If You Can't Say Anything Nice...

On Facebook I had recently made some noises about having some sort of contest so that somebody could win some cool Napier's Bones-related swag, but I had to put my brain to the grindstone to figure out exactly how I wanted to do this. That's all done now, and it's time to start this contest.

But first, let me announce what you can win:

First Prize - A signed, limited edition hardcover of Napier's Bones. This glorious edition contains a colour frontispiece and some internal black and white art by Martin Springett, as well as signatures by me, Martin, cover artist Erik Mohr, and book designer Corey Beep.

Second Prize - A trade paperback copy of Napier's Bones, signed by me.

Third Prize - A poster for Napier's Bones of Martin's colour frontispiece, signed by Martin and by me.

I will handle the mailing costs to anywhere in the world, but am not responsible for our respective postal services doing Something Stupid.

Contest Rules

In conjunction with the mathematical fantasy nature of the novel, I want you to pick a number, anywhere from (and including) 0 (Zero) to 2011 (two thousand eleven). You may then post that number in one of three places:

- on my blog, in the comments for this contest announcement. Please make sure you've left your email address or else check back on February 23rd for the announcement.

- on my Facebook page, in the comments of this Note

- on Twitter. If using Twitter, you must use the hashtag #napiersbones, in order for me to be able to find your entry. Simply type your number and the hashtag, ie

2012 #napiersbones

(note that I chose a number outside of the range)

Speaking of Twitter, you can follow me there @derrylm. Nothing extraordinarily scintillating, but as events for the book begin to unfold, I suspect I will be able to update there more frequently.

I have already chosen and tucked away the three winning numbers. They were randomly generated, so no prior knowledge of my life or anal habits or OCDs will be of benefit.

Entries will be accepted until February 22/2011.

Anyone can enter, except for employees of ChiZine Publications and their immediate families, as well as my own immediate family, and that of my wife.

You are allowed one entry per format. One for the blog, one for Facebook, one for Twitter. Make sure you choose a different number for each place. If by some bizarre set of circumstances someone actually tries to spoof this contest with bots, I reserve the right to shut it down early.

If the number is not chosen, the closest guess will be the winner. If two or more are potential winners, I will draw the winner's name from a hat. Guesses equidistant from the right number will qualify, whether they are higher or lower, excepting those numbers that fall out of the range.

Spread the word! The more the merrier, and the odds are better than the lotto.

Labels: art, ChiZine Publications, contest, giveaway, Napier's Bones, publishing