Finally, I can tell you all some news I’ve been wanting to share for a long time.
If you’re thinking: Hmm, that copy of Empress looks a little different. More…substantial, somehow…
I must congratulate you on your keen perceptive eye.
The book has been reissued, and it now includes:
A lovely introduction by David Levithan
Not one, not two, but THREE short stories featuring characters from the book:
- the Eisner-nominated “Me and Edith Head,” with art by Steve Lieber, about Katrina Lansdale, which takes place before Empress happens
- “Click,” with art by Dylan Meconis, about Battle Hall Davies, which takes place between the events of Empress and The Rules for Hearts
- and the brand-new, never-before-published “Comparative Anatomy,” with art by Natalie Nourigat, about Nicola Lancaster, which takes place after the events of both novels
Plus a Q & A with me, a recommended booklist,  an exercise in musical archaeology wherein I construct a playlist based on my vague memories of what the heck I was listening to when I was writing Empress, and a preview of the companion book, The Rules for Hearts.
This new edition, with all the super-cool new material, only exists because fabulous people like you have been supporting my work for more than a decade. I’m so honored that my books are still finding new readers, and I’m thrilled that the Now-With-Way-More-Stuff-In-It version of Empress is out in the world!
Kendall Hoover | Copy Editor
August 2, 2012 at 2:48 pmThis sounds great! I love that you’ve included the short stories but the recommended book list is fantastic as well. In book stores now then?
Robyn
August 2, 2012 at 5:10 pmThis is brilliant! How soon can I get my hands on a copy of this? (And then, you know, a bunch more to give to friends and friends-of-friends…) I picked up Empress for the first time eight years ago, and I am so thrilled to see it reissued. Congrats!
Claire Hennessy
August 3, 2012 at 2:31 amWhere might be best place to purchase online, Sara? Amazon seems to have the intro-by-David-Levithan cover but still lists as a 2003 publication, so not sure if it’s the right edition.
(new Nic story! *squee*)
Sara
August 3, 2012 at 9:57 amKendall, Robyn: I believe it is, indeed, in stores now; the trick, though, is that it has the same ISBN as the older edition, so the best plan would be to go in person to your local indie.
And Claire, I’m thinking Powells is probably your best bet for purchasing online — I know they ship worldwide — but you might want to specify the new edition to make sure, I think there’s a comment field where you can do that.
And thanks for being excited, y’all! I am too!
Claire Hennessy
August 3, 2012 at 10:37 amSuper – thanks. Very excited. Was just discussing Empress with a friend last night; this is brilliant timing. :)
Upperatus
August 4, 2012 at 3:27 amAwesome to hear that there are the three short stories, which makes it overall a great package.