Excitement #2: (Hold Your Breath...) It's a BOOK DEAL

November 9, 2005 2:32 AM | By Adam Roberts | 120 Comments

Excitement #2: (Hold Your Breath...) It's a BOOK DEAL

Oh goodhearted reader---I've been keeping something from you for a while now. Last year in March, I was contacted by a literary agent who told me she thought I had a book in me. I said: "A book? Me? Write a book?" But she persisted and over the next few months we worked out a concept. I then spent most of my summer writing the first two chapters. And over the past few weeks we polished off the nitty gritty and sent it out to some publishers.

Well there was interest from Bantam. You know Bantam, they're a big publisher! And this morning they wanted to meet me. So I gussied myself up at 7:30 am, rode the train to their offices uptown and met my agent in the lobby. She pepped me up for the meeting: "You're going to do great." Upstairs we met with the editor, the publisher and the publicity department. They asked me lots of questions and I regaled them with stories and anecdotes and nuggets of philosophy about food. I thought it went well and so did my agent.

"When do you think we'll hear?" I asked her.

"Probably in a few days," she responded.

So I scurried off to class and casually made my way home. When I got home there was an e-mail from my agent. "They made an offer." I called her immediately.

"Did we sell my book?"

"We sold your book!" she answered joyously.

"We have a deal?"

"We have a deal."

And so my friends, it's an honor to share with you this news. Me---little ole me who little more than a year ago imagined a terrible life for myself in a tiny law firm with a billboard and a mustache and a commercial where I say "Have you been hurt in an accident"---I've got a book deal!! Thanks for being so supportive of my site. I know it's cliche but I literally couldn't have done this without you, my loyal readers who constantly support me. This has been the best day ever.

120 Comments

Congratulations, Adam! That is so amazing. Can't wait to buy my copy! We miss you down here in the ATL...

Posted by Katharine | November 9, 2005 2:38 AM

I am so excited for you! Nobody is more deserving. You'll have to keep us all up to speed on everything about the book - especially when we can expect to get it! And the redesign is really creative and muy bonita. So many great things happening for you...and for readers like me!

Posted by Jessie | November 9, 2005 2:48 AM

Congratulations! That is so exciting. Please do keep us updated, and keep up the good work on the site.

Posted by Laura | November 9, 2005 3:15 AM

Yay! CongratulationsI I eagerly await the coming of your book and here is to hoping you will include many tasty pictures.

Posted by Mellissa | November 9, 2005 3:25 AM

Congrats! Great news. Keep us posted on the process.

Posted by B'gina | November 9, 2005 3:34 AM

That is awesome! I can't wait to read it. Good job and congrats.

Posted by Joe | November 9, 2005 4:27 AM

I hope you celebrate somewhere nice, Daniel maybe, or Ducasse. Those are two places I don't think you've been to and I would love to see what you think of them.

Posted by Joe | November 9, 2005 4:29 AM

Hi Adam, that's great news - congratulations! When will it actually be out? It'll probably reach us Aussies at a later stage tho' :-(

Posted by Cin | November 9, 2005 5:41 AM

You do know that we'll all want signed copies, right? Congrats!!! You deserve it!

Posted by BrendaS | November 9, 2005 5:54 AM

Adam, I am SO happy for you! You deserve it. I can not wait to see/read your book. Tell us more about it.

Posted by Hande | November 9, 2005 6:08 AM

Congradulations Adam, you deserve it. Clotilde also got a book deal, and I know why both of you are becoming famous. You both are very nice people, not pretentious food snobs. Foodies and ordinary people can relate to you. You don't just appeal to a certain type but everyone. Keep up the good work.

Posted by Sean | November 9, 2005 6:37 AM

Congratulations Adam.
Cant's wait to hear more about it - the subplots, the intrigue, the man who gets the meat...loaf. :)

Kudos!
~Sarah

Posted by Sarah Tubbs | November 9, 2005 6:55 AM

Hooray! I'm usually a lurker, but I wanted to come out and congratulate you. Your writing is hilarious, engaging, and always appetizing. I'll buy your book!

Posted by CM | November 9, 2005 7:04 AM

Congrats Adam! Go get 'em!!

xx
Pim

Posted by Pim | November 9, 2005 7:07 AM

I KNEW it was going to be a book deal when you teased us last night - because, you know, you're good like that. Congrats, Adam. Fantastic news, and totally deserved.

Posted by Martha | November 9, 2005 7:24 AM

How wonderful!!! I cannot wait to buy a copy (signed I hope.) You have got to tell us more about it...

Posted by Jason Sholar | November 9, 2005 7:57 AM

That's absolutely fantastic!!!! And utterly deserved.

Hurrah!!!

Posted by David | November 9, 2005 7:58 AM

Congratulations Adam, that's absolutely wonderful!! :)

Anne in Sweden

Posted by Anne | November 9, 2005 8:02 AM

I second Katherine. Congrats!

Posted by Amity | November 9, 2005 8:46 AM

Congratulations, Adam! I will definitely buy your book. I'll even find a way to teach it in a college class.

Posted by Claudia | November 9, 2005 8:49 AM

I've been reading your site for years now.. mostly as a foodie lurker. As a publicist for a major publishing company myself, I say CONGRATS! and if you have any questions.. feel free to ask! I'll definitely be buying your book!

Posted by Liz | November 9, 2005 8:53 AM

Posted by Liz | November 9, 2005 8:54 AM

Congrats, Adam! Well done!

Posted by Nic | November 9, 2005 8:54 AM

Congratulations Adam! There is not much more I can say that has not already been said, so I will just grin happily in your general direction and eagerly await your contribution to my bookshelf! Bravo!

Posted by tara | November 9, 2005 9:04 AM

congratulations!!!!!

Posted by Rees26 | November 9, 2005 9:10 AM

That's so awesome!! You've got to give us a hint as to what it's about--I can't wait to read it! I hope it includes recipes!

Posted by Sara | November 9, 2005 9:18 AM

Congratulations! I too, am a lurker who loves your site, and your wit! Hope you will always keep blogging!

Posted by Cindy | November 9, 2005 9:30 AM

That is great news. I cant wait until the book comes out.

Posted by Jeff | November 9, 2005 9:30 AM

Belly up to the bar at Babbo and toast yourself with a bellini. Congratulations on your most fantastic news. Can't wait to read it!

Posted by Jamie | November 9, 2005 9:48 AM

Congrats on the book deal and the new look of the site! I love reading your site.

Posted by jess | November 9, 2005 9:49 AM

Mazel Tof!

Posted by Sarah | November 9, 2005 9:50 AM

Great job! I'm sure this will go far for you! Keep up the good work and don't forget about us little ones ;)

Posted by Chris | November 9, 2005 9:51 AM

Congratulations. If your book is even half as fun to read as your blog it will be a best seller. It really is great news.

Posted by Punky | November 9, 2005 9:54 AM

Congratulations! :D

Posted by Robyn | November 9, 2005 10:02 AM

This is awesome, wonderful news! Congratulations, almost total stranger!

Posted by total stranger from canada | November 9, 2005 10:09 AM

FELICITACIONES!!! Hope to read it soon...

Posted by Sil | November 9, 2005 10:10 AM

Mainly a lurker as well, but definitely wanted to come out and say congrats!!! Such big news, we're so excited for you!! And yes, we all want you to sign our copies!

Posted by WendyB | November 9, 2005 10:13 AM

That's amazing! I will, of course, scrounge up some money to buy your book. In the meantime, you should have a posh little book-pre-writing party with hor 'doeuvres on a stick and lots of people who you don't know. Tehe.

Posted by Nina | November 9, 2005 10:14 AM

Congratulations, Adam. You give all the beginner bloggers hope *G*

Posted by Nerissa | November 9, 2005 10:19 AM

Congratulations! Any projected release date?

Posted by barrett | November 9, 2005 10:26 AM

Congratulations, Adam!

Posted by sam | November 9, 2005 10:27 AM

Congratulations! Can't wait to buy it...

Posted by Kaitie | November 9, 2005 10:36 AM

Congratulations on an honor well deserved. Please dedicate the book to Pancetta!

Posted by Aliza | November 9, 2005 10:45 AM

Yay, Adam! Can't wait for the book tour to hit the Bay Area. :-) Congratulations!

Posted by Melissa | November 9, 2005 10:51 AM

I am so happy for you. Seriously, you have been a secret that I have been emailing friends for over a year. I love reading the antics, the reviews and the recipes. So, thank you and prepare for the new future that you have created for yourself. Life is for living...I mean: eating.
\
nh

Posted by Heather | November 9, 2005 10:56 AM

That is awesome!! I can't wait to buy it!! :D

Posted by Alicat | November 9, 2005 11:02 AM

Hooray!

However, I'm still holding you to the moustache.

Posted by helenjane | November 9, 2005 11:04 AM

Wow! Good for you! I'm sure it will be great.

Posted by Sara | November 9, 2005 11:05 AM

WTG Adam! How exciting!!!

Posted by Marcy | November 9, 2005 11:06 AM

Congratulations!!! What great news. No one deserves it more - you hardworking, hysterically funny blogger. Let us know how you celebrate!

Posted by Luisa | November 9, 2005 11:18 AM

Congratulations Adam!!!!!
For months I've lurked around here and enjoyed reading your blog everyday. Can't wait for your book to come out!

Posted by Christine | November 9, 2005 11:23 AM

That sounds great Adam! You will definitely need to hold a signing in the NYC area.

Posted by mike | November 9, 2005 11:29 AM

Adam!!! Yay!!! That is so cool, you deserve all of your success. Can't wait to buy your book

Posted by Christine | November 9, 2005 11:37 AM

CONGRADS ADAM!! I'm so happy for you!! You definately deserve it and hopefully it will be the start of much more great things to come your way!!

I definately agree with a signing when it comes out!

Posted by Lisa | November 9, 2005 11:47 AM

Congratulations! You deserve this, and I can't wait to read it.

Posted by Heather | November 9, 2005 11:49 AM

That's great news Adam. I can't wait!

Posted by S. Plant | November 9, 2005 12:10 PM

Congratulations!! I'm a relatively new reader but it didn't take me long to become addicted. Can't wait for your book!

Posted by Bethany | November 9, 2005 12:22 PM

Have i ever told you your my favorite DDW grad student.
Well, let's review:
pretty webpage.
good food.
book deal.

So the favorite.

Posted by Chris | November 9, 2005 12:24 PM

congratulations! you deserve it - i think lots of people would be thrilled with an amateur gourmet book. i'm just glad somebody was smart enough to buy your book.

Posted by karen | November 9, 2005 12:24 PM

Another long-time lurker here who just had to congratulate you, Adam. Well done!

Posted by K. | November 9, 2005 12:44 PM

Congratulations! I can't wait to read it.

Now the big question is--where are you going to eat to celebrate?? (I humbly suggest Per Se)

Posted by Emily Jean | November 9, 2005 12:51 PM

Congrats Adam! If you need a date for your Babbo celebration, I'm available. I might even treat! :-)

Posted by Joey | November 9, 2005 12:52 PM

How awesome! You completely deserve it. I'd buy an advance copy tomorrow.

Keep writing plays, too. I'd love to read one of those!

Posted by SLOLindsay | November 9, 2005 1:00 PM

Holy moses! That's really fantastic news. You must be over the moon. I'll be looking for the book in the stores.

Posted by kate in salt lake | November 9, 2005 1:02 PM

OMG!! That is fantastic news! Congrats!

Posted by Cate in MI | November 9, 2005 1:07 PM

That's so fantastic! I love this site, and it has inspired my own food adventures with friends. I'll surely buy your book. Congratulations!

Posted by e | November 9, 2005 1:47 PM

Adam,
I'm very happy for you. Enjoy your success.

Best Regards,
Rhonda

Posted by Rhonda | November 9, 2005 2:06 PM

Cheers to you! I love your blog and your writing. No one could deserves it more.

Posted by Tina | November 9, 2005 2:23 PM

Congrats! I know it's going to be a big success.

Posted by Andrea | November 9, 2005 2:52 PM

That is wonderful news- it couldn't happen to a better blogger. *sniff* I'm all verklempt!

ps- the new header looks great, too.

Posted by s'kat | November 9, 2005 3:00 PM

Absolutely GREAT!

Posted by Alisa | November 9, 2005 3:00 PM

I'm a daily reader of your blog, but never post, but I'm coming out of hiding to say HOLY $*&@!! and Congratulations. You are hilarious and your blog is a joy to read. You deserve all the good things coming your way. Enjoy it!

Posted by Sarah | November 9, 2005 3:02 PM

This is so great, what an opportunity, couldn't happen to a better guy. I'm a long-time reader, and I look forward to whatever you write. This book is going to be excellent! I'm sure I speak for a lot of us, when I say how proud I am, of you. After reading your stuff for so long, I feel like I know you, and something this great happening to "one of us" is so cool.

Posted by Lili | November 9, 2005 3:12 PM

It's great getting to do what you love for a living.

I can't wait for the contests to begin on who will get their first signed copy!

Posted by Raquel | November 9, 2005 3:25 PM

congratulations! how great, to write about your passion! make sure to update us with the release date, title, etc. i will keep my eye out for it.

Posted by grace | November 9, 2005 3:41 PM

This site and your blog have been my guilty and secret addiction for over a year now, although I do take credit for tipping off my food loving friend Caroline about your blog. She loves it too. I guess it won't be a secret for long! Congrats on the book deal! I can't wait to read it b/c I'm already a huge fan. Best wishes and good luck with it!!

PS....the Russell Crowe cake posting PURE GENUIS!

Posted by Leah | November 9, 2005 4:29 PM

Hooray! Great news for you, but even better for those of us who have been enjoying your blog and always wanting more of your wit, whimsy, and way with words (sorry that came out bizarrly alliterative). You MUST include Lolita somehow... (glad that her video message is at the top of your films listing on the redesign!). Will you sell signed copies through your site? I eagerly await a release date!

Posted by meg | November 9, 2005 5:00 PM

Congratulations, Adam and all the best with your book!

Posted by Rosa | November 9, 2005 6:29 PM

Hi Adam:
I too am a lurker who has come out of lurkdom to congratulate you on your book deal with Bantam. I have been reading your blog almost from its inception. If your book is anything like your blog, you are bound to be an instant best seller!
By the way, now that you are officially an author, you might want to check out www.readerville.com. They are an online book discussion group, and they are especially kind to authors. After a few posts there, I'm sure you'll have as many fans there as you have on your blog.
I'm looking forward to your book tour!

Posted by Judy | November 9, 2005 6:51 PM

MAZEL TOV!

Posted by gidget bananas | November 9, 2005 6:57 PM

Congrats on the deal...now finish the book so i can read it already.

Posted by nico | November 9, 2005 7:10 PM

Oh, I really like flying foodstuffs, too!

Posted by gidget bananas | November 9, 2005 7:11 PM

Adam! Calm down. You have only written 2 chapters. Much hard work is ahead. Then you can celebrate.

Posted by John in Austin | November 9, 2005 7:55 PM

This is HUGE! Congrats!

Posted by Jennifer | November 9, 2005 8:46 PM

I'm another longtime reader, first-time poster. Yours is hands down my favorite blog and I can't wait to buy your book. Please come to DC if you do a book tour!

Posted by marianne | November 9, 2005 10:06 PM

Hooray!!!

Posted by Irielle | November 9, 2005 10:23 PM

That's amazing, congratulations! I can't wait to pick up my copy.

Posted by Rachel | November 9, 2005 10:27 PM

Congratulations, you deserve it! I think you'd also be great in the Next Food Network Star show.

Posted by Jessica "Su Good Eats" | November 9, 2005 11:21 PM

Congratulations! Waiting for book now.

Posted by plumpernickel | November 10, 2005 1:29 AM

Hi Adam,
What an exciting thing... Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing how it's all like. Keep up great work!

Posted by chika | November 10, 2005 2:29 AM

Well done, Adam. Congrats from Perth, Australia.

Posted by Peter | November 10, 2005 4:47 AM

Congratulations! I got tears in my eyes when I read your good news. That is truly wonderful. I think I cried because it's inspiring to know that good people are rewarded for doing good things.

Posted by Lori | November 10, 2005 2:36 PM

Congratulations! I got tears in my eyes when I read your good news. That is truly wonderful. I think I cried because it's inspiring to know that good people are rewarded for doing good things.

Posted by I'm Not Telling | November 10, 2005 2:37 PM

Yay! We're all so psyched for you.

Posted by Chris | November 10, 2005 5:49 PM

so...the rich get richer. why am i supposed to be ecstatic again?

Posted by louise | November 10, 2005 7:30 PM

Woohoo! Congrats Adam. You must've known there was no suspense about whether you'd get a book deal. It was a shoo-in. You are consistently entertaining and a must-read every morning. You should definitely push for a publicity campaign Down Under =)

Posted by Augustusgloop | November 10, 2005 10:55 PM

wowie zowie! You deserve it!

Posted by vicki | November 10, 2005 11:44 PM

Looking forward to the book. Hope it includes a DVD with your songs and films.

Posted by Dennis | November 11, 2005 3:55 PM

Adam, I am so so happy for you! You are one of the most creative and talented people I know. You not only deserve a book deal, but the rest of the world deserves to read it. Congratulations and I can't wait till it's out.

Posted by elise | November 11, 2005 4:38 PM

Congratulations!! If you ever need any advice on working with a publisher, email me. I've been in the publishing industry for many years.

Posted by Julie | November 11, 2005 9:15 PM

Congrats!!!!!!!!! You're terrific. Can't wait to read your book!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Jaimie | November 12, 2005 10:59 AM

Congrats!!!!!!!!! You're terrific. Can't wait to read your book!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Jaimie | November 12, 2005 10:59 AM

Can't wait to buy the book! I'm going to get a copy for my Mom, my Grandma, and every other friend and family member who said, "Boy, that director of Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat is going to do something great someday." And so he has!!!

Posted by Elliott Riebman | November 12, 2005 12:09 PM

Adam!!!! i knew it would happen for you...you are a talented, creative, funny, entertaining, and now low and behold "Authur"!!! I am just bragging on you to all my peps...you parents couldn't be prouder...i will absolutely go to your book signing, and hope to see you on the Today show or who knows, maybe Oprah!!! Mazel-tov!!! xoxoxo robin from new jersey...

Posted by robin | November 12, 2005 10:00 PM

i am a bit slow on the uptake here.
congratulations, Adam!

Posted by sam | November 14, 2005 1:49 PM

Adam...
good things happen to good people!
Auguri!

Posted by Diva | November 14, 2005 3:44 PM

AG, you no doubt will conquer the world with your new book and become Oprah's new best friend. Many hearty congratulations from EUSOL back in the ATL. I want a signed copy when it comes out!

Posted by A Big Fan of the AG | November 16, 2005 11:38 AM

Wow look... I've been busdy making cakes and you're writing a book! Congratulations, Adam. Let us know when you'll be touring.

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