Dracula Daily : Reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula In Real Time With Commentary By The Internet by Matt Kirkland

The internet sensation that is Dracula Daily is giving a fresh twist to Bram Stoker’s timeless vampire novel. Described as “the coolest book club on the internet” by Fast Company and an “internet sensation” by The New York Times, this wildly popular email newsletter is now available in a deluxe hardcover book.

Readers of Dracula Daily will be familiar with the bite-sized chunks of the classic vampire story that are delivered straight to their inbox. Now, thanks to this deluxe hardcover edition, fans can enjoy Stoker’s original text alongside the hilarious commentary and artwork from Dracula Daily readers.

NPR praises Dracula Daily for breathing new life into the undead tale. By blending Stoker’s words with reader-generated content, this version of Dracula offers an immersive and entertaining experience. Whether you’re a vampire scholar, a devoted Dracula Daily reader, or a newcomer to the story, this book is a must-read.

Inside the pages of this deluxe hardcover edition, you’ll discover a treasure trove of artwork and memes contributed by the newsletter’s vast community of subscribers. From comics showcasing Dracula’s notorious wall-climbing abilities to thought-provoking analysis of the novel’s intricate love triangles, the witty commentary and vibrant fan art adds a unique and exciting twist to the classic tale.

Dracula Daily: A Viral Newsletter Turned Book

In 2020, Matthew Kirkland launched an email newsletter serialization of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” that captured the attention of the online community and gained over 240,000 followers. The viral email newsletter, known as “Dracula Daily,” has now been transformed into a physical product – a Deluxe hardcover volume.

The Deluxe hardcover edition includes the remixed text of the classic novel, along with humorous chapter headers and a curated selection of the funniest memes, wittiest commentary, and best fan art. The content was chosen from among the subscribers of “Dracula Daily.”

A Unique Take on Bram Stoker’s Classic

“Dracula Daily” is not just an email newsletter, but also a book that offers a fresh perspective on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The book presents the story in a strictly chronological manner, allowing readers to follow the characters’ journey day by day. It focuses explicitly on what happens on each specific day in the story.

When asked about setting up the newsletter, Kirkland explained that he used an email newsletter platform to divide the book into the right segments and schedule them to be sent out in advance. The initial launch of the newsletter was low-key, with Kirkland informing only a few friends and making small announcements.

Surprising Success and Overwhelming Response

The first year of “Dracula Daily” exceeded Kirkland’s expectations, with approximately 1,500 people signing up and reading along. This response felt like a significant achievement for what began as a lighthearted book club project. Kirkland initially thought he would never tackle a similar project again. However, when he checked the subscriber count in 2022, he was amazed to find that many more people had subscribed. In response, he reached out to everyone and asked if they would be interested in reading “Dracula” a second time. The overwhelming majority said yes, and from that point on, the subscriber count skyrocketed, reaching 200,000 in just a few weeks.

The impressive growth of the newsletter can be attributed to the power of social media and organic sharing. Kirkland encouraged readers to embark on the journey together, forming book clubs and sharing their experiences on platforms like Tumblr and Twitter.

Rediscovering the Charm of Bram Stoker’s Classic

Why has Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” resonated with so many people today? Kirkland believes that everyone is drawn to vampire stories, and “Dracula” is the epitome of the vampire genre. However, what truly made the reading experience enjoyable for many is the discovery of the book’s hidden treasures. Although readers were familiar with the general vampire tropes, they were surprised and delighted by the unique elements in Stoker’s novel. From a cowboy character attempting to shoot Dracula with a gun to Dracula himself sporting a straw hat, the book is filled with unexpected and quirky moments. Many readers found themselves drawn into the drama and captivated by the story’s core points, which they had previously been unaware of.

The Journey Unfolds in a Beautiful Book

The physical book of “Dracula Daily” presents the complete story of “Dracula” arranged in chronological order. It incorporates captivating commentary and artwork throughout its pages. Kirkland was particularly impressed by the striking fan art and illustrations that were shared online. The range of artistic styles, from photorealistic to cartoony, adds to the book’s charm. Additionally, the book’s physicality and comfort, complete with bookmark placeholders, create a satisfying and immersive reading experience.

A Continuing Legacy

As the third season of “Dracula Daily” kicks off, the subscriber count continues to grow steadily. More and more people are delving into the world of “Dracula” through the newsletter’s daily chronicles.

The highly anticipated book version of “Dracula Daily” is set to be released on September 19th of this year. It promises to be a beautiful keepsake that captures the essence of the “Dracula Daily” experience and offers readers a delightful journey through Bram Stoker’s classic novel.

Thank you, Matt Kirkland, for sharing the story behind “Dracula Daily” and congratulations on the upcoming book release.