It’s almost here! Face with Tears of Joy will be published in the US on the 1st of July and in the UK on the 17th of July. (World Emoji Day, in other words, but I didn’t have to tell you that, did I?)
My publisher, W. W. Norton, will be running a giveaway for US readers in due course, but in this post I’m giving non-US readers the chance to win one of two free copies of the book! To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post with a valid email address so that I can contact you in the event that you win.
The contest will close at noon UK time on Sunday 6th July 2025, so make sure you enter before then. After that I’ll pick two winners from the list of all entrants, and I’ll get in touch to arrange free postage of your prize. See below for terms and conditions, and good luck!
Terms and conditions
- The competition is open only to non-US residents.
- The prizes are two copies of the US paperback edition of Face with Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji, with one copy awarded per winner.
- Entry is via the comment section on this post only. Entries via email or other platforms will not count.
- One entry per entrant only.
- Entrants must provide a valid email address.
- Entrants must provide a name or pseudonym for publication in the event that they win.
- The competition will close at noon UK time on Sunday 6th July 2025.
- Winners must provide a valid non-US postal address on any continent except Antarctica.
- The winners will be announced here at shadycharacters.co.uk within thirty days of the close of the competition.
Comment posted by Paolo on
The book in the post’s title would be very appreciated too
Comment posted by Mary Ann Atwood on
I believe the headline on your email may be incorrect?
“Win a copy of Empire of the Sum!”
(I was one of the lucky US citizens to win that book.)
Is the prize actually “Face with Tears of Joy”?
Happy Summer!
Comment posted by Keith Houston on
Thanks both for catching the error! I’ve clarified that the book in question is Face with Tears of Joy.
Comment posted by Frederik on
Love your books, maybe this one, too?
Comment posted by Glyn Duggan on
A book with my wife’s name in its title? What a prize that would be!
Comment posted by Dave on
Ooh – glad to see the pub date for this one is nearing; if I don’t win the giveaway, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it in the bookshop…
Comment posted by Mildred on
I loved Shady Characters!
Comment posted by mischl on
thanks in advance
Comment posted by ~skk on
You got me at “A Natural History”.
Comment posted by Sara on
♀️
Comment posted by Anthony Lynn on
I really enjoyed “Empire of the Sum,” and look forward to reading this one! :-)
Comment posted by Jordy on
Been eagerly waiting for this book, love your work!
Comment posted by Amy Diaz on
Free is best!
Comment posted by Brian Inglis on
While I would love to win a free paperback of
U+1F602 FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY
I will probably wait until I can get the ebook, then I can
U+1F639 CAT FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY
U+1F61C FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE
Signed
U+1F913 NERD FACE
U+1F0BF PLAYING CARD RED JOKER
Canada
Comment posted by JC on
Comment posted by ‽ on
Keith, “Shady Characters” has proven to be vital in building my career. I’m sure I’ll enjoy “Face” just as much. I’ll probably give away some copies of it.
So it looks like I’ll get the book no matter what. Does that ruin my chances in the raffle? Then so be it. {U+1F937 SHRUG}
Comment posted by Dubi on
Does the comment need to have any content in it? How about if I ask if the comment needs to have any content in it as the content of the comment?
Comment posted by Richard Rutter on
Here’s hoping I win!
(But nonetheless delighted the book is in the world!)
Comment posted by Keith Houston on
Thanks all for entering the competition! The giveaway is now closed, and I’ll update the post with the winners in due course.