Hello!

After quite a few delays, a name change, many internal dramas and crises, your copy of Music To Eat Cake By should be plopping through the letterbox any time now. I do hope you enjoy it and feel your *ahem* investment has been worthwhile. It is, as I say in the introduction, an experiment, one I've thoroughly enjoyed conducting, and one that simply couldn't have existed without you. A thousand thankyous to each and every one of you. I know it's been a long haul, especially for those of you who were generous enough to be early supporters of it all those months ago. Your patience is exemplary and much appreciated.

I have one further favour to ask.

If you could find it within you to shout about this book through whatever medium is available to you, it would mean a huge amount. I'm obviously delighted enough that it exists, but it would be terrific for it to reach as wide a readership as possible.

Posting a photo on social media is great for raising visibility – apart from anything else it's a glorious cover (the design work of Steve Leard, with art direction by Mark Ecob). And perhaps (not that I want to put words into your mouths) a comment on the lines of 'Hurrah! This beautiful thing is here and is going to be ACE/SUPER/SPLENDIFEROUS (choose your own absurdly over-the-top adjective)' might be appropriate.

If you're not on social media, walking down your local high street, brandishing the book alongside a large sign saying 'everyone please buy this book' would be an acceptable substitute. I leave the details to you.

Thank you all again. Have a slice of cake and put on some music. You've earned it.