Question 1

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Please direct all inquiries, fan mail, hate mail, and idle gossip to catherynne@gmail.com

Question 2

How  can I get a signed book?

Accepted Answer

Email me. If you send me a book and a postage-paid return envelope, I will be happy to sign it. Or, find me at a convention or a signing (see the Appearances page for a list).

Question 3

Are you going to come to my town/ state/ country?

Accepted Answer

Check the Appearances page for my tour schedule. I generally bounce all over the place, but if you want me to come to your town specifically and you don’t have a major convention nearby, the best way to make it happen is to talk to your local independent bookseller about arranging a reading.

Question 4

Will you take a look at my great American novel/ epic poem/ oscar-worthy screenplay?

Accepted Answer

I’m pretty busy these days. Please do not send me material without querying. However, if you are very nice and ask me first, I may be able to look at some short pieces or excerpts. I regularly teach workshops at conventions and around the country, which might be a better option for both of us.

Before you ask, however, I would highly suggest reading my novels and asking yourself whether you really want me to critique your work. Do we value the same things in writing? Do you have a thick skin? Broach the subject at your own risk.

Question 5

How do I pronounce your last name?

Accepted Answer

Val-EN-tee. Val-en-TAY is an enormously common mispronunciation. Just think of us sitting down to a nice cup of tea together. Or pretend it ends in “i.”

Question 6

How can I find you on the social network of my choice?

Accepted Answer

I’m @catvalente on Twitter, on Livejournal and Dreamwidth, Catherynne Valente on Facebook and Google+, and thelearnedcat on Ravelry.

Question 7

Where is the best place to buy your books?

Accepted Answer

I am often asked where readers can buy books such that I get the best royalty rate, or at least the most benefit. As for royalties, I get the same rate so long as you buy the book new. For best benefit, buy from your local independent brick and mortar bookseller, so that they get your business and keep my books on order. But really, if you buy it at all, you are supporting me. I thank you for it, deeply. And if you buy it used–well, good. I’m happy you’re reading it. But if your goal is to apply your dollars most directly to my career, the trick is to buy it the first week it comes out from a brick and mortar store.

If you want to do something more direct, feel free to buy me a cup of coffee or dinner through the nifty widget at the bottom of the page.

Question 8

Who is your agent?

Accepted Answer

Howard Morhaim of the Morhaim Literary Agency. Please direct all rights inquiries to him.

connect with Catherynne