Our little family of three (plus bump) is heading to Turkey (more specifically, to the Lycian coast) for two weeks, so things will be (even) quieter than usual around here.
In the meantime, I leave you with the cover of my first novel, published as a paperback original in late August in the UK (to follow in March 2010 in Canada), which is now available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk and elsewhere online.
Those of you who have been paying attention will note that I’d originally titled the book ‘Rendez-vous’ – which is also the name of the online dating site featured in the story.
The marketing powers-that-be decided to go with ‘French Kissing’ instead, and I’d be quite interested to hear which title people prefer…
about
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I like the french kissing title. Well done!
Turkey is close to my home. It has stunning fresh fish and is a lovely place to visit. Enjoy!!!!
Comment by scary azeri — July 4, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
I find it odd that the ‘marketing powers that be’ are the ones who actually decide on the title of the book! Why don’t they just write the whole thing while they’re at it? (;
Congratulations!
Comment by sassy — July 4, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
Love the title “French Kissing”…and I can’t wait to get this in my hands!
Have a delightful time in Turkey – bump and all!
Comment by Melissa — July 4, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
I cant wait to read this!! Lovely cover. I think I prefer Rendez-vous for the title though. Sounds a bit more sophisticated than French Kissing. But it’s still a perfectly good title and I will most definitely be reading it!
Congratulations on the book and enjoy your holiday!
Comment by Mikki — July 4, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
Can’t decide on which title I prefer, but Turkey is great! Hot, though, at this time of year.
On the Lycian coast, my favorite is Kalkan: a lovely seaport village. Ask an old skipper to take you on a sunset boat trip – great!
Have a nice holiday…
Comment by Frank — July 5, 2009 @ 12:01 am
Your title would have been awesome, but the given one is great as well! I’ll be reading it down here in D’Afrique du Sud either way! :-)
Have a lovely vactation!
Comment by redsaid — July 5, 2009 @ 1:24 am
This title will certainly get a lot of attention (as well as raise a few eyebrows in certain parts of the States). Congrats– it looks great!
Comment by unbalanced reaction — July 5, 2009 @ 1:33 am
I prefer rendez-vous, mind you it always reminds me of se rendre = go somewhere OR surrender. BTW what do the French call French kissing?
j
Comment by j — July 5, 2009 @ 4:46 am
‘French Kissing’ is a pun, which is a big no-no in advertising copy. But it does convey an idea of what the book promises to english readers that Rendez-vous doesn’t.
I think it’s a good call by the marketing people.
Did they ask you for permission to change the title? How do you feel about the change?
Good cover too. I hope it does well.
Comment by TD — July 5, 2009 @ 4:55 am
Enjoy your holiday on the Lycian coast. It has some wonderful history, but I won’t bore you with that.
I haven’t seen the new book yet, but I’m afraid I really don’t like the new title. “French Kissing” may be appropriate, but at present it seems very ‘lowest common denominator’. I may be misjudging the publishers’ target market, but I think you write better than that, and that they should have faith in your doing so.
Comment by John Norris — July 5, 2009 @ 5:02 am
Hi there,
Being familiar with the quote “French Kissing” I must agree with #10 John Norris, it sort of puts your book in the wrong category….. Rendez-vous just leaves a better impression, to me at least.
Have a great holiday, careful with the sun, being sunburnt and pregnant, not so nice, I know I was there with my 2nd pregnancy, burnt skin, big tummy,…….uncomfortable, hot…..
Where I live in South Africa, it is winter and cold. Nice after the hot summer, but already seems too long…
:)))
Comment by Susan — July 5, 2009 @ 7:18 am
This title will definitely get more ‘hits’ on the bookshelves I reckon!
Comment by Ness @ Drovers Run — July 5, 2009 @ 8:43 am
French Kissing reminds me of bad kissing at high school…and also that Blondie song ‘French Kissing in the USA’. Both memories have good and bad points.
Rendez-vous is a better title – but French Kissing is truer for the tagline about mending a broken heart.
Comment by Karin — July 5, 2009 @ 11:30 am
well done for both bits of news; I think the title is good. Mum of little girl I teach just produced a 10lb baby and was smiling last time I saw her, baby asleep almost naked on her knees in the heat, yes heat! My little girl was always jealous of her little brother, still is although they’re both adults now (and she’s MUCH more of a handful). I don’t remember any pipiprobs but no doubt you’ll be showered with t-pees as presents! Along will a million Sophie-the-giraffes! Have a lovely holiday!
Comment by Tiffany — July 5, 2009 @ 11:43 am
I just noticed Janine di Giovanni ( who is also writing about love and life in France) mentioning your new book in Harper’s Bazaar. I am sure you knew already, but just in case!
Comment by scary azeri — July 5, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
love the cover and the french kissing title!!
rendez-vous reminds me of an appointment… at the doctor’s office!!
Comment by kara — July 5, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Already?? Fantastic! Have a fab holiday and see you soon xxx
Comment by rhino75 — July 5, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
How exciting! I’m really looking forward to reading it! I love the cover, but I think I prefer the title Rendez-vous. Have a wonderful trip :)
Comment by Jess — July 5, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
Enjoy your holiday on the Lycian coast. It has some wonderful history, but I won’t bore you with that.
I haven’t seen the new book yet, but I’m afraid I really don’t like the new title. “French Kissing” may be appropriate, but at present it seems very ‘lowest common denominator’. I may be misjudging the publishers’ target market, but I think you write better than that, and that they should have faith in your doing so.
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
Comment by John Norris — July 5, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Enjoy your holiday. Store energy !
I like the new title.
Comment by marie-Hélène — July 5, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
I prefer your title, but I have ordered the book anyway as I love your writing.
Your choice was more sophisticated; theirs seems a bit “lower-market”, shall we say, but I obviously haven’t read the book yet and don’t know how they planned the marketing.
I agree with John above, they should have had faith in you !
Anyway, your loyal blogging community will buy the book anyway, so perhaps we are not the target audience.
Perhaps you will let us know later how sales are doing with this title ? I guess that’s the proof of the pudding.
Comment by Elise — July 5, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
If the Marketing powers-that-be had told you to call the new book ‘tongue wrestling’, then would you have agreed?
There is a time and a place for everything. What do you ‘feel’ the book is trying to convey. Would you rather have dis-illusioned readers or frustrated Marketing BS merchants?
The graphics inform the reader that this piece of work is related in some way to France. How many more pointers, either visual or verbal do they need?
Oh, and have a great holiday…
Comment by Steve... — July 5, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
I am leaning towards “Rendez-vous” , but to me it doesn’t matter. I am very excited and can’t wait to read it!
I wish I was going on holiday, but I need to write two Very Interesting (not) reports for business economics first :-(
Enjoy!
Comment by Olga — July 5, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
I like your original one but they are both good ideas. i’ll have to read it. I like Rendez-vous because French is such a sophisticated language to us, isn’t it? on one of your early posts u commented that the French love t-shirts with English on them. in France they give English names to shops to seem cool. We like French to seem sophisticated and educated.
Comment by crazykites — July 5, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
Congratulations , I will be buying a least a few ,some for gifts and of course mine :-)
Always great to support the site and art community .
==Alaska
Comment by ==Alaska — July 6, 2009 @ 12:05 am
I´d say Rendez-vous. The term is used in other languages as well, but French Kissing is a purely English term. So – the title will change anyway during translation. Much to the marketing powers chagrin.
Comment by Tanya — July 6, 2009 @ 1:08 am
I also like your title better than the publishers .. bit more sophisticated. Though “French Kissing” will likely have more mass appeal. Looking forward to some good fin d’ete reading.
Comment by Julie Cuccia — July 6, 2009 @ 1:42 am
congrats.
Comment by BeanMa — July 6, 2009 @ 2:41 am
They’re both nice titles – though the “French Kissing” one is a little more catchy and fun.
Comment by Lizounette — July 6, 2009 @ 3:37 am
I agree that Rendez-vous has a certain sophisticated romance to it, French Kissing does not, but it’s also very cute.
I’m very excited to read this!
Comment by Margarita — July 6, 2009 @ 4:54 am
i like “french kissing” better. Sounds more sexy, hehe!
Comment by girl across the ocean — July 6, 2009 @ 10:02 am
It looks nice side by side with the first one! I can already imagine by bookshelf filled with three or four of these…
Comment by Meg — July 6, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I agree with Mikki (#4): would have preferred Rendez-vous too, but… we’ll read it anyway!! ;)
Do you have any idea when I can enjoy your book in the Netherlands? Can’t wait!
Enjoy your holiday!
Comment by *Martha* — July 6, 2009 @ 11:41 am
I prefer Rendez-Vous as I think it seems like it might be a smidge more high-brow than French Kissing!
I kind of agree with John but hey, if French Kissing sells a tonne more books in airports, then it’s the way to go!
Comment by Kilburina — July 6, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
Liking the “French Kissing” title, I think it somehow gives the book an open age appeal. I feel Rendez-vous kind of gives the story away (maybe I’m wrong). Can’t wait to read it and hope it’s a huge success for you.
Comment by Twinklefax — July 6, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
I like both titles, but I think French Kissing works better in the sense it gives a better idea to your market about the content. Rendezvous, after all, does occasionally call to mind spies meeting in shady corners swapping secrets, or something…more illicitly dodgy than I think you may like. Or a sandwich shop (lol, that’s just me, there’s a sandwich shop round the corner with that name).
On a completely random note I used to read the blog many moons ago, don’t remember how good I was at commenting, probably not very, but I finally got around to reading Petite Anglaise the book and I really enjoyed reading it :)
oh and extremely belated congrats on TadpoleII
Comment by Localfreak — July 6, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
rendez-vous too generic; agree w/ marketing people, “French Kissing” will stop people in the aisles.
Good question earlier, what DO les francais call french kissing?
Comment by John in Florida — July 6, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Hmmm…I like French Kissing…but I like the previous title as well. Either way, looking forward to reading it.
Comment by The Cowgirl — July 6, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Great to hear your next book is available soon- just finished petite and really enjoyed it. Have to say I prefer Rendez-vous as it sounds a bit more sophisticated. Congrats & have a good holiday.
Comment by Amanda — July 6, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Félicitations! (two births in one year, I’m impressed).
Slight preference for Rendez-vous (as a Frenchie, I’ve always found the term French kissing a bit odd – don’t other nationalities kiss too?!) but the cover is lovely! At the end of the day, I’m usually drawn to cover design and, above all, author, so it’s already a hit with me!
Comment by Res — July 6, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
I can’t wait for your book regardless of the title! Your publisher could call it “Trout fishing in the Seine” for all I care! I took ‘Petite Anglais’to Normandy and sat in the garden of the Gite and polished it off in 2 days while my 3 boys entertained themselves, so I need another book to make my daily awful tube journey to Knightsbridge enjoyable! Enjoy your holiday xx
Comment by 3boymum — July 6, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
French kiss is normal for French people, so for us, it’s “embrasser”, un baiser normal quoi!
My English boyfriend jokes I almost pulled his tonsils out the first time we kissed!
Sophie
Comment by Sophielondon — July 6, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
I like French Kissing. Some people won’t know what Rendez-Vous means…
Comment by L — July 6, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
I prefer rendez-vous – looking forward to reading your new novel!
Comment by canadianbrunnette — July 6, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
Love both titles! Can`t wait to read the new book!! Congrats to you!
Comment by Lucy — July 6, 2009 @ 11:36 pm
Not in stores until March 2010 in Canada?!!! NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Now how cruel is that?!
I’ve been soooooo looking forward to your next book this Fall! Oh well!:)
By the way, I quite like the cover of your book:) Reminds me of the North American cover of Petite Anglaise:) They should make them into posters:)
Hope you’ll enjoy Turkey as much as I did back in the day:)
Comment by Duchesse — July 7, 2009 @ 12:27 am
I prefer Rendez-vous however if its based on a real business, maybe there were leagl reasons for the name change? Anyhoo, enjoy your Turkish holiday and am looking forward to reading the book when it is out in New Zealand :)
Comment by Fiona — July 7, 2009 @ 12:31 am
Overly excited to read this :)
Enjoy your holiday
x
Comment by Sabine — July 7, 2009 @ 1:25 am
“French Kissing” is exactly the kind of titilating teen lit title that the girly Facebooking hordes cotton to. Add that to the spicy romance reading desperate housefrau audience and the marketers haven’t missed their mark.
Comment by SWFrance — July 7, 2009 @ 1:32 am
Have a great holiday.
Comment by Googlebear — July 7, 2009 @ 8:13 am
Hi Catherine
Just to let you know, your new book was mentioned in an article in Harpers this month (on falling in love with a french man/france)…
Elizabeth
Comment by Elizabeth — July 7, 2009 @ 9:33 am
Oh well done!
I think French Kissing is a brilliant title, and the cover looks great.
Comment by Damian Clarke — July 7, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
I prefer the Rendez-Vous, but think that the more attention catching titleis French Kissing, so on marketing terms, right choice!
Enjoy the hols!
Comment by cartside — July 7, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Hhhmmmm, I think I slightly prefer Rendez-Vous as it suggests more of an amourous encounter, but if French Kissing sells more books than its perfect! Looking forward to reading it.
p.s the art work is BEAUTIFUL!
Comment by Ladybudd — July 7, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
I hate to say it, but while I prefer Rendez-vous, French Kissing will probably have a better punch in the U.S. market. I can see how it would be eye catching on the bookshelf of a Barnes and Noble, or other national chain that sells books. Just look at Jennifer Weiner’s books, such as “Good In Bed.” No, that’s not my cup of tea, but you can see how it would catch the eye.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — July 7, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
The title “French Kissing” will definitely attract more attention in the U.S. What I don’t understand is why it does not have the subscript “Author of Petit-Anglaise” under your name.
Have fun in Turkey–I envy you.
Comment by Steve G — July 7, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve read the book – can’t wait! Well done you – it seems to have happened pretty fast. I thought it would only come out at the end of the year…
Comment by Lotus Flower — July 8, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Both titles work I think. Besides it has your name on the bottom so it cannot fail :o) Looking forward to reading it. Bonne Vacances!
Comment by La Chat Noir — July 8, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
Nice title, wrong fonts.
French seems too bold and kissing is lopsided…
maybe a change for future covers will happen…
All the best and a fun and restful vacation for you three plus…
Comment by Beverly — July 8, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
Prefer Rendez-vous myself. The title makes it look too “chick-lit lite”.
But the job of a title and cover is to sell books so i guess they know what they are doing. There is many a poor unhappy artiste who chose thier perceived artistic integrity over $$$! The words inside are yours still so don’t worry.
Comment by Adam — July 8, 2009 @ 11:12 pm
Hmmmm……I think ‘French Kissing’ makes it sound too chick lit. I agree with Mikki, ‘Rendez-Vous’is a bit more sophisticated.
Comment by Caroline — July 9, 2009 @ 10:50 am
Ooooh – don’t go just yet, I have a quick question for you: What’s the French equivalent of saying you have a memory of a goldfish? A French man told me, but I couldn’t work out whether it was the memory of a “red fish” or that of a “wet fish”! LOL – same difference. :)
Have a wonderful holiday and as for the “French Kissing” – I think I prefer it to “Rendez vous”, because the title is English, but keeps it’s Frenchness in the title. Clever play with words.
Comment by teeweewonders — July 9, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Just to inform you that your blog is ranked at 24 top france related blogs. http://www.invesp.com/blog-rank/France
Congrats!
Comment by yak — July 9, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
French Kissing Definately, as im English i never forgot my french boyfriend when i was sixteen teaching me to french kiss, oh la la ..
Comment by hypnogail — July 9, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Personally, I prefer the title ‘Rendez-vous’. It gives the reader the impression they’re in for a grown-up, sophisticated read. I find ‘French Kissing’ a little too adolescent sounding, or even a little too Mills and Boon. Unless, of course, that’s the target market, in which case – bingo.
Incidentally, ‘The Art of French Kissing’ by Kristin Harmel, as well as having a similar title, also has a very similar cover style.
Comment by mariat — July 9, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
now’s the time to stock up on those 800/900 gram towels.
Comment by Catwoman — July 9, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
I don’t care what it’s called, i’m just SO EXCITED to read it! When can I get it in Australia…
Comment by Cara — July 10, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Love the title ,probably more appealing to English speaking population than ‘Rendez-vous’,which I actually like too.
Anyway,let us not judge a book purely by it’s cover(or title)… and bring it on!! I just can’t wait.
How much pressure are you feeling upon your shoulders right now??
Enjoy your vacance.
Comment by lex — July 10, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
It’s sad that they are changing your title, first because yours is way better, and second because it is YOUR book!
Anyway, I look forward to reading it :-)
Comment by Lily — July 10, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Oh and I really liked the original “petite anglaise” book cover, and the second was very nice too, but the blue one is a bit cold in my opinion.
I’m glad that they chose warmer colors for Rendez-Vous! It looks lovely and very parisian, and in the same theme as your previous book covers (except the first which was incidentally my favorite).
Comment by Lily — July 10, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
I prefer Rendez-vous, but I can understand why the marketeers preferred French kissing.
IS there a word for French kissing in French? Je ne sais pas.
Enjoy your holidays.
Comment by Grey — July 10, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
I like Rendez-vous more. Maybe you should include a clause in your next contract that says you have more of a say in the title. If I didn’t know you wrote the book, I would probably bypass the title in a bookstore.
Comment by Elle — July 11, 2009 @ 3:38 am
I just finished reading your archives. Wow. It took me a few days, fitting it in with working and parenting. I looked forward to the chinks in the day when I could get in a few more minutes to read.
Your writing is great. Just wanted you to know that you have entertained and inspired a mom in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
I checked on Amazon about your book and read some of the comments. Looks like the poor reviews are mostly from readers judgments about your choices. That must be hard to read. Hope it doesn’t hinder you from continuing to write, I will look for your future books eagerly!
Best wishes!
Comment by Liz — July 12, 2009 @ 5:22 am
Hope that the ‘marketing powers that be’ will allow “Nique ma mère” as the French title, that one is great. Can’t wait to read it.
Bonnes vacances.
Comment by clement — July 12, 2009 @ 10:02 am
I also prefer Rendez-vous, as it is more elegant and subtle than French Kissing. Congratulations on the novel, which I will look forward to reading, and enjoy Turkey. Iyi tatiller!
Comment by Ann-Marie — July 12, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Congratulations! I so loved the Petite Anglaise book, I passed it on to my 15 year old daughter as a right of passage. I shall be looking forward to receiving this one, too. Enjoy life.
Comment by You Frivolous Mommy! — July 12, 2009 @ 11:11 pm