Justine Larbalestier

reading, writing, eating, drinking, sport

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Five years of freelancery

Another year, another anniversary. Once again I mark 1 April not by being silly like some I could mention but by saying, “Oh my Elvis. I’ve been a freelance writer for exactly five years! And I’m not starving! How on Earth did I manage that?”1

For my own benefit some stats:

    Books sold: 72
    Books published: 53
    Countries books have been sold in: 104
    Countries said books have been written in: 65
    Published words: 372,0006
    Books written and unsold: 27
    Ideas collected: 372,4568

Lots of fun had at fair today. Much publishing gossip and wisdom attained. Will share with you when not exhausted. I sleep now in order to make it to the drinks, dinner and party appointments that lie ahead of me today. Yes, my life continues to be gruelling!

  1. Luck. [↩]
  2. One non-fiction tome, one anthology, five young adult novels. [↩]
  3. 6 in September [↩]
  4. In order of sales: USA, Australia, Taiwan, France, Thailand, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Japan and Indonesia. [↩]
  5. Argentina, Australia, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand and USA. [↩]
  6. Guestimate. [↩]
  7. One I hope will be some day. The other NEVER. [↩]
  8. As of 16:32 Bologna time. [↩]

Posted by Justine at 10:32, 1 April 2008 under Freelance Anniversary, Publishing business, Vainglory, Writing goals & milestones | 15 Comments »

Comments

  1. Micole Says:

    ::throws confetti:: Happy blogiversary!

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:02 PM

  2. dragonfly Says:

    congratulations!!!

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:12 PM

  3. Dave H Says:

    Happy anniversary!

    In early March, I hit 18 years as an official freelance writer. Still no books, though I have hopes for the current one, but millions and millions of words of wire-service copy.

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:23 PM

  4. hillary! Says:

    So…why don’t we get to read the ‘NEVER’ book? What’s it about? Is it one of those embarassing first book ever written thingy’s?

    !!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:29 PM

  5. Camille Says:

    Congratulations!

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:40 PM

  6. Astres Says:

    What about Canada? *sad puppy eyes*

    April 1st, 2008 at 12:52 PM

  7. Robyn Says:

    I saw them on http://www.chapters.ca, so we can buy them here…

    April 1st, 2008 at 2:10 PM

  8. claire Says:

    hunh. i did not know april 1st was your freelanciversary (happy to you) but it looks like it’s going to be mine now, too. my last day at my job was yesterday.

    congrats to both of us.

    April 1st, 2008 at 5:00 PM

  9. hillary! Says:

    OK, totally off topic, but I want to email Libba Bray, but I cant find her address. GRRRRRRRRRRR! I just finished TSFT and I need answers, and her website has none! When was the last time it was updated? It seems to me that Theo is in charge of her site, ask Holly to ask Theo. I don’t mean to be so demanding but I am a very peeved fan at the moment. I need answers!

    April 1st, 2008 at 10:27 PM

  10. Fiona Says:

    I saw some of your books in a couple of shops in New Zealand in the weekend, so maybe you can add another country to your list. I was happy – much cheaper than ordering off Amazon!

    April 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 AM

  11. atthecross Says:

    off-topic…

    im very happy-fuls, and it is all ur blog’s fault! not that that’s a bad thing of course. the thing is that your blog is the only website i like (well, mostly) that isn’t blocked on my school computer… happiness! all the more excuses not to research my english project!

    April 2nd, 2008 at 6:59 PM

  12. Jane Volker Says:

    You give hope to all those who spend each day in front of a ‘puter screen writing words, hoping they make sense and that maybe someday someone else might like to read them. MAYBE LOTS OF SOMEBODIES!

    Congratulations!

    April 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 AM

  13. Chelsea Says:

    I just discovered your blog today and it’s awesome! I plan to become a regular reader. ;) And congrats on your freelance anniversary!

    April 5th, 2008 at 7:38 PM

  14. Kadie-Wa Says:

    CONGRATS!!! :D :D:D:D

    Can’t wait to see what would happen in five more years…

    April 6th, 2008 at 7:19 PM

  15. Celsie Says:

    Congratulations! That’s amazing! I hope to have even half that much progress by the time I start selling things.

    Magic’s Child recently hit paperback in the states, and I picked it up a couple days ago. I just want to say that was a very clever ending. Also, I really liked how Reason’s name was used, and the nature of magic itself. Ever since I read the blurb on your site about “magic wasn’t just an easy fix for every problem the hero has,” I’ve loved the concept, and the story itself.

    It is also the best book I’ve read in the last month. I might be a little bit biased, as I like your work and your husband’s better than most.

    April 8th, 2008 at 3:30 AM

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