Good morning gentle readers!

Things are moving quickly on The Odd Dog, so I wanted to give you a few updates. Let's get to it as there is a LOT of info to provide. :)

1) The proof is out there- The initial proof for The Odd Dog is making its way to me and should be here any day now! Here's a video of the proof. Remember: a proof doesn't lie flat, so the pics look wonky, and there aren't any embellishments, so some spaces look blank. I'm planning to do my own version of this video when I have the sample in hand.

We're already working on changes, but it's tough not to get fired up!! Let me know in the comments what you think. :)

So what's next? Here's where things get a little murky. Once a proof is approved, it gets printed in bulk and then shipped to the US. That can take about 45 days to get to port, and then you play a waiting game. My plan is to have my warehouse ship me all the books needed to fulfill your pledges. I'm going to do it myself to ensure it's just right.

Since we're knocking on the holiday season, I'm going to make a last minute decision on whether to ship once I have the books in hand. If it's at that strange time when the post office is inundated and there's a good chance it'll get lost, I will likely wait on the books. You will be the first to know.

HOWEVER... I want you to have SOMETHING for the holidays, so I'm putting together all the extra pieces (stickers, pawtographs, etc), and if it's looking like the books won't arrive on time, you'll still get a fun holiday package from me, including a beautiful gift receipt for The Odd Dog that gives the recipient access to the eBook version.

If you didn't get a chance to check out my 2nd book, The Odd Dog's Guide to Making Friends, do not worry! The pre-order shop is now open, and I decided to have some fun with it.

I'm offering several custom product options for people whose dogs are in the book. This includes:

If you order any custom items using the link below before November 15, I will make sure you receive them in time for the holidays. These are limited to people whose dogs have already been drawn in The Odd Dog. I will make this available for dogs drawn into The Odd Dog's Guide to making friends as well, but custom items won't be available until the illustrations for that book are done (Spring 2025).

As an added bonus, I'm giving ALL backers of The Odd Dog a $10 credit for the new shop. To access these items and this discount, use this link: https://odd-dogs-guide-to-making-friends.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders?coupon_code=ODD+DOG+DISCOUNT

Locking orders on October 25- Finally, we have about 80% of surveys done, so I'm planning to lock orders by the end of next week (October 25). This doesn't involve the custom products I mentioned above since they're on the new campaign; just products from this campaign. I'll be reaching out personally to anyone who hasn't completed their surveys yet. Locking orders means you'll also be charged for extra items you've purchased, so don't be surprised. :)

Thank you all for bringing this book to life. Your support means everything to me and I will do everything in my power to get this book to you before the end of the year.

Sincerely,

Leia B