At the 2011 AWP in Washington, D.C., a guy came to the Idiots’Books booth, looked around, and told us he liked what we were doing. “But,” he said, “you should try doing the same thing, except with books for kids.”
We thought he was crazy, not because we thought it was a bad idea, but because we already had so many books to make. But as the weeks passed, the idea seemed less crazy, then less (kind of like having a third kid), until suddenly, it seemed inevitable.
So we started tinkering with the idea. There was so much to do.
One of the most interesting (and trying) parts of the process was coming up with a name. Our agent cautioned us to get the name officially trademarked, claiming that the literary world is full of backstabbing name poachers. In the process of working with a trademark lawyer to “register our mark”, we learned that our first two name ideas were in conflict with existing trademarks. In retrospect, we’re glad we went through the process, because our third name is, as far as we’re concerned, just right. Without further ado, we are happy to announce Bobbledy Books.
I don’t think you need me to tell you which end of the donkey I am.
I wish I could tell you that we’re all set up and ready for business, that you could sign up today and have your first book tomorrow, but we’re not quite ready for that. We considered waiting until we were 100% ready before talking any more about Bobbledy, but the truth is, we’re so excited about this that it has become unbearable to keep it from you.
From here forward, expect regular updates on our progress. There’s just so much we haven’t been telling you. Believe me, this will bring us closer. (Perhaps you will decide to run in the other direction?)
We hope to launch within a few months, but for now, if you’re interested in getting on the Bobbledy list (or seeing the homely beginnings of the Bobbledy website), go here (if only to make Robbi feel good about herself after the pains of yet more web design).
Here’s that link again.
WOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I am bursting with excitement. Literally. I may need to see a doctor. This is awesome news!!!!!!
Awesome! We will be eagerly awaiting launch with bated breath! And, if both ends of your donkey look the same, does it matter which end of the donkey you are?
Love it. And you BETTER let me know if you need any help with that site, yo. You see how I made the word ‘better’ bold? Just a little display of my skillz.
Josh: Be careful what you wish for. By which I mean, thank you. Does “help” extend to psychological counseling for Robbi when she is lost in the doldrums of a coding-induced psychopathic event?
that sounds a hell of a lot like most days at work. so i am qualified for this task.
Big congrats! Love the name and logo! Donkeys are darling, especially when they aren’t asses.
Congratulations, guys! This is so exciting. I love the name, and I’d be curious to hear what your other favorite names were (no copyright violation in mentioning a name, right?). Rock on!
Josh: You will be hearing from me. I will try not to be hysterical.
Clare: Who said they weren’t asses?
Abby: Stay tuned!
Josh: When Robbi saw your offer to help, she did a series of surprisingly nimble moves I can only describe as a “dance of glee.” Whatever hysteria you may sense in her voice will surely be the product of abiding gratitude.
Robbi,
They appear ass-free from here.