Take the Reins is here!! And a giveaway!

La, la, la! It's finally here!!!!!

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That's right! TAKE THE REINS officially hits stores today! OMG! Seriously, if you're my agent, editor, friend, someone I've known for five minutes--I'll apologize now because you're going to be getting a very hyper/excited phone call from me. Possibly more than one. And I will not apologize! :)

I've been waiting for this day since early spring 2007 when TAKE THE REINS sold. I've gone through a lot in two years--personally and professionally--and those experiences only make me appreciate this moment even more. It's surreal to think that my book is out there. Wow. Just wow.

I can't say enough that I'm surrounded by the best people in the business--my Trident Media Group and Simon & Schuster families. I wouldn't have made it here without them--thank you! :)

Last night, I read though my 2006 posts documenting the writing of TAKE THE REINS. They're funny and often embarrassing--like an old journal--but I'm glad they're still there. They remind me that I've grown as a writer, but I still have a loooong way to go. Cheers to that!

So....

To kick off the official release day festivities, Dover Saddlery has ponied up a $25 gift certificate for me to give away. I'll also include a personalized postcard to you or the person of your choice.

You don't need to own a horse to shop at Dover. They've got tons of horse-themed gifts such as books, DVDs and more.

Ready for the rules? Yes, there must be rules!

1. The giveaway will run for a week starting today! It will end on Tuesday, February 3 at midnight.

2. For an easy chance to win, leave a comment here (Blogger) and/or on this same entry cross posted to my LiveJournal.

3. Want more chances to win? Leave another comment on this post (or on the LiveJournal one) with a link to your mention that TAKE THE REINS releases on January 27. You can make it a Facebook note, MySpace bulletin, vlog, blog post--whatever you like! The more mentions of TtR you make, the more entries you get in the contest. Keep coming back with the new link every time you mention TtR. If you've already done it, remind me in the comments and you'll have an extra entry.

4. Or, snap a pic of you with TtR or of TtR at a bookstore. Send me your pic (and whether or not I can share it on my blog--I'd love to post it!) for an extra entry.

5. Steal this banner! Click on it and it'll take you to Photobucket where you can nab the code of your choice. Put it up and let me know! By the way, there are other banners (smaller ones) to grab, too.



6. Review (love it or hate it--be honest!) TAKE THE REINS on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Millon or any other book site. Put the review link in the comments.

7. You decide! Get creative! :)

Now, the fine print...

The prize will only be mailed to a US address. Sorry, everyone else!

I'll draw the winner on Wednesday, February 4. Check back then for the name. You'll have one week to email me (jessica [at] jessicaburkhart [dot] com) with your name and address.

Good luck, everyone! :)

Special thanks to Dover for providing such a great prize!