now there’s a gaping hole in my bookshelf. Please fill this hole in my bookshelf… AND IN MY HEART!

  321. I gave my hardback copy to a friend who is a very big Star Trek fan. A paperback copy would be pretty nice!!

  323. Me please! I already have it in hardcover, but trade would let me share it with others.

  326. I just finished reading my hardcover version and think that it will be lonely on the book shelf without a little sibling….

  329. I would like the random quixotic hand of fate to strike me with her caprice because, lo and behold, I am wearing a red shirt today.

  332. Yes please! I borrowed this from the library ages ago and have been patiently been waiting for it to come out in paperback so I could buy my own copy. (I have to adhere to my book budget or I don’t eat.)

  336. Here comes one random entry just waiting to be chosen! It’s a New Year and you never know – maybe, just maybe, this time?!

  337. I think this would be a perfect book for my fiance. I’d love to have a copy. Certainly I’ve seen nothing but good things about it.

  339. Ok I already own the hard cover and read (and will again) but signed would be lovely.

  348. Wow! Are you just trying to see how many comments you can get in 8 hours? Well for my own covetous desires, I hope it’s not too many more.

    I’ve just read OMW and already plan to read all your other books, so having an early free copy of Redshirts would be a great Ukrainian Christmas gift. Please and thanks!

  349. You should pick me because I spent all day yesterday shirking responsibility at work by reading the entirety of Old Man’s War on my smartphone hidden behind an accounting binder. While the trade paperback would be significantly more difficult to disguise I believe I am up for the challenge.

  351. Yes, I want the book. I loved it in the Kindle version but others in my family would more likely read the analog version.

  355. My life would be greatly enhanced if graced with the pleasurable presence of this paperback copy of your book. You, good sir, are awesome. :)

  356. Everyone likes a chance to enter for free stuff, especially when the free stuff has three codas and is a great story. I won’t let a soul borrow the autographed copy my wife bought me for Christmas, but I would let my family and friends get their grubby little hands on the trade paperback. Thank you!

  357. Should I be randomly selected, it will be shelved in a place of honor in my collection.

  367. I’ve already got a signed copy of the hardback, so if I win, please give it to one of your international readers. Through no fault of yours, they often get the short end of the publishing stick, so I’d like to infinitesimally raise their odds.

  369. I have the hardback and audio versions so why not a trade as well. (And I could give it to my dad who likes your books)

  373. Hi John, huge fan of your work! Would love a copy of Redshirts. Keep up the good work.

  378. This is one of the only things on my wish list that I didn’t get for Christmas. Would love a copy.

  384. Yes, I want it. My wife bought the audiobook, but I don’t do so well with that format.

  385. Oh, I do! I do want one! (I’ve already read it, kindle-style, but I want my husband to read it and I don’t want to give him my kindle.)

  386. Of course, you may not want any more of those pestiferous book reviews; but if you do:

    Sunrise Book Reviews
    1847 N. 2nd Str.
    Milwaukee, WI 53212-3760

    “Orange Mike” Lowrey

    crescat scientia, vita excolatur (dropout, 1972)

  397. Sometimes I think I live in a tv show, then I realize my life is way too boring for that to be true.

  398. I would like to have it to pass around to friends to whom I’ve recommended the book but I suspect they won’t bother to pick it up on their own.

  406. The signed paperback would make a fine companion to my signed hardcover! Is that greedy of me? Okay, I’ll gift one of them to my son’s middleschool library.

  414. I read one of your books once, I liked it. I’d like to read a 2nd but I’m cheap and lazy. Please send one to my front door which is a mere 15 feet from my couch. Thank you.

  419. I want one! Been waiting for the Kindle version to drop under $10 (my personal limit for digitally distributed books), but would happily read ye olde physical version!

  423. There were four comments added by the time I could read the entry! Love that! Do plan to buy one, but would love to have one signed. Free, even better.

  429. I’d love a copy!! I read it, and my mom would love to read it. She has always been a huge Trek fan.

  433. I’ll take it….new to the site and your writing, but have heard very good things about this book!

  436. Redshirts was on my Christmas list and nobody bought it for me! (If I don’t get the free copy, I’ll buy one for myself, but if I DO get the free copy, I’ll buy TWO and give them both away!)

  438. My 12-year-old son is a total Trekkie, just like his (proud) mama, but I can’t seem to get him interested in books. This could just be the thing to set him on the right path!

    (also, I ordered a signed copy from your local bookstore but it hasn’t arrived yet, sigh…)

  440. I’d love a copy to go with Old Man’s War, Ghost Brigades, and that sheep one who’s title I’m forgetting right now but I enjoyed greatly…

  443. I’d like one for my bro. He’s a fan and would really appreciate a signed bookie-thingie.

    An aside: is there a way to personalize or sign an ebook?

  451. Yes.

    As George Patton reportedly said when asked what he would need to march the Third Army across Germany:

    “Tanks, a lot.”

  456. In the middle of reading this right now! LOVING it so far – had to check it out from the library to read it, and it’s SO worth it. so – pick me, pick me!

  460. What great offer! Very generous of you. Our book club has Red Shirts as our next novel to discuss. I would really like to have a signed copy.

    Respectfully yours,
    Dominick

  464. the audiobook version was awesome, it helps that it was read by Wil wheaton. a signed copy would be nice

  465. As the narrator says at the end of R. Silverberg’s short story “Caliban”: “me. Meee.”

  467. Love your books! Wouldn’t mind getting my hands on this one, so sign me up! Thanks for offering this contest!

  468. Yes, I would like a copy – free this week or purchased next week. Also, I stumbled across your site a few months ago and have been following it every since – VERY enjoyable. I’m especially enjoying your more politically slanted entries….you often write what I’ve been thinking – but of course, you phrase things so much better than I could….keep up the good work!

  470. I just read Old Man’s War (prompted by this blog) and loved it – I would love to get Redshirts!

  483. I have to admit, I’ve not yet read one of your books, but getting one free would be like a soda from a car salesman. I’d be compelled to buy them all.

  484. I would LOVE to have it. Then I’d have to fight my time between writing and reading. Hrm…what to do. :-) Thanks for the opportunity.

  488. “Redshirts” would look wonderful next to my recently purchased and enjoyed paperback versions of your “Old Man’s War” series. A free, signed copy would glow softly in the dark and I’d never again have to turn on a night light for the cat.

  493. Well, maybe being in the middle-back of a very large clamouring pack will work out for me??! Looking forward to reading Redshirts either through my library or a new paperback. :)

  494. Bookshelf space in these days of kindles is reserved for special books, such as this one. Please add my name to the randomizer!

  496. I would love a copy. I’ll write a nice review- oh, wait, I already did that. (http://eyewryte.blogspot.com/2012/07/redshirts-novel-with-three-codas-by.html) Not that I think that should influence you or anything… What if I said kittens will die? Wait, that won’t work, either- I like kittens. *sigh* I guess I’ll just say- YES! I want one! Awesome book! Just like the other thousand folk who will comment. The Randomness Gods will choose me. They will.

  501. Ended up reading the copy I gave to my friend for Christmas, but would love a copy of my own. I’ll take a slim chance over no chance. ;)

  502. Loved the book. Rekindled a love of SF that I had allowed to lapse. Thanks for a blisteringly funny and smart book.

  503. I would love to have a copy (but will probably buy one soon anyway)! Thank you for the chance to win one!

  506. Well … it looks the chances here are at least better than playing in the lottery – and it’s for free.

  525. I am somewhere on this planet, and it is not yet midnight, and I would very much like to have this book.

  526. Oh man, I so want the cellulose edition with “digital” (fingers, pen and ink) signing! Please??

  538. I would like this book please! I asked for this exact thing for x-mas 2012, but all i got was a Medical Kit and a powered Bush/Tree pruner dealie… maybe you could sign those for me if i don’t get the book :/

  539. I’d love a copy! In case I’m the one lucky one out of the hundreds that have commented, thanks!

  542. I would so love to get this. Of course, if you don’t pick me, I’ll just buy it anyhow. :)

  548. I’ll gladly take it, even though I already own it in ebook form. In fact, it was the first ever ebook I purchased. I felt so dirty.

  554. I just finally decided to follow you like yesterday and there’s a contest to win one of the few books of yours I don’t own? Fate!

  558. this would be nice, but shipping would have to be to the Netherlands…
    Thanks for including the guys on the iss – I hope you don’t have to ship it there.

  562. Hey John! I’d certainly love a signed copy – it’ll be the one I keep when friends ask to borrow my hardcopy!

  565. I would love to have a copy of this book. I have a table that is very wobbly and your book looks to be the right thickness to fit under one of the legs!.. Just kidding. I love your posts and enjoy your sarcasm. Even if I am not chosen I still will enjoy your work ,however with a deep loathing that only I will know and usually is reserved for politicians and Sea Monkeys!<