The Launch That Wasn’t. Releasing a new book during COVID-19

Katherine Fawcett

My box of author copies arrived at the Brackendale post office on March 5th.

I raced home, ripped it open and pulled out a copy of The Swan Suit. I was giddy. I’d poured so much time, thought, emotion and energy into this collection of short stories. I ran my hand across the cover, flipped through the pages and marvelled at the centuries-old process that translates ideas into these wonderful packages we call books.

It was exhilarating. I couldn’t wait to share this book with readers.

However, there was something in the air that dulled my joy. This crazy new virus. I was horrified by the news out of Wuhan. I tried to focus. China was a world away. I had an extravagant book tour planned.

Six communities, two provinces, libraries, bookstores. Live music. Readings. Wine. Snacks. Discussions about magic, feminism, fairy tales, essential oils, sex and swans. Open jams for musicians afterward. A new pair of boots for me.

And then, Italy. It broke my heart to read how the virus was hitting the northern part of that country so hard. Still, I closed my eyes.

My publicist Annie Boyar had designed gorgeous invitations and posters for the tour. Social media was ablaze. She’d also arranged newspaper interviews and worked out details for booksellers to be at each venue. The first event was planned for the Pemberton Library on Saturday March 14, official launch day. My friend Suzanne Wilson had offered to play guitar. I’d launched my first book, The Little Washer of Sorrows (Thistledown, 2015) at the same venue.

Until—Seattle. The dreadful contagion was coming closer. There was state of emergency in Washington. Could this come to Canada?

Call me an optimist or call me naive, but I didn’t think it would. I was more worried that venues might not be big enough for all our guests. That we’d run out of wine. I’d suggested booksellers place big orders, so they’d have enough copies for me to sign. I bought packages of goldtipped white feathers to give out as bookmarks.

Then, Lynn Valley Care Centre in Vancouver. People were getting infected. People were dying. COVID-19 was here and I had to step out of my bubble.

On Tuesday before launch day I called my elderly parents in Calgary and suggested they not come to the event at Shelf Life Books the following week. In my heart, everything I do and create I dedicate to them. I still love making them proud—making them laugh—so this was a big deal. They didn’t argue. We knew we’d be able to spend time together between the Canmore and Calgary events.

On Wednesday, my publisher said that if I felt uncomfortable and wanted to postpone any travel or events, they would support my decision. I thanked them but didn’t feel it was necessary.

On Thursday, COVID-19 was officially declared to be a global pandemic. We decided to nix drinks and snacks at the Pemberton event.

On Friday morning, I had my hair done. From the chair at Concrete Blonde, I talked on the phone to the librarian about seating people farther apart from each other.

On Friday evening the Pemberton Community Centre, which houses the Library, closed. There would be no launch.

On Saturday, the book’s official birthday, I drove to Pemberton and delivered a copy to Suzanne, the musician. We tapped elbows awkwardly.

The next few days were a blur. Schools closed. A state of emergency was declared. People were urged to self-isolate. All public Swan Suit events were cancelled.

Annie and the team at Douglas & McIntyre dove into revamp mode.

They quickly organized a Facebook Live Launch, which I hosted from my home in Squamish. This was to coincide with the cancelled Calgary event. CBC Radio requested a telephone interview with me on “The Homestretch” show. I chatted with host Doug Dirks about reaching an audience via an online platform; about reimagined fairy tales in worrying times.

The Facebook event went well. Hundreds of people watched, as I read excerpts and answered questions. A short video I made on “Bad Timing” has been viewed nearly 3000 times. The publisher set up BookConcierge@ douglas-mcintyre.com to direct people to independent bookstores near them that will deliver. My first Zoom book club meeting is set for next month.

Yes, people are still reading. But I’m worried about how the COVID-19 crisis will affect small bookstores and the publishing industry in general. I’m worried that The Swan Suit will miss that crucial first few months and won’t reach an audience.

I’m worried about my parents’ health. My teenager’s final year of high school. My music students. My neighbours. Florida. New York. Overworked doctors and nurses. The list is so very long.

But I still believe that good books can help carry us through times of crisis. Maybe a twisted little fairy tale from The Swan Suit will bring relief to a reader somewhere.

I hope that’s not too optimistic now.

Katherine Fawcett is a writer and music teacher living in Squamish, BC. Her first book, The Little Washer of Sorrows (Thistledown, 2015), was a finalist for both a ReLit Award and The Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Her most recent book, The Swan Suit (Douglas & McIntyre, 2020), was released without fanfare. She is currently working on a novel about being trapped. http://katherinefawcett.com