I may have been known to utter, once or two, several sort of snide remarks about our new London mayor. Maybe some comments about his hair, or something.
But I retract all of that in glorious technicolour. Because today, Boris Johnson, our esteemed Mayor of London, gave me a blurb endorsing my book (24 Hours: London, in case you didn't know).
I sent his office off a review copy about three months ago now. When I didn't hear back, I just chalked it up to being caught up the the slow-moving cogs of bureaucracy -- or even thrown away in a rubbish bin in City Hall somewhere.
But two weeks ago, I got an email from a very helpful press officer who said he'd just been passed my letter, the Mayor would be happy to comment, and could I please send another review copy? It being Friday night, I danced around a bit, texted my publisher, then had a big glass of wine. Of course I knew this didn't mean we'd: a - get a comment in the next month or two; or b - get a comment we could actually use (I feared it might be too generic to even have any punch).
Two weeks passed. The press officer reassured me he was on the case, but I was starting to fear the worse. Who knew what dangers and delays lurked in City Hall?
Then, half an hour ago, I got the email. With the blurb!
London Mayor Boris Johnson says:
This is a nifty guide for Londoners and tourists alike. There are some brilliant tips whether you have just a day to spare, or much longer to enjoy what the capital has to offer. London has some of the most famous landmarks and attractions on earth, so use this book to discover some of our city's less well-known delights.
My faith has been restored! My life is complete!
OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But I am pretty damned happy right about now. Yes, my cynical self knows that of course the Mayor of London is keen to promote his city, and himself. But hey, if he does so by endorsing my book, hopefully boosting sales (and maybe credibility, depending on political persuasions), who am I to complain?
9 comments:
That's awesome! I think your book looks amazing. London is the city I want to visit more than anywhere on earth, and I can't wait to check out your book. It's definitely going on my TBR list. Congrats on your mayoral endorsement!
(I just googled Boris Johnson to see what he looked like and that is one crazy head of hair.)
Yey for Boris and your book! That's fabbity! {^_^}
Yay Marsha! Say, I could write a review or do an interview for www.bizimanadolu.com if you like!
Woot! Congrats!!!
:)
Thanks everyone! I'm excited because it is so hard to get the word out there, and this quote might help catch people's attention, anyway.
Deniz - that would be GREAT! I'll email you today or tomorrow with more details! THANKS!
Nice one!
That's fantastic! I'll be distributing your book any time I get asked the question, "What should I do in London?"
Congratulations! Excellent news.
Thanks guys! :)
Post a Comment