Thursday 21 June 2012

BIG News in My World - THE CALL!

 I am so thrilled to finally be able to share my big big BIG news  - i've signed a contract with HarperCollins to publish my debut novel!

They requested the full manuscript after I posted the first few chapters of the book on their website Authonomy, and a couple of weeks or so ago they emailed me with the offer to publish. I cannot tell you how it felt to read that email... it was honestly amazing. From memory, I think I did a five lap victory dance around the coffee table, called my nearest and dearest, and then sat down to email the fabulous, brilliant minxes.

It's been such an exciting couple of weeks! I've settled on Jodie James as the name I will write under, and HarperCollins are running a competition to name the book! How fancy shmancy is that?
I can share all the details with you today as it's been officially announced here:

The official announcement on Authonomy

You know, I believe they may be right when they say that life begins at 40! I'm totally over the moon, it's a dream come true.

The ceremonial signing ceremony...






32 comments:

  1. Super duper brilliant news! I'm SQUEEEING with joy for you. And I LOVE those photos!! Congrats on your debut sale, honey. I know it'll be the first of many more :) xxx

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  2. Massive congratulations!! Those pics are ace! I'm really delighted for you, enjoy every second xx

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  3. Yay! Whoohoo! Awesome! :) I'm so excited for you. You are so talented, and I knew this day would come. *bounces* Congratulations!

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  4. Huge congratulations Joanne! What a fantastic call story.
    x Christy

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  5. Huge congratulations Jo, really happy for you. Can't wait to buy your book!

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  6. I deffo think they should put those pics on the back cover, Jo! FAB minx, well done again xx

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  7. Oh, well done & many congrats! So inspiring to hear your story.

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  8. LOL!!! I love the pics! I took some of me signing my Entangled contract but they were AWFUL. You look fabulous!!
    Big hugs and congratulations m'dear!! It's been a long hard road but you've finally got there and I'm so trhilled for you!!!Can't wait to hear the details of your book.
    Chocolate martinis all round!!

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  9. Oh, wow!!! That's so exciting. Congratulations!!! Enjoy the ride.

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  10. Thank you all for your lovely, lovely messages! It's so nice to be able to share the news, i've been dying to let the cat out of the bag.

    Jackie, Chocolate Martini's sound like a fabulous plan. I've lined them all along the bar, help yourselves everyone! xx

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  11. You already know how pleased I was to hear the news but pleased I came by here for a read - loving the signing photos!

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  12. Hi Lesa! Thanks for visiting me, it's great to see you! xx

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  13. Aw, you look ridiculously happy! Reminds me of the day I signed my agent contract (I photographed my signature and blogged about it but your photos are even more special). Huge congratulations

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  14. Hi Cally,

    Thanks so much for dropping by. I am a total fangirl of your books, I'm having a proper 'oh my giddy aunt' moment because you've commented!

    Jodie
    x

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  15. Brilliant stuff! And I LOVE your kitchen!

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  16. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am so so happy for you, Jodie!! :-)

    And love the new look!!!

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  17. Sheena, you found me, hello! Thank you for coming by, it's good to see you xx

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  18. Thanks Sri, my minxy sister. The new look is glitter-tastic, isn't it?

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  19. Mega,mega,mega brilliant, Jodie!Fantastic stuff - am totally delighted for you! xxx

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  20. OMG, Jo!!! What FABULOUS news!!! I couldn't be happier that an eagle-eyed ed (from Harper Collins, no less) has spotted your talent and snapped you right up :-)

    You've come so far since our paths first crossed back in 2009 and I know this success is the first of many.

    Enjoy every second. You totally deserve it :-)

    Jilly X

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  21. Jilly, how lovely to hear from you!

    Thank you for your kind words - it seems a long time since that comp now, doesn't it?

    Hope all is good in your world, I keep looking for a blog from you. Get on it, girl! xx

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  22. Mega congrats, Jo! I couldn't be happier for you. I knew you had something really special going on when I first read your comp chapter way back when! I'm so thrilled that all your hard work is paying off, and I'm looking forward to buying this book and many more!

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  23. Fantastic news. Well done. It's nice to hear of another Black Country Girl achieving her dream. I recently met Miranda Dickinson. (I hail from Wolverhampton). Best Wishes. Lesley

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  24. Hey Robyn:O)

    It's fab to hear from you!

    I will always be grateful to you for being the first person who offered me a helping hand on the M&B board - or should I say helping eyes? Left to my own devices I would prob have entered that 1st terrible chapter and slunk away to never write another word, lol!

    I am in line to buy your books too, can't wait to see your name in lights on the cover, you really deserve your success.

    xxx

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  25. Hiya Lesley,

    Great to hear from a fellow black country girl, we are slowly taking over the world, lol!
    Lots of luck with your novel on Authonomy, enjoy the forum. The chick-lit girls are a really nice bunch, they will make you very welcome.

    Jodie

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  26. Hi Jodie,

    Fantastic news and congrats again. I love the pictures, and your sparkly new look blog.

    Romy

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  27. Thank you, Romy! I fancied a sparkly summer make over, i'm a magpie for glitter. :O)

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  28. So chuffed for you hun you rock! Can't wait to be able to read/promote/review your first novel :):):)

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  29. Hey, lovely! Thanks, you're a star. x

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  30. CONGRATULATIONS! You are such a brilliant writer!! I am so so so happy for you!!
    xoMaggie

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  31. Hey Maggie, thank you so much! It's great to see you, hope things are going great guns with your book. xx

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