I can't quite believe this: The Confessions comes out in three days.
This coming Tuesday, readers will finally be able to get hold of the novel I jokingly describe as “the AI thriller for people who would rather poke their eyes out than read an AI thriller.”
I’m nervous as hell at their reaction, no matter how much Sarah tells me I shouldn’t be. So far the reviews have been INCREDIBLY positive. The LA Times likened the novel to “the best of Michael Crichton” (!) Publishers Weekly called The Confessions “hair-raising... With winning irreverence and a trunkful of surprises” and Library Journal awarded it a starred review, also comparing it to Crichton (!!)
Earlier this week I was woken up by a string of texts from my book agent:
”RISE AND SHINE. YOU’RE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES!”
And sure enough! The Confessions was one of the Times’ Best Summer Thrillers, offering "a terrifying window into the future."
Obviously this is all a waking dream.
AND YET.
I’M STILL NERVOUS AS HELL.
All of these professional reviews might be good for my ego (clearly they are!) but I know from working in the store that reviews only matter if they prompt readers to actually buy the book. And if those readers actually like it.
I’ve seen in the store how even great books can fail to land. Maybe the cover is a bit off, or the opening chapter doesn’t grab readers. Maybe the book is published on a bad news week. Or maybe the plot is just a tiny bit too complicated to explain to your friend when you’re in the store, or to summarize on social media.
“Oh my GOD, have you read this? It’s about AI, kinda, but also about murder and secrets. One day millions of people around the world wake up to find letters in the mail - real letters! - revealing their loved ones’ worst secrets. A former nun has to save humanity. Also the AI is obsessed with Agatha Christie. No spoilers! I think you’ll love it.”
I’ve seen in the bookstore how word of mouth can propel a sleeper title into the stratosphere. I’ve also seen the devastating power of a quiet “meh” to defeat a gazillion dollar marketing campaign.
And then there’s the time pressure: First week sales are hugely important so it’s hard to shake the feeling that there’s more I should be doing to maximize those early sales. I spent much of today in the store (where the AC remains broken) packaging up customer pre-orders…
…while also fielding emails from journalists and influencers and from my brilliant publicists at Atria and Faber. I’m saying an enthusiastic YES! to every guest post request, and podcast invite. I’m exhausted, and sick of the sound of my own voice, but every scrap of attention helps and it’s far better to be talked about than not, right?
Of course I’m also obsessing about every mention of the book on social media, like this amazing appearance in a librarian’s unboxing video in Stoughton, Wisconsin….
How cool is that??
All of which is to say that I’m unspeakably grateful to everyone who has already pre-ordered The Confessions. And if you haven’t, there’s still time. All the pre-orders count towards those first week sales, as do any orders between next Tuesday and Sunday. Every single copy counts.
US readers can order direct from The Best Bookstore here, or find a full list of stockists here.
Canadian readers can find a list of stockists here.
UK readers can pre-order the ebook here (the paperback is out in the UK in November)
Want to buy multiple copies for your book club, friend group, or co-workers? Email paul@bestbookstore.com for bulk discount info.
Ok. That’s enough of the hard sell. I’ve done everything I can. Time for the chips to fall as they may!
I hope you enjoy The Confessions. And for the love of god please tell your friends.
Paul x