The Rabbit: pre-orders and parties!

Hi all!

Here's an update on my new book, The Rabbit!

I announced The Rabbit back in February along with a five page preview here, but basically, it's being released through Avery Hill Publishing on the 28th August and I'm having TWO launch parties for it - more on those in a bit. 

I've also got some exciting PRE-ORDER information for you, but first up, here are a couple of really nice quotes we've had in from two very well respected comics critics (full reviews coming soon):

A Harvey-esque fantasy of two runaway sisters turns into a fabulously disturbing tale, the rabbit only they can see getting bigger and bigger as their lives take a darker and more dangerous path. The comedy that Smith does so well is still there, the dialogue as always just right, but there's a menace and sense of simmering heartbreak here as well. Smith just gets better and better and better. This is her finest yet.

-Richard Bruton, Forbidden Planet International

The deliciously dark and the endearingly whimsical go hand-in-hand in this tenderly observed tale of childhood rites of passage. Such is the depth of Rachael Smith’s character-led storytelling that when you enter the world of The Rabbit you stop being a passive observer and immediately become an active participant instead.

-Andy Oliver, Broken Frontier

Sounds good, huh? :)

Here are some pages to whet your appetite...click them to make them bigger.

Right, on to the important information...

PRE-ORDERS

Pre-orders will open on Monday evening (3rd August) through Avery Hill Publishing. The website is right here!
There's a special pre-order gift too - a bookmark that I've designed all special like:

LAUNCH PARTIES

Because I'm super greedy I'm having TWO launch parties for The Rabbit!

The first is in Manchester on Friday, August 28th at Travelling Man (4 Dale St, M1 1JW) from 7pm - 10pm. Click here for the Facebook event page.

The second is in London on Friday, September 11th at Orbital Comics (8 Great Newport Street, WC2H 7JA) from 7pm - 9pm. Click here for the Facebook event page.

At BOTH parties I will be there to lovingly sign and draw in books and to answer any and all questions about drawing comics and giant rabbits. We’ll also have a limited number of free badges, bookmarks, and rabbit-themed confectionery! Not to mention free drinks!

Here's a little peek at the badges :)

I'm also gonna try and make enough of these little rabbit cookies for everyone. So cute haha!

I've also designed an exclusive bookplate for each party that will go to the first 100 customers. Here's the bookplate for the Travelling Man / Manchester party:

And here's the bookplate for the Orbital Comics / London party:

And just to sum up both events:

I'd dearly love to see as many of you as possible at the parties - but if you're unable to come to either of them, please don't forget about the pre-orders :)

Thanks all!

Rachael xxx