Episode 23: Nighbirds Launch Party!

Nightbirds is in a bookstore near you! ✨

Welcome to the Pub Dates newsletter! We’re so glad you’re here.

This newsletter is released as a companion to each podcast episode, and we use it to share the visual elements of our discussion — from mood boards to design sketches, from photos to secret giveaways just for subscribers.

In episode twenty-three, we celebrated the day Kate’s been waiting for… Nightbirds is finally out in the world!

Now, some of you may have gathered over past issues that it’s Amie writing these newsletters, and that means I can go off-script right now, without Kate’s approval. Woo! First up, I want you to take a look at this picture.

This is Kate with the first copy of Nighbirds out of the box that her publisher sent her. This is Kate, holding her dream in her hands.

This is, I think, one of my favourite pictures of Kate in all the world. That quiet happiness in her expression. The smile of a woman who, after all these years of working towards something, has done it. As she says in this week’s episode, whatever happens once the book is out in the world, happens. She’s done her part, and she’s truly proud of it.

I’ve watched Kate work on her stories for years, and getting to witness this culmination of all that effort feels like a privilege. All of you who’ve chosen to pull up a chair and join us on the countdown are a part of it. Thank you for being here.

If you’re in the US, perhaps you can join her at one of her launch events this week. If not, we hope you get the chance to pick up a copy of Nightbirds wherever you are, and dive into the luscious world Kate’s created. When you inevitably love the book, don’t forget that adding your review to the big retail websites is one of the most effective ways you can cheer for the authors you love, as it helps others discover their work.

And Aussies, you can RSVP to Kate’s Melbourne launch (hosted by me!) by clicking right here. Tickets are free, but bookings are encouraged, so the bookshop can plan ahead.

Will we see you there? Our outfits are going to be SPECTACULAR.

Before we go, I will throw in one link for myself, as Kate reminds me I should — I will be opening my tiered pre-order offer to my newsletter subscribers before anyone else. If you’re keen to get your hands on the exciting swag we have lined up for The Isles of the Gods, then make sure you’re subscribed to

Amie Kaufman: Finding North

— you'll see the offer in March!

And now, let’s close out with our author of the moment on her US road trip — the best way I can imagine to count down to launch!

1. Kate in the wilds of North Carolina. 2. Kate and Mr. Nightbirds exploring the Biltmore Estate. 3. Kate drinking her favourite VA whiskey and patting a handsome cat called Steve.

That’s it for this issue — we’ll see you next episode, when we’ll be sharing some amazing interviews with the artists who created our character art!