The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Book: Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATE (December 2019): The first and second editions of The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge are sold out. Thanks to all of you for your support!

After many years of threatening to do so, I’m finally publishing a book. The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge is being printed as we speak and will be for sale in mid-to-late November.

Heather #Gauteng52 book coverPrinted book

What the actual book will look like. It’s soft-cover and 216 pages.

#Gauteng52 book sample page

A sample page of the book. I’m really excited about the design.

I’m anticipating a lot of questions. Let me try to answer them in advance with some handy FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions about the #Gauteng52 Book

Q1:
What is the book about?

**A2:**The book is a compilation of the 52 blog posts I wrote in 2017 as part of my #Gauteng52 Challenge, when I visited 52 places in Gauteng province I’d never been to before. The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge is part coffee table book, part guidebook, part quirky blogging nonsense, with beautiful photos and design and text kept as close as possible to what I wrote in my blog in 2017.

To get a feel for what the real book looks like, click the thumbnail below and flip through a few virtual pages. (This link is sometimes slow to open.)

Heather Mason | The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge

Q2:
Who is the publisher of the book?

A2:
Me. (Note: I’ve never published a book before and haven’t a clue what I’m doing.)

Q3:
How much does the book cost?

A3:
R400 (about $28)

Q4:
Where/How can I buy the book?

A4:

  1. The book will be available at Bridge Books, which has two locations in downtown Joburg. You can also buy it online from Bridge Books and there is a pre-order option available.
  2. Once the book is printed, it will be available at Mwanawasa Art at 27 Boxes in Melville.
  3. The book will be for sale at Breezeblock, a café in Brixton that is featured in the #Gauteng52 Challenge.

You can also buy the book directly from me, but only after 12 December. In a stroke of exceptionally bad timing, I will be in the United States from 16 November to 11 December and unable to distribute the book myself during that period. If you’re in a rush to get the book in time for Christmas, I recommend ordering through Bridge Books.

Several people have already gotten in touch to say they want to buy the book. If you are one of these people, don’t worry: You’ll hear from me soon. I’ll make sure you receive the book in whichever way is easiest for you.

**Q5:**How many copies of the book will be available?

A5:
I am printing only 250 copies of the book, at least for the first edition. This isn’t because I’m trying to be all exclusive and precious about it, but rather because…duh, it turns out printing books is freaking expensive.

Q6:
Can I buy the book if I’m not in Joburg?

A6:
Yes. If you live overseas or elsewhere in South Africa, you can order The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge from Bridge Books.

If you live in America and want to order the book, please message me privately. Hopefully I’ll be able to bring some copies with me when I come to the U.S. and can get your book to you that way.

Q7:
Will there be a book launch?

A7:
I’ll be holding a launch on the evening of 13 December at the Bridge Books shop in Maboneng. Mark your calendars and please stay tuned for more details.

Q8:
Is The 2Summers #Gauteng52 Challenge available as an e-book?

A8:
No, not for now.

Flyer for #Gauteng52 book

Flyer for the book.

I’m really, really excited about this book. I worked with an incredibly talented book designer, Matthias Löcker of arte.fakt, who has turned my words and photos into a beautiful work of art. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

I’ll post more details once I have them.


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