During this next week, you can help me and public school teachers and students–all at the same time!

My novel, When Reason Breaks, releases exactly two months from today, and my school is having its annual Barnes & Noble book fair and fundraiser.

The good news is that pre-orders will count toward the fundraiser for King Philip Middle School, where I work as a full-time reading specialist.

Also, if you didn’t already know, pre-order sales are a HUGE thing in the publishing world and can make a big difference for a new author. This is because pre-orders count toward release day numbers when the book officially drops on February 10, 2015. Strong early sales numbers make everyone happy–the publisher, booksellers, and the author :.) Seriously, though, decent sales out of the gate can lead to more marketing support for the novel and future book contracts.

So, if you are planning to buy When Reason Breaks–or any other books for holiday presents–now is a good time, so that the sale also benefits King Philip. If you are in the West Hartford area, stop by the Barnes & Noble in Blue Back Square tonight and make sure the booksellers know your sale should benefit King Philip. I will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. signing bookmarks and promoting my giveaway (see below).

Another option is to order online through the Barnes & Noble website from December 10-16. When you’re in the checkout area, enter this number into the “Book Fair Code” area: 11443314

And as a super bonus, I’m hosting a special pre-order giveaway.

Update: Most people who pre-ordered at the book fair were not interested in entering the giveaway, so I’m going to hold onto these items and use them as door prizes at my launch party.

• The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson
• beautiful note cards
• a marble-covered composition book
• bubble gum flavored lip gloss
• black nail polish
• Pop-Tarts
• non-alcoholic coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog. Yum. Adults can mix in rum if they like.)