Easter greetings! Christ is Risen! Risen indeed!
If you've been here for a while, you know that I try to avoid drama. The online world is full of people trying to sell things and they use drama to do it. I have a book to sell but I'm not trying to monetize it by whipping up any sort of frenzy. I just had a few things to say and offer it in book form to be helpful. Obviously the work that went into it (especially from the publisher's point of view — most of what I have said is right here for free) should be compensated, but I am not in the business of ratcheting up interest to sell things.
That's why I don't go on and on about my personal life, my conversion, my spiritual journey, my hopes and fears, and so on. I say what I think might be helpful… I don't want to manipulate our relationship, the relationship of writer and reader. I am afraid even of the times that I share something and it becomes a sort of whirlwind of well, drama!
I think I am a sharer by nature (I will quickly tell you exactly at what thrift store I got the dress you admire and how little it cost me — I am excited to discuss all the aspects of the horse manure and wood chips that will go in the garden — I can't wait to find out if you already know a certain method for handling dough), but I hate the idea that the fun or sometimes anguish of any information is instrumentalized in any way.
All of which to say, I have to update you on the issues with The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life (affiliate link), my three-volume set. There is drama and it's been frustrating. But it's all good — I'm trying to be detached and to accept whatever is handed to me.
The first printing sold out, which is amazing! As you may remember, the volumes went to press last August but didn't actually begin to be available until right before Christmas, which was disappointing; the whole idea was to have it on hand for the gift-giving season. I don't know — it was stuck somewhere in transit.
Nevertheless, it sold very well (and Sophia did the utmost to get orders fulfilled, paying for priority shipment for those orders that came in at Christmas time). And then came the problems with the next printing! The paper used for the first printing is no longer available, don't ask me why.
But you see, it has the slipcase, and if the paper changes, the slipcase no longer fits. And the manufacturer of that box had a fire? Or something. And some of the box places went out of business during the pandemic lockdowns, which hit the printing industry hard… and the one that can produce a box to fit the new size won't be able to until… November.
Which means missing the wedding season too…
I happen to think that if people want this set, they will buy it. I'm not in any rush. But at the same time, decisions have to be made!
Print it in paperback, with no box? It would then be available by July, and it would be less expensive too.
Print it in hardcover, with no box? At least it would still be presentation-worthy, for gift giving, which is what you, our readers, have said over the years you would love to be able to do. You said that you knew people who needed to know what we have to say here, and wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to give them a book, as a gift? Then it would be ready in August.
Wait for the box so that the hardcover copies will have their proper place? That means, as I say, November.
So that is the update. A lot of it has to do with production issues brought on by economic disruption and many are experiencing the same problems. We've heard from many others who are experiencing delays and roadblocks in getting out their books. We're trying to figure out what to do — maybe all three of these options! What do you think?
Meanwhile, although it has sold out at Sophia, it is still available on Amazon. And the price is pretty good at this moment too!
Thanks for sticking with me on all this. And do share the blog with a friend. I think there are many out there who want to know how to recover the collective memory, who are ready to live differently. There are many women who want to do the glorious work of making the home, but don't know how to and are not sure why it's up to them to do it.
Thank you for reading, for being here. It's our connection that matters most to me.
bits & pieces
- I love this essay by Sean Fitzpatrick about Easter and the Eighth Day, a concept that David Clayton introduced me to as we were writing The Little Oratory. “Reclaiming such ideas like the Eighth Day is no small part in the requisite work for the restoration of Christian culture. To that glorious end, we look to the Eighth Day—a poetic device that, like all true poetry, symbolically breaks the boundaries of the material world and expresses something intangible yet essential. When the Good News of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ spread over the world, it came with a marvelous piece of poetry.”
from the archives
liturgical living
Still celebrating The Eighth Day — Easter!
follow us everywhere!
My book, The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life is available now from Sophia Press! All the thoughts from this blog collected into three volumes, beautifully presented with illustrations from Deirdre, an index in each volume, and ribbons!
My “random thoughts no pictures” blog, Happy Despite Them — receive it by email if you like, or bookmark, so you don’t miss a thing!
My new podcast can be found on the Restoration of Christian Culture website (and you can find it where you listen to such things) — be sure to check out the other offerings there!
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Consider subscribing to this blog by email. In the current situation, if we can’t meet here, it would be good for us to be connected by email!
We share pretty pictures: Auntie Leila’s Instagram, Rosie’s Instagram, Deirdre’s Instagram. Bridget’s Instagram.
Auntie Leila’s Facebook (you can just follow)
The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest (you can still get a lot of inspiration here! and say a prayer for her!). Bridget’s Pinterest.
April L. says
Leila,
Not to add to the drama, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of the typo on the slipcover. It says “Famiy” instead of “Family.” I only bring it up because I haven’t seen you mention it anywhere. Praying for no more drama!
Leila says
Yes, aware waaaahhhh
Just so you know, you can request a replacement if you bought it from Sophia.
The new one will definitely have no typo.
April L. says
Oh good!
Rachel C says
My vote is for a paperback printing to have a more affordable option! I would love to gift a set to all my sisters-in-law, but can’t afford it at the price of the hardcover set with box. It would also be great to be able to purchase the volumes individually.
Mrs. Bee says
My husband said not to worry, it’s going to be like those famous stamps with mistakes on them that made them invaluable to collectors 🙂
Leila says
This is what I’m hoping for haha [dies a little, all over again]
Rebecca says
Dear Auntie Leila,
I own the boxed set already and it sits beautifully on the open shelf of my nightstand. I am all about promoting beauty whenever possible. My hope is that you will print this book only in hardback. It is simply more fitting! I am glad I have the box, but I wouldn’t want to wait till November to read your book just to have the box included. So, I wonder what others have to say if they are still waiting to buy your book.
I was reading one of the volumes in bed. My young daughter popped in and said, “I thought you already read that.”
Well, I did. I’m reading it again!
You might blush if you knew how many times your name is mentioned in our house!
Abigail Badillo says
A box is nice certainly for keeping the set all together, but I think if I had to choose, I’d offer it for this round in hardback only, and hope to return to the boxed set when the manufacturers can accommodate. Hardcovers just last so much longer in my experience and home, and feel so much more *quality* than a paperback (not to mention, can they even include that perfect placeholder ribbon in paperback format?) And I agree, it’s the sort of set that would be great to give (and receive!) as a wedding present.
Have very much enjoyed all 3 volumes, by the way – so nice to have your advice organized in one spot!
Kelly says
I so appreciate you trying to do no drama. After nothing but drama from media, politicians etc etc, it becomes very fatiguing to encounter it from the “Catholic influencers” and makes me want to poke my eyes out.
That being said, printing conundrums are real, and such a bummer! Supply chain issues are here to stay for a while, I think.
I vote for the paperback that can be ready the soonest. I know of many lovely Catholic families that, due to financial hardship, would never even be able to afford the boxed set. But they might just be able to afford the paperback, and even if it wouldn’t wouldn’t be “pretty” in the boxed set kind of way, it would give them an option for a truly helpful and delightful wedding gift OR a wonderful resource for their own home library. I guess I’m just trying to say, you might just be able to reach even more lovely folk by having the second printing being ready soon AND at a lower price point.
sibyl says
I think you should do the hardback, without the box. The box is awesome, but it is better to get them out sooner. However, I worry that a paperback will seem cheap — this work is too good to be mistaken for the ephemeral work of a flash in the pan homemaking guru (and I’m sorry, but that means you, Marie Kondo).
Z says
I think all 3 options. This information needs out there. I understand the desire for the hardcover/box. However, people need this, and people giving gifts who want hardcover will wait for it. On the other hand, buying one at a time might be more financially prudent for some, or give those unfamiliar with your work a chance to dip their toe in the water. They are much more likely to try one book instead of springing for a whole set. We’re on this side of the island now 😉 Thank you so much for your wonderful work!
Annie says
Would you please consider having the books printed in the USA? I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and usually react to books printed overseas.
If they were printed in the USA, I would prefer hardback over softcover…more likely to hold up better to be passed down in our family.
Samantha says
Personally I despise paperbacks! They break so much more easily and don’t feel substantial. I bought two sets on Amazon…I would’ve waited to buy hardcover if it wasn’t available on Amazon.
So my suggestion is to offer the books in hardcover without the case!
I’m loving them by the way 🙂
Jennifer A says
Oh goodness I’m sorry! Can you do all the things? I personally would prefer hardback…i don’t really like boxes or slipcovers (egad), but the price point if paperback is compelling…
Ellen says
I prefer paperback! Much lighter to read in bed or while nursing
Barbora G says
I agree, paperbacks with rounded edges are safer for nursing! Nothing beats the class and durability of box-set/hardbacks, but I think there’s a use for all versions. The more, the better! I’m just halfway through my box-set, and I love them!
Lisa G. says
I have heard about a paper shortage elsewhere, but don’t know why. The box isn’t so necessary, I don’t think. Don’t get hung up on it, and it seems that many hate and many like paperbacks, so – whatever you decide will be good. xo
Luana says
Paperback and hardcover are both practical for different purposes. I love your books and this world would be a much better place if your books would be read by as many people as possible. 🙂
It is so beautiful to have it as a hardcover set in a box, but I would also enjoy reading it as a paperback.
Thank you for all your work, for thousands of hours you have put into your books and this blog. It is wonderful to be able to have your blog in the hands. Thank you.
Deirdres drawings are so lovely! Your family is such a great team. Happy and blessed Eastertide to all of you!
Andrea says
All three options! Yes, many will wait for the beautiful slipcover set. In November it is still right for Christmas gift giving. Others will enjoy the hardcover set just as much without the case or for those individuals who are more minimalistic for whom a slipcover is superfluous. But the less expensive paperback option opens a door to the curious who don’t want to spend a lot on someone they are just getting to know. A paperback option also means some will buy a second set to lend out or take in a purse to read in a waiting room, etc. Paperback editions are also less expensive for those with a tight budget. All three options make the books available to a wider audience.
Victoria says
I agree with this assessment. I think that a paperback set can be quality if materials are chosen carefully. Most of my paperback books have given me years of service with strong, flexible spines and are more-affordable.
But I own your three-volume hardcover set, and it should definitely be reprinted this way as well. It certainly deserves a high-end printing and people will want to buy it.
I even think it could be fine to do a hardcover option without the slip-cover; it makes it more interesting to book collectors 50 years from now. “Wait, which edition is this??? OH MY GOSH THIS IS THE THIRD, LIMITED RUN THAT DIDN’T HAVE THE SLIP COVER!!!” 😉
Catherine says
I love the idea of owning a second paperback copy to lend out! I would totally do that! Been wanting to share it with all my friends, but not really willing to part with my beautiful hardback copy (partly because I refer to it often already!)
Given your goal of reaching as many people as possible, and that your audience will skew more frugal than most book-buyers (one modest income and openness to babies, after all), I think a paperback makes lots of sense.
As for box or no, I don’t have a strong opinion. You are a brave lady to open all these printing topics up for discussion! 😉
Amanda says
What about paper back with a box? 🤔 is that an option? A gift worthy presentation and maybe it will fit?
Emily says
Oh gosh this is hard! I think the hardback has a lovely durability–also RIBBONS–that make it a better choice than paperback.
I really do love the box. However, if it’s between getting it in hardback with no box and having to wait and possibly lose sales…..then I’d probably go for the hardback sans box, if I *had* to make a choice. That’s my two cents.
Helen says
I vote hardback, no box, since it’s kind of a reference book/essay collection that people will open many times. (Right? I haven’t gotten it yet myself.) The prettiness and durability seem appropriate to maintain.
Mignon says
This is tricky. I don’t envy your dilemma! As a lover of books, and well-bound ones in particular, I’ve been pleased with the boxed set I purchase. I don’t like the idea of buying them one at a time at all, because I think of them as I think of the Trinity— one in essence. 😉 So with or without the box, they should still be sold together, in my opinion. If there is some kind of issue with not being able to do both a paperback and a hardback run, waiting until November isn’t the worst scenario ever. Someone on this thread suggested paperback with a slipcover box, which I think is a clever idea, especially if it can be printed with very nice paper. I came across a paperback version of Redwall the other day with beautiful color illustrations by Troy Howell, and I was impressed by how nice the paperback copy felt and looked—- and even how well-bound it was.
thedaltonfam says
Mom of (almost) ten here, and it is very hard for me to nurse and read at the same time if a book is hardback. Paperback is much easier, both one-handed and honestly on our budget as well.
Dee says
I vote for all 3! But I think it’s especially important to offer in paperback which can be bought one by one. Although I love the beautiful hardback (I have a set myself), it really is VERY expensive, and I think the value of the book is in having the information reach as wide an audience as possible, rather than in the beauty of the presentation. There will be plenty of families interested in the book who will not be able to afford the hardback set.
elizabeth says
I bought HB f/my DIL, and would love the new box/slip with correction (will look into…)
For myself-paperback as I read in bed and have books fall on my face-ha ha! 😴
Maria says
For myself I would prefer the hardcovers without the box (I usually take the books out of the box whenever I buy a set that comes with one because I prefer seeing them that way in my shelves. I, then, end up with a box I don’t need and don’t know for what it could be used but that is a bit too pretty to throw away…).
In general, I think having the paperback is also a good option because it lowers the price and the books can, then, reach more people who wouldn’t be able to buy them otherwise.
Erin Evan says
I agree with the hardback, no box option. The box was lovely, but was promptly destroyed by one of my younger children. I don’t really miss it and they take up slightly less space on the shelf without a box. I also really like the ribbons, which are lasting much longer than those in my daily missal (removed by the aforementioned child). Good luck with your decisions!
Jaci Roeble says
I vote paperback to reach more people. I also am not a fan of slipcover boxes, they are too tedious to take the books out. So if you have the budget for two options, my vote is first paperback, then hardcover no box. You da best.
MamaB says
I just want to say: aren’t you glad you asked??? Now there’s a myriad of opinions to sift through…
Advantages & disadvantages to each, and you can’t please everyone. But selling out of the first round of copies so quickly—what a wonderful problem to have! My congratulations there!
Jamie says
I just popped over here to say that I just bought the book for my 17 year old daughter. She is taking a home economics class and she has some charter school funding she can spend on the class, so I purchased sewing lessons and your book 🙂
Mrs. T says
“I say what I think might be helpful… I don’t want to manipulate our relationship, the relationship of writer and reader.” One of the many reasons I respect you.
Off topic, but I always admire your eye for patter/color. In the picture of your dining room, I never would’ve thought the curtain and tablecloth “go”, but they look beautiful together!!!
Leila says
Thank you!
I was struck by the colors myself haha… had to take a picture. I always end up just getting things I like and somehow they seem to go together in a sort of crazy way!
Ellen says
I would like to have the paperback option available. I love hardbacks but rarely buy them new, only at used bookstores. Paperbacks are in my budget, and I think having that option would increase sales and the distribution of such helpful information. And for those that can purchase hardbacks, that beautiful option would still exist.
Jamie Salvucci says
Clearly I am behind in blog posts and I just got to reading this today. Just wanted you to know you are not alone! My husband works for the FSSP as their Director of Communications. They have been having printing issues for many many months due to printers being unable to get the paper they need. It is crazy to see how far and wide this pandemic has effected every industry. No advice on how to proceed as decision making is not my strong suit. But I love my pretty box set.