Gail Carriger's Blog: Hail the Victorious Parasol, page 2
June 19, 2023
What is an author style guide? How about a style sheet?
In putting together a pronunciation guide post and video for my science fiction series (aliens make everything complicated, including language) I realized I’ve never talked about what a style guide actually is (for us fiction writers, I mean). I started to amend that post with an end note on this subject, and then realized I was writing a whole new post. Because most of the stuff out there is about style guides for academic/non-fic authors and this… isn’t.
So here, Gentle Reader, is a guide to style guides for fiction authors!
Style guides/sheets are something copy editors give to authors, and/or authors give to editors (and their publishing houses) indicating preferential sentence structure, made up words, names, and unique language.
Why do we do this?
So that the copy editor (CE) knows what words NOT to correct or change (what to ignore) but also how those non-standard words are meant to be spelled – since authors can (and often do) misspell their own words. Also so the CE will not attempt to change those intentional choices an author makes around grammar that is part of the author/narrator voice.
This is usually a universal guide to how the author uses language (unless the author changes their voice substantially between books – see Tanya Huff). It has to do with how an author writes and how they like to structure their sentences and grammar.
It will be included in the style sheet for each individual book/series, but is pretty much linked to an author’s specific voice (narrative style), so carries throughout their work (although it can and does change and evolve over time).
Author style guide example (Gail Carriger)My own personal style guide is something you may or may not have noticed as you read my books, it includes things like:
Punctuation Generaluse serial comma (aka Oxford comma)italics or roman according to main surrounding textpossessives of s-terminal names unless already plural/plural-appearing: James’sellipses: unspaced, three, space after if terminal replaces terminal punctuationparenthetical use permitted (for interjection of narrator voice)conversational language & grammar permitted in dialoguePunctuation Author Preferencesno semicolons if possible in general (space en dash space instead in narration, comma splices standard in dialogue) NEVER use ; in dialoguespace en dash space in place of just em dash, save for cut-off speech AKA opt for the en dash (–) with two spaces either side when using for grammar purposes (so in place of the : or the ;)*em dash** only for interrupted dialogue with spaces only on outside AKA use un-spaced em dashes (—) only for interrupted speech like th—cutoff speech indicated by em dash is not followed by sentence-terminal punctuationcomma use (or lack thereof) driven primarily by comprehensibility, so rules may be bent or ignored entirely if necessaryrestrict colon use, opt for the en dash if possible do NOT correct to cliche (e.g. it is meant to read “all pompadour and no circumstance”)fragment sentences permitted at all timeschoice to use contraction is intentional, especially in dialogue, and used to indicate speech pattern, class, linguistic register, or narrator voice – please do not standardize contraction useleapt instead of leapedMr Mrs Miss without “.” ***leave space before paragraph returnTypefaces & Capitalizationitalics for: emphasis, words as words, words as sounds, implied/recalled dialogue, direct thoughts, long displayed/written textRoman for emphasis within italicized passagesSmall caps for signs, and displayed/written text messagesTitles like Lord and Priest, familial titles like Mother, and noble addresses like Your Majesty and His Majesty capped when used in place of name (direct address)Otherago/before, that/which distinctions maintained where feasiblelike is acceptable substitute for as ifcomposed words that begin with mid or half are hyphenated if not specified in Webster’s (e.g., mid-roll)comma before terminal either/neither/too if it refers to proximate item (e.g., “I don’t like this, and I don’t like that, either” vs. “I don’t like this, and she doesn’t like it either”)times are to be written in American format (e.g., 12:40, not 12.40); AM/PM uppercased with no periods-ward, not –wards (except in dialogue and first-person narration when consistent with prior usage)* En & em dash issues: I have a complex reason for this that mostly has to do with being a digital reader, you can ask me about it sometime if you are really interested.
** The em dash is the REALLY long one.
*** Mr (with no .) This is something my American publisher (Orbit) did from the start with Soulless, it’s part of their style guide, so I adopted it for constancy throughout all my books
Publishing houses have their own style guides that their editors operate under. This will include things like whether or not to use the oxford comma, how dialogue is type set, whether the spelling is British or American, which dictionary (Webster, Oxford, etc…) and which style guide (usually Chicago), and so forth. Sometimes this conflicts with the author’s preferences. This can result in… negotiation.
In my experience the author wins about 50% of the time.
I should note that things like whether a book is anglicized (USA or UK English spelling, but also use of words like forwards versus forward) is not always up to the author. I talk about this in this blog post: The Ladybird Problem
2. Copy editors have preferencesAlso copy editors can have their own tics. Things they really don’t like and always want to change. (Ask me about “that banning” sometime over drinks.) Sometimes us authors have to adjust our style sheets to compensate.
Technically, however, a copy editor should adjust themselves to the author’s voice and never try to correct for aspects that are intrinsic to their writer DNA. But if that writer quirk is technically an error in the English language a copy editor will likely have a very difficult time of it. (Like an intentional miss-use or misspelling of a specific word.)
To be fair, so might the readers.
The specific style sheet as handed off to a copy editor (or the reverse depending on your relationship with that editor) will include your style guide (if you have not worked with that editor before) and then a style sheet for this exact book in play.
Because this is language (and to make matters confusing) the terms style guide and style sheet are conflated constantly, don’t worry about it.
Anyway, in addition to all of the above elements a style sheet will include all the made up words, names, and concepts related to that specific book/series. Also all iterations of those names (like both Dyesi and Dyesid Prime).
These are the things readers will notice and ask you about. Mostly “how do you pronounce x?”
I have a blog post about names and pronunciation here. But when I dove entirely into sci-fi for the Tinkered Starsong series I realized I need to do a whole video on how to pronounce all my made up stuff.
Not just for you, but also for my poor audiobook narrator!
Yours (destined to be killed arguing over semi-colons),
Miss Gail
Find my books
Direct | Amazon | Kobo | Bookshop.org | B&N | Apple | Foyles | Mcnally Robinson | Angus Robertson
Here’s a printable Downloadable Checklist of ALL my books!
Did you miss my latest release? Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.BOOK DE JOUR!Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1
The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
Writerly Tincture
Book Nibble
All Gail Carriger Sci-Fi books (as of June 2023)
Quote to Sip
June 14, 2023
All Gail Carriger’s Queer Books – Fun LGBTQ+ Cozy Stories
You may or may not have already noticed that there are lots of queer characters in my books. I know, right? What could be better than rainbow hugs?
Below is an ongoing list of books, novellas, and short stories that I have written featuring queer* main characters. All of my books have queer rep, regardless of the central love story. (Although a few of my shorts don’t have anything sexually orientated in them at all.)
For the purposes of this list, I also included stories where sexual preference is a plot factor, even if it isn’t the main driver of the narrative (see: Curious Case).
These books are in world chronological order.
This is a short story featuring Alexia Tarabotti’s father meeting her mother for the first time. The fact that he is bi comes up as a very minor part of the plot. But it becomes very important later in the Parasol Protectorate series.
This novella features mathematically inclined Imogene who becomes a maid to a vampire hive partly because she is on a journey of self discovery. She meets Genevieve, a brilliant cross dressing inventor, who the vampires are keeping trapped in their potting shed.
This novella features Biffy & Lyall, an existing side character pairing from the Parasol Protectorate series. They had to separate for political reasons at the end of Timeless and I used this story to get them back together again and to learn to forgive and reconnect. There’s also possible child sacrifices and swaddled squash.
This is the third in my Custard Protocol series but the first to feature Primrose. Primrose is the BFF and a side characters in the first two books of this series who is constantly getting engaged and then breaking it off, because she’s gay. Tasherit, the ancient werelioness who has befriended them, has had her eye on Prim from the very beginning. In this book she is finally given an opening and begins a hot, and very catlike, courtship. Prim, however, is a very proper Victorian young lady who wants a family of her own and struggles to reconcile her sexual desires with society’s expectations and her own yearning to be a mother.
Being a collection of vampire advice columns, silly steampunk philosophical treatises, and deleted scenes from the Parasol Protectorate and more!
This is not a book. This is not a story. This is a compendium of extras and appendices for lovers of the Parasolverse. You see, upon occasion the vampire, Lord Akeldama, hijacks Miss Gail’s blog and turns it into an advice column to take reader’s questions.
Only available direct from Gail. $2 off if you get it via Gail’s newsletter the Chirrup.
THE G. L. CARRIGER BOOKSI use the G. L. Carriger moniker specifically to indicate a higher heat level. Although some are more explicit than others.
This is a coming out story but more of Alec coming out as Alpha than as gay. Although his father is homophobic, Alec’s biggest struggle is that once he comes out and admits to being gay and an Alpha he will have to take responsibility of a pack, and he’s not sure he’s ready for that. Enter, Marvin, the hot merman who will convince him to do it all.
Max is a sumage (basically the clean up crew for real mages) who works a crappy government job and can’t hold down a relationship because he’s too snarky and prickly for his own good. Until he meets Bryan/Biff, Beta werewolf for a new pack in town who isn’t out, but Max might be a great reason.
Isaac is on the run and terrified of werewolves, even though most shifters find him utterly irresistible. He meets Tank, one of the biggest and meanest looking werewolves, only to discover that Tank is a big old softie super-sub, who will do anything Isaac asks of him, and willingly. But is that enough to stop Isaac from running again?
Judd has been lonely and looking for a pack and a mate for a long time. He finally found his pack, and along with it the perfect man. Unfortunately, Colin is very young, very shy, and very scared. So Judd is staying away and staying a gentleman. However, Colin is also very curious and a really good student. Judd suddenly finds himself giving Colin an education despite all his noble intentions.
Featuring Mana & Lovejoy.
Length: ShortFlavor: Queer, hurt-comfort, kinkyHeat Rating: Mildly explicit. No actual sex scenes depicted but things are definitely quasi described.This is a by-request interstitial short story featuring the fox-shifter Mana, who is an ancient supernatural trans woman and Lovejoy, her on-again off-again werewolf lover. It is told from Lovejoy’s perspective. Lovejoy adores Mana but is very careful to request little of her, because he thinks of her as something too magical to hold onto for long. You need to have read the other books in the series to understand this story. This story is only available to purchase to Chirrup members.
This novel is, in part, an exploration of gender and sexuality. Drey, the human in this pairing, identifies as gay. Tris, the alien character, comes from a race with 5 genders, and he is one of the 5th. In his culture, this means, in part, that he has unique sexual organs and societal obligations. He is in exile off-world because of something to do with those obligations. The story explores both the standards placed upon identity by society when those standards are sourced in biology, the language of non-binary sexual identity, plus the forms that resistance, understanding, and acceptance of such requirements can take. Also, it’s really sweet and sexy.
This series is about Phex, a human barista, who is recruited by aliens to become an entertainment god. He is… nonplused about the whole situation. One of his hurdles (shall we say) is that the greatest and most famous of all the gods, Missit, has decided that Phex is his favorite.
That’s all as of 2023, more to come!
* Quick note on terms: I like and embrace the word queer, partly because of its ambiguous nature, although I understand not everyone feels similarly. Also, I have a personal preference for the now rather old-fashioned term bisexual. But most of my bi characters would likely qualify as pansexual under modern parlance.
** Before you ask, yes it is canon in my universe that all preternaturals are bisexual. Most kitsune are pansexual and poly, and everyone is a little bit kinky. It’s my universe, I can do whatever I want with it. So there.
Yours (destined to be killed by a tumbling TBR pile),
Miss Gail
A Very Personal Interview ~ Gail’s Out Front Pride (Q&A)
Find my books
Direct | Amazon | Kobo | Bookshop.org | B&N | Apple | Foyles | Mcnally Robinson | Angus Robertson
Here’s a printable Downloadable Checklist of ALL my books!
Did you miss my latest release? Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.BOOK DE JOUR!Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1
The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
Writerly Tincture
Book Nibble
Signed trade paperbacks of Reticence currently on offer (limited number), use the signed button under the book image
Quote to Sip
June 7, 2023
10 Best Ways Readers Can Support Authors They Love
So your favorite author has a new book out! Yay!
How can you best support them and their book and continued career writing the things you want to read?
I hope this goes without saying but buying the book legally is the single most supportive thing you can do for your favorite author. However, readers often ask me what is the best WAY to buy that book that gives the author the most money. (The following list this is VERY loosey goosey and presupposes that the author be wide & hybrid like me. We authors have many different business models. Or, in some cases, no business model what so ever. Which just allows the author to be taken advantage of. Sigh.)
Here is “the most money per book goes directly to the author”…Digital, print, audio purchased directly from an author’s websiteDigital purchased from Amazon – Kobo – B&N – AppleAmazon print on demandAnywhere else print on demand online or in a store (these books almost all originate from Ingram)Traditionally published print, purchased online or in store (high format dependent – hardback, trade or mass market paperback)Traditionally published digital (highly contract dependent)Traditionally published foreign editions & translations (digital or print)Libraries*Short story reprints (anthologies/audio collections)Anything priced below $2.99Not included but probubly falls at the end of the list: Digital book subscription models (like Audible, KU, Raddish) where the author is paid in listened hours/page-reads/check-outs via a communal pool
I am a wide hybrid author which means my indie books are available in most formats on most venues, often as many places as (if not more so than) my traditionally published books.
The above 10 options cover the gambit of my experience and take into account the same book priced the same in all venues and what actual % of the retail price I (theoretically) earn from a purchase. I talk more about how I came up with this list and the complexities of royalty calculating in this blog post.
* Libraries are a special case because they’re important for access and discoverability (see #8), but generally speaking most authors see very little actual money from them.
But up to a month after release is pretty darn good too. Again this has to do with algorithms and something called the “honeymoon period” that surrounds a new book’s release.
Also, if you want your favorite author to make lists and win awards the first few weeks of sales are the most critical. It’s the only way for them to do so (with some very rare exceptions).
Star ratings (and reviews, even short ones) provide social proof as well a juicing search algorithms. The more ratings (and reviews) a book gets during the above mentioned honeymoon period, the more it will be recommended to prospective readers and the more those readers will trust that is it good and give it a try.
Honestly whenever you can review a book, please do. However and wherever!
If all you want to do is throw it stars, please do that. But if you want to write a few lines about it, that’s awesome too.
And if you want to use your review in multiple venues that’s even better. Goodreads, Amazon, BookBub, B&N, Apple, Foyles, Angus Robertson – none of them are proprietary about reviews, you can post the same review to multiple venues. Generally speaking, Amazon is the most important but if you review in one of the other venues it counts more because there are so few.
3 Amazon reader review myths: What you need to know
If you know someone who will love this book TELL THEM. This is the number one way readers find new books, because someone said to them that they thought they’d like it.
In person, online, in a book group, it doesn’t matter. Just tell a friend, share the love!
If you think someone will like your favorite author, share that author’s work with them. Now you have a common interest, you can drink tea and gossip together.
Honestly? This also takes the form of posting about it to social media whether it’s a pretty picture or a few words about this fun book you read recently.
Whether in a Libby or Goodreads list or via tagging or if it’s up for an award. Tell others about the book and what tropes it uses by voting it up lists (or adding it to them), campaigning for it with your favorite bloggers, suggest it for your book group.
Lots of readers actually find new books this way. If it’s on a list or people are already talking about it then add your 2 cents, post a comment, vote it up. All this means it gets attention from different arenas.
Preordering a book is a big deal. Whether the author is traditionally published or not, preorders are a career godsend. They facilitate everything being prepared ahead of time, and they prove to publishers and vendors that there is real enthusiasm for the book and author.
Also, there are certain vendors that will juice their recommendation algorithms if a book is getting a lot of pre-release attention.
In other words, places like Amazon will show the book to more prospective readers because it’s clear people are excited about it via those preorders.
Libraries play a huge role in the arena of authors getting discovered by NEW readers. Many many readers find new authors and books via their local library. Also it’s very important for accessibility, making the book available to everyone. But that print book has to be requested and in demand for it to be worth it for the library to get it in stock.
You can also request it digitally via your library’s app.
If they have one. A newsletter is an author’s only real safe way of staying in touch with you. Authors can (and do) get kicked off of (or frustrated by) social media. Also if the stars aren’t aligned just so, you will likely miss their posts (especially about new books).
A newsletter is really the only way authors can stay in touch with readers in a way that isn’t threatened by bigger, meaner, for profit venues like Facebook. These places make money by restricting who sees a post (even if you follow the author) so that they can charge authors advertising fees to actually reach their own readers. A newsletter is the only tool and author has to bypass this.
Follow the author in a way that means you’ll know when their next book comes out. Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads will send you notifications when your favorite author has a new release, if you follow them.
Even if you don’t buy or participate in these venues you can create an account purely so that account sends you new release notifications about your favorite authors. Just create the account and associate your preferred email address with it and then follow your favorites. All three of the above will let you know when any author you follow releases a new book.
Bonus! Super fan?
If you like to consume this way, multiple versions are great. Say you want a print edition for your shelf but actually like to read digital. Or a print edition to share with friends, the audiobook for your commute. That kind of thing. Also if you are a collector and support you favorite author by buying special or limited editions that is a huge deal to most of us. Thank you!
But if you don’t like multiple formats, consider multiple books. Many authors have backlists, and you may not have read everything. Consider poking about their website to see if there’s something you missed. A few of us will have “all books” pages or checklists so you can collect them all.
If you realize you’ve missed one or two in there, taking the time to fill out your collection is actually a huge deal to most full time authors. Those of us who manage to make a living this way are usually doing so entirely on the strength of our backlist (AKA older, previously published books).
Authors have careers and write new books because YOU READERS spread the word, share the love, and support them.
For no other reason.
You.
Thank you for thinking about how you might best help us.
Thank you for giving me a career as a writer.
Thank you for reading.
Yours,
Miss Gail
Want more like this?10 Things About Publishing This Author Wishes Everyone KnewThe Truth Behind Popular Copyright Myths10 Books That Inspired Me – This Is Why I WriteFind my books
Direct | Amazon | Kobo | Bookshop.org | B&N | Apple | Foyles | Mcnally Robinson | Angus Robertson
BOOK DE JOUR
The Heroine’s Journey is here to help.
Multiple New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a clear concise analysis of the heroine’s journey, how it differs from the hero’s journey, and how you can use it to improve your writing and your life.
GAIL’S DAILY DOSENibble of Cute
Way back in the day when I was first publishing my mum or agent or publisher would send me flowers on the birth of a new book (or when I made the New York Times). They stopped – probably because I wrote too many books!
With Divinity 36, for the first time, a dear friend/reader sent me a box of chocolates on the birth of an indie book. They were boozie & YUMMY from Li-lac Chocolates. I was beyond touched. I think they knew how hard it was getting to the place where I could write this book (write again at all) and how much this series means to me.
Tisane of Smart
New Born Octopuses Are as Strange and Wonderful as You Might Imagine
Writerly Tinctures
Reasons I Said No to 25 Queries (and how to avoid being one of them)
Quote of the Day:
“Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”
~ Oscar Wilde
10 Best ways readers can support authors they love
So your favorite author has a new book out! Yay!
How can you best support them and their book and continued career writing the things you want to read?
I hope this goes without saying but buying the book legally is the single most supportive thing you can do for your favorite author. However, readers often ask me what is the best WAY to buy that book that gives the author the most money. (The following list this is VERY loosey goosey and presupposes that the author be wide & hybrid like me. We authors have many different business models. Or, in some cases, no business model what so ever. Which just allows the author to be taken advantage of. Sigh.)
Here is “the most money per book goes directly to the author”…Digital, print, audio purchased directly from an author’s websiteDigital purchased from Amazon – Kobo – B&N – AppleAmazon print on demandAnywhere else print on demand online or in a store (these books almost all originate from Ingram)Traditionally published print, purchased online or in store (high format dependent – hardback, trade or mass market paperback)Traditionally published digital (highly contract dependent)Traditionally published foreign editions & translations (digital or print)Libraries*Short story reprints (anthologies/audio collections)Anything priced below $2.99Not included but probubly falls at the end of the list: Digital book subscription models (like Audible, KU, Raddish) where the author is paid in listened hours/page-reads/check-outs via a communal pool
I am a wide hybrid author which means my indie books are available in most formats on most venues, often as many places as (if not more so than) my traditionally published books.
The above 10 options cover the gambit of my experience and take into account the same book priced the same in all venues and what actual % of the retail price I (theoretically) earn from a purchase. I talk more about how I came up with this list and the complexities of royalty calculating in this blog post.
* Libraries are a special case because they’re important for access and discoverability (see #8), but generally speaking most authors see very little actual money from them.
But up to a month after release is pretty darn good too. Again this has to do with algorithms and something called the “honeymoon period” that surrounds a new book’s release.
Also, if you want your favorite author to make lists and win awards the first few weeks of sales are the most critical. It’s the only way for them to do so (with some very rare exceptions).
Star ratings (and reviews, even short ones) provide social proof as well a juicing search algorithms. The more ratings (and reviews) a book gets during the above mentioned honeymoon period, the more it will be recommended to prospective readers and the more those readers will trust that is it good and give it a try.
Honestly whenever you can review a book, please do. However and wherever!
If all you want to do is throw it stars, please do that. But if you want to write a few lines about it, that’s awesome too.
And if you want to use your review in multiple venues that’s even better. Goodreads, Amazon, BookBub, B&N, Apple, Foyles, Angus Robertson – none of them are proprietary about reviews, you can post the same review to multiple venues. Generally speaking, Amazon is the most important but if you review in one of the other venues it counts more because there are so few.
If you know someone who will love this book TELL THEM. This is the number one way readers find new books, because someone said to them that they thought they’d like it.
In person, online, in a book group, it doesn’t matter. Just tell a friend, share the love!
If you think someone will like your favorite author, share that author’s work with them. Now you have a common interest, you can drink tea and gossip together.
Honestly? This also takes the form of posting about it to social media whether it’s a pretty picture or a few words about this fun book you read recently.
Whether in a Libby or Goodreads list or via tagging or if it’s up for an award. Tell others about the book and what tropes it uses by voting it up lists (or adding it to them), campaigning for it with your favorite bloggers, suggest it for your book group.
Lots of readers actually find new books this way. If it’s on a list or people are already talking about it then add your 2 cents, post a comment, vote it up. All this means it gets attention from different arenas.
Preordering a book is a big deal. Whether the author is traditionally published or not, preorders are a career godsend. They facilitate everything being prepared ahead of time, and they prove to publishers and vendors that there is real enthusiasm for the book and author.
Also, there are certain vendors that will juice their recommendation algorithms if a book is getting a lot of pre-release attention.
In other words, places like Amazon will show the book to more prospective readers because it’s clear people are excited about it via those preorders.
Libraries play a huge role in the arena of authors getting discovered by NEW readers. Many many readers find new authors and books via their local library. Also it’s very important for accessibility, making the book available to everyone. But that print book has to be requested and in demand for it to be worth it for the library to get it in stock.
You can also request it digitally via your library’s app.
If they have one. A newsletter is an author’s only real safe way of staying in touch with you. Authors can (and do) get kicked off of (or frustrated by) social media. Also if the stars aren’t aligned just so, you will likely miss their posts (especially about new books).
A newsletter is really the only way authors can stay in touch with readers in a way that isn’t threatened by bigger, meaner, for profit venues like Facebook. These places make money by restricting who sees a post (even if you follow the author) so that they can charge authors advertising fees to actually reach their own readers. A newsletter is the only tool and author has to bypass this.
Follow the author in a way that means you’ll know when their next book comes out. Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads will send you notifications when your favorite author has a new release, if you follow them.
Even if you don’t buy or participate in these venues you can create an account purely so that account sends you new release notifications about your favorite authors. Just create the account and associate your preferred email address with it and then follow your favorites. All three of the above will let you know when any author you follow releases a new book.
Bonus! Super fan?
If you like to consume this way, multiple versions are great. Say you want a print edition for your shelf but actually like to read digital. Or a print edition to share with friends, the audiobook for your commute. That kind of thing. Also if you are a collector and support you favorite author by buying special or limited editions that is a huge deal to most of us. Thank you!
But if you don’t like multiple formats, consider multiple books. Many authors have backlists, and you may not have read everything. Consider poking about their website to see if there’s something you missed. A few of us will have “all books” pages or checklists so you can collect them all.
If you realize you’ve missed one or two in there, taking the time to fill out your collection is actually a huge deal to most full time authors. Those of us who manage to make a living this way are usually doing so entirely on the strength of our backlist (AKA older, previously published books).
Authors have careers and write new books because YOU READERS spread the word, share the love, and support them.
For no other reason.
You.
Thank you for thinking about how you might best help us.
Thank you for giving me a career as a writer.
Thank you for reading.
Yours,
Miss Gail
Want more like this?10 Things About Publishing This Author Wishes Everyone KnewThe Truth Behind Popular Copyright MythsFind my books
Direct | Amazon | Kobo | Bookshop.org | B&N | Apple | Foyles | Mcnally Robinson | Angus Robertson
BOOK DE JOUR
The Heroine’s Journey is here to help.
Multiple New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a clear concise analysis of the heroine’s journey, how it differs from the hero’s journey, and how you can use it to improve your writing and your life.
GAIL’S DAILY DOSENibble of Cute
Way back in the day when I was first publishing my mum or agent or publisher would send me flowers on the birth of a new book (or when I made the New York Times). They stopped – probably because I wrote too many books!
With Divinity 36, for the first time, a dear friend/reader sent me a box of chocolates on the birth of an indie book. They were boozie & YUMMY from Li-lac Chocolates. I was beyond touched. I think they knew how hard it was getting to the place where I could write this book (write again at all) and how much this series means to me.
Tisane of Smart
New Born Octopuses Are as Strange and Wonderful as You Might Imagine
Writerly Tinctures
Reasons I Said No to 25 Queries (and how to avoid being one of them)
Quote of the Day:
“Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”
~ Oscar Wilde
June 1, 2023
New Book: Divinity 36 & New Sci-fi Series from Gail Carriger!
Aliens are coming for us and they want our voices!
Cozy science fiction & comforting found familyDivinity 36 is finally out in the world (this one and others). It has been a long time coming Gentle Reader, I am beyond excited.
I did it! I wrote the thing and I published it. Go me! (Well, to be more precise, I wrote another 3 things.*)
Divinity 36 is the start of a new series and it is tons of fun and I love it. You should read it!
If you preordered from me directly, you should have already received an email link to the updated book. Maybe even a few days ago since if you ordered direct from me you always get it first. If you created a Gumroad account you can find the updated version in your Gumroad Library.
Audiobook is in the works, right now the plan is to record and then release all three books at the beginning of next year. The narrator I want is in high demand and I’d rather not settle so please be patient?
List of supportive indies here.
This book (and its series) is particularly dear to my heart because it is the one that got me writing again after a long slump. It was so much fun to scribble and Phex is such an endearing character that I hope it will be equally fun to read. (But oh do I also love Missit. OMG wait until you get to know Kagee and Berril and Jinyesun, gah! So many sweeties.)
This series is about finding your place and finding your people in the universe, understanding across cultures and stars. It’s also about the power of art and those who wield it, as well as the nature of talent, fandom, obsession, creative passion, and fame. I hope that you find friends in these characters and comfort in these pages.
Yours truly being a total dork with the new book
5 Facts about this series: 3 books, all of them already written and coming in quick succession before the end of 2023Technically YA but more new adult and certainly complex and interesting and fun for adults too!Lower heat but still has an adorable romance thread (and I’ll be releasing some special sexitimes scenes along with Book 2 via the Chirrup)All about found family and learning how to love and care for people (aliens are people too!)A big very squishy hug of a series full of tiny sweet adorable minor hugs (huglets?)Pithy Pitch?Becky Chambers meets The Voice.
The second book in the series is called Demigod 12, it is already up for preorder. Right now it is digital only but print is coming. It will release August 1, 2023. Read all about it and more here.
Readers always ask me what food they should have on standby because my books tend to make people hungry.
Here’s some suggestions:
Noodles (specifically Japanese or Korean, but your favorite noodle dish will do)Bubble teaGreen tea or matcha or any kind of beverage that is served warm and green in colorBlack coffee (if you like strong black coffee there is a drink called corrosive dark in this series that will remind you of it)Stews that require ladles (okay this is kinda a teaser for the next book – but ladles are a THING)Noodles, again. I continue my tradition of
Noooooodles Innnn SpaaaceeeeJust think about it. Me + absence of gravity = noodles the most amusing food, obviously. Plus, I love noodles, therefore my scifi world would 10/10 take them into space!
Also, I demand you tell me if this book made you crave anything else. I NEED to know this.
If you like the book and think of one of your friends who might also, please tell them? People find new books through word of mouth first, so yeah, help spread the Divinity through song? (To be fair, no one wants me singing, but you get my point.)
Also reviews really are glorious things. Reviews not only make me feel good (better than tea, seriously!), they help the book succeed by telling all those trixie recommendation algorithms that people like it and are enjoying it. (Algorithms = modern day imps? I think so.) Anywhere you want to post a review is great! And it doesn’t have to be a long review at all, a sentence or two will do! (Also if you write it… why not post it to multiple places?) Most vendors like Amazon allow you to leave reviews and also Goodreads and BookBub.
Speaking of reviews, Divinity 36 got its first one!
“I’ve read plenty of great books recently, but somehow – even though they may be awesome reads in the moment – they tend to blend together in my mind after a while. Not so Divinity 36. Because I’ve never read quite anything like it. ”
They were careful not to include and spoilers, so you’re fine to read it if you want.
Gail at University Books showing off all the signed editions!
Indie Bookstores Show Gail LoveUniversity Books (Seattle) – has pretty much ALL of my books signed, even the indie stuff, right now because I was recently there in person. They should also be able to get you Divinity 36 , but, sadly it will NOT be signed. But if you want a BUNCH of my books, they’re a good option and have bulk shipping deals AND ship international.Third Place Books (Seattle) – was first to reply to me excited about a new book, so of course I consider them beyond charming, they have it online to orderQueen Anne Book Company (Seattle) – this store is ADORABLE and well worth a visit, they’re tiny but will try to have some in stock and you can order through them Powells (Portland) – the Beaverton store intends to stock some on shelves and D36 is listed online, they’ve always been big supporters of me (and SF/F) from the start of my careerBookshop West Portal (San Francisco) – will try to get a few for their shelves but you can also call the shop, they are lovely and happy to ship: 415-564-8080Bookshop Santa Cruz – has a good selection of Gail stuff includes Divinity 36.Tattered Cover (Denver) – is excited and wanted ARCs (so someone on staff is a fan) and they have D36 listed onlineMysterious Galaxy (San Diego) – also got excited and asked for ARCs. They may have a few Divinity 36 on shelves I think calling to find out is best. Writers Block Bookstore (Winter Park, FL) Books Inc (San Franciso Bay Area) Copperfield’s (Northern California)Hicklebee’s (San Jose)
The Barnes & Noble Northgate (Seattle) also currently has the largest collection of my signed books ever assembled. If you want a signed trade paperback of any of my trad stuff, they probably have it. In store staff knows what’s what so I would just call them: (206) 417-2967
CANADA
Mcnally Robinson – has it availableAUSTRALIA
Angus & Robertson – has it in stockUK
Foyles – has it listed at last Blackwell’s WaterstonesCurrently, I am not set up to sell signed editions directly myself. I am trying to figure out how to do that for you. I may put up some bookplates for newsletter subscribers. I try to do at least that when I have new book out.
And finally!
Here’s the Live Launch Party with Yours Truly!Yours (cracking the bubbly in celebration),
Miss Gail
BOOK DE JOUR!Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1
The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
Speaking of noodles… These are my current favorite instant noodles. I order them so regularly I’m embarrassed.
Writerly Tincture
Book Nibble
* What number book is this, Miss Gail?
If you count books published, original content (no reprints or translations or short stories) then it is: Book #22.If you count all original content published stuff then it is #33.If you count books written then it is Book #27.5.Quote to Sip
New Book Divinity 36 is Out Now: Sci-fi from Gail Carriger!
Aliens are coming for us and they want our voices!
Cozy science fiction & comforting found familyDivinity 36 is finally out in the world (this one and others). It has been a long time coming Gentle Reader, I am beyond excited.
I did it! I wrote the thing and I published it. Go me! (Well, to be more precise, I wrote another 3 things.*)
Divinity 36 is the start of a new series and it is tons of fun and I love it. You should read it!
If you preordered from me directly, you should have already received an email link to the updated book. Maybe even a few days ago since if you ordered direct from me you always get it first. If you created a Gumroad account you can find the updated version in your Gumroad Library.
Audiobook is in the works, right now the plan is to record and then release all three books at the beginning of next year. The narrator I want is in high demand and I’d rather not settle so please be patient?
List of supportive indies here.
This book (and its series) is particularly dear to my heart because it is the one that got me writing again after a long slump. It was so much fun to scribble and Phex is such an endearing character that I hope it will be equally fun to read. (But oh do I also love Missit. OMG wait until you get to know Kagee and Berril and Jinyesun, gah! So many sweeties.)
This series is about finding your place and finding your people in the universe, understanding across cultures and stars. It’s also about the power of art and those who wield it, as well as the nature of talent, fandom, obsession, creative passion, and fame. I hope that you find friends in these characters and comfort in these pages.
Yours truly being a total dork with the new book
5 Facts about this series: 3 books, all of them already written and coming in quick succession before the end of 2023Technically YA but more new adult and certainly complex and interesting and fun for adults too!Lower heat but still has an adorable romance thread (and I’ll be releasing some special sexitimes scenes along with Book 2 via the Chirrup)All about found family and learning how to love and care for people (aliens are people too!)A big very squishy hug of a series full of tiny sweet adorable minor hugs (huglets?)Pithy Pitch?Becky Chambers meets The Voice.
The second book in the series is called Demigod 12, it is already up for preorder. Right now it is digital only but print is coming. It will release August 1, 2023. Read all about it and more here.
Readers always ask me what food they should have on standby because my books tend to make people hungry.
Here’s some suggestions:
Noodles (specifically Japanese or Korean, but your favorite noodle dish will do)Bubble teaGreen tea or matcha or any kind of beverage that is served warm and green in colorBlack coffee (if you like strong black coffee there is a drink called corrosive dark in this series that will remind you of it)Stews that require ladles (okay this is kinda a teaser for the next book – but ladles are a THING)Noodles, again. I continue my tradition of
Noooooodles Innnn SpaaaceeeeJust think about it. Me + absence of gravity = noodles the most amusing food, obviously. Plus, I love noodles, therefore my scifi world would 10/10 take them into space!
Also, I demand you tell me if this book made you crave anything else. I NEED to know this.
If you like the book and think of one of your friends who might also, please tell them? People find new books through word of mouth first, so yeah, help spread the Divinity through song? (To be fair, no one wants me singing, but you get my point.)
Also reviews really are glorious things. Reviews not only make me feel good (better than tea, seriously!), they help the book succeed by telling all those trixie recommendation algorithms that people like it and are enjoying it. (Algorithms = modern day imps? I think so.) Anywhere you want to post a review is great! And it doesn’t have to be a long review at all, a sentence or two will do! (Also if you write it… why not post it to multiple places?) Most vendors like Amazon allow you to leave reviews and also Goodreads and BookBub.
Speaking of reviews, Divinity 36 got its first one!
“I’ve read plenty of great books recently, but somehow – even though they may be awesome reads in the moment – they tend to blend together in my mind after a while. Not so Divinity 36. Because I’ve never read quite anything like it. ”
They were careful not to include and spoilers, so you’re fine to read it if you want.
Gail at University Books showing off all the signed editions!
Indie Bookstores Show Gail LoveUniversity Books (Seattle) – has pretty much ALL of my books signed, even the indie stuff, right now because I was recently there in person. They should also be able to get you Divinity 36 , but, sadly it will NOT be signed. But if you want a BUNCH of my books, they’re a good option and have bulk shipping deals AND ship international.Third Place Books (Seattle) – was first to reply to me excited about a new book, so of course I consider them beyond charming, they have it online to orderQueen Anne Book Company (Seattle) – this store is ADORABLE and well worth a visit, they’re tiny but will try to have some in stock and you can order through them Powells (Portland) – the Beaverton store intends to stock some on shelves and D36 is listed online, they’ve always been big supporters of me (and SF/F) from the start of my careerBookshop West Portal (San Francisco) – will try to get a few for their shelves but you can also call the shop, they are lovely and happy to ship: 415-564-8080Bookshop Santa Cruz – has a good selection of Gail stuff includes Divinity 36.Tattered Cover (Denver) – is excited and wanted ARCs (so someone on staff is a fan) and they have D36 listed onlineMysterious Galaxy (San Diego) – also got excited and asked for ARCs. They may have a few Divinity 36 on shelves I think calling to find out is best.
The Barnes & Noble Northgate (Seattle) also currently has the largest collection of my signed books ever assembled. If you want a signed trade paperback of any of my trad stuff, they probably have it. In store staff knows what’s what so I would just call them: (206) 417-2967
CANADA
Mcnally Robinson – has it availableAUSTRALIA
Angus & Robertson – has it in stockUK
Foyles – has it listed at lastCurrently, I am not set up to sell signed editions directly myself. I am trying to figure out how to do that for you. I may put up some bookplates for newsletter subscribers. I try to do at least that when I have new book out.
Yours (cracking the bubbly in celebration),
Miss Gail
BOOK DE JOUR!Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1
The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
Speaking of noodles… These are my current favorite instant noodles. I order them so regularly I’m embarrassed.
Writerly Tincture
Book Nibble
* What number book is this, Miss Gail?
If you count books published, original content (no reprints or translations or short stories) then it is: Book #22.If you count all original content published stuff then it is #33.If you count books written then it is Book #27.5.Quote to Sip
May 26, 2023
The Heroine’s Journey Webinar with Gail Carriger presented by Writing the Other
This is the all day immersion intensive that my book The Heroine’s Journey is originally based off of. I only do this full online seminar ONCE A YEAR.
Registration currently OPEN.
When: June 17th, 2023, 10AM–5PM Pacific or 1PM-8PM Eastern
Where: Online – Zoom Classroom
Price: $50 – $75
Scholarships Are Available – Deadline is May 27th!
For more info or to register, go to writingtheother.com
Heroine’s Journey Webinar Pitch:We’ve all heard about the Hero’s Journey, but how often do we hear about the Heroine’s Journey, Western culture’s other prominent story structure? In this webinar, New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger provides a full break down of what aspects of the heroine’s journey make for compelling narratives and voracious readers, where these elements originate, why they’re successful, and how to write them. She’ll help you take control of story structure by delving behind the scenes for hidden messages and gain insight into under-studied narrative conventions and modern publishing markets.
After this webinar you’ll have the tools to craft narrative beats, steps to write a compelling journey, and an understanding of why these are appealing based on history and mythology. You’ll also gain an understanding of why genre fiction (and romance in particular) is dismissed, vilified, and disregarded, and how to combat this negative stereotyping.
You’ll leave with a solid and powerful alternate model to the overused and chronically discussed Hero’s Journey that is guaranteed to have you looking at and discussing plot structure in pop culture differently for the rest of your life.
Catch Gail Teaching This In Person?The next time Gail will be presenting the full length Heroine’s Journey Seminar in person is at the Superstar Writers Seminars 2024.
If you are local to Colorado Springs or willing to travel there please consider joining her at this excellent event. (Location: The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, 4 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 USA).
Further description, details, links, extras and about the Heroine’s Journey Seminar specifically available here. This includes information for any conferences or conventions who wish to book an in person version of this seminar with Gail. You are also welcome to drop Gail a calling card for further details.
Gail also offers a short cliffs notes version of this seminar (and other hour long presentations) you can read about those here.Gail provides links to articles and resources provided by herself and others for new and more established authors in her resources page.The book itself can be ordered anywhere fine books are sold OR directly from Gail. The book’s page here on Gail’s website includes links to all extras mentioned in the workshop as well as references and other resources.Yours,
Miss Gail
Find my books
Directly from Me | Amazon | Kobo | Apple | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Chapters – !ndigo | Foyles
Did you miss my latest release announcement? Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.BOOK DE JOUR!The Heroine’s Journey: For Writers, Readers & Fans of Pop Culture
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
Writerly Tincture
Book Nibble
Quote to Sip
#WritingCraft #WritingClasses #WritingCraft #WritingCommunity #writing #fiction #fictionwriting #screenwriting #GameWriting #NovelWriting #onceayear #limitedregistration #creativewriting #homeschool #lifelinglearning #educators
May 22, 2023
10 Most Popular Questions About Gail Carriger – Answered
It has come to my attention that people are searching for information about me and then getting the wrong answers, so here’s a post where I will directly tackle the most common questions people ask about me on the internet. (Or to me in person, depending on how brave they are.)
Nope. It’s not really my thing. I have many many reasons not to be married and have never yet been given a good reason to marry. I like the idea of a big party everyone has to attend, but basically I used my first book launch for that.
Kinda. I have intimates, lovers, friends, people about whom I care greatly and am quite affectionate even cohabitate. Note my lack of use of gendered terms? That is intentional. Interpret as you will. I’m extremely protective of both real and found family, whatever piece of my heart they hold. Which is to say that I (to a certain degree) went into life as an Authorbeast eyes open (at least, I come out of fandom) but those I love did not necessarily sign up for your pointed interest. Even if you do not feel bound by common werewolf decency to respect my privacy, I would politely insist you respect theirs.
Occasionally, I will not so politely insist on this.
You can read my Tinkered Starsong trilogy if you want insight into how I feel about celebrity and parasocial relationships.
I grew up in a very small (population c.1500) rural coastal town called Bolinas in West Marin, Northern California. I also spent a good deal of time in the south of England in an equally small coastal town called Topsham in Devon with my grandparents. But my mother and her family are Londoners. I went to school in Nottingham and have lived off and on in various parts of the UK. My father’s family is Danish, but I have never lived there.
Where is Gail Carriger Now?I currently live in the East Bay part of the San Francisco Bay Area. I am protective of my exact location because I have had stalker issues in the past. I tend to base out of the Bay Area these days due to filial obligation, but I travel a great deal.
Mid 1970s and you don’t get anymore than that. The date on the internet for my birthday is intentionally incorrect. I disseminated the wrong birth date from the very beginning. Because, apart from everything else, I am a classic Gen Xer.
When Was Gail Carriger Published?Soulless was released October 1, 2009. Every year I do something to celebrate its birthday. The clever super fan will know that my first professionally published work was actually a short story, My Sister’s Song, which released in 1998. You can read it to see how my style of writing has changed over the years.
This is such a popular question I have a whole blog post about it plus there is a downloadable CHECKLIST or you can see all the books in one place here.
Gail Carriger TimelineI do not have a posted timeline for the Parasolverse because such a thing would be full of spoilers. Also, I am still writing in this universe and not everyone has read all the books.
It is in my will that the timeline be published on my death. If I close out the Parasolverse before I die, I will make the timeline public at that point.
There are only 3 graphic novels: Soulless Vol. 1 (aka, Soulless), Vol. 2 (aka Changeless), and Vol. 3 (aka Blameless). My post on why only 3.
Will there be more Parasol Protectorate books? (Alexia)Will there be more Finishing School books? (Sophronia)Will there be more Custard Protocol books? (Rue, Prim, Percy)Not as main characters. These characters are done with me mucking about in their affairs. (Blog posts One & Two on the subject.) However, many of your favorite characters show up in other books most specifically:
The Delightfully Deadly seriesClaw & Courtship seriesSupernatural Society series
Yours (also a Nosy Parker),
Miss Gail
Find my books
Directly from Me | Amazon | Kobo | Apple | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Chapters – !ndigo | Foyles
Did you miss my latest release announcement? Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Goodreads, Amazon or BookBub!BOOK DE JOUR!Divinity 36: Tinkered Starsong Book 1
The aliens are coming for us and they want our voices.
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger brings you a gloriously warm and unique scifi about the power of art, celebrity, and found family.
Gail’s Daily Tea PartyTisane of Nifty
I do keep a cat, or she keeps me. This is Lilliput the Bean nesting on a straw brush she decided to claim for catkind.
Book Nibble
Quote to Sip
May 15, 2023
Divinity 36 by Gail Carriger, Chapter 1 narrated by the author + Q&A
You can watch me read the WHOLE first chapter of Divinity 36 on YouTube! Curious as to how this stuff sounds in my head? This is it.
My lippie is Revlon Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish in "She's On Fire"
My new glasses are Pair Eyewear's "Ella" with changeable magnetic frames
May 11, 2023
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