As many of you know, I recently re-released The Keepers of Sulbreth on Kindle after having a falling out with my publisher. It hurt when my publisher made the decision to break my contract. With my first book released and doing pretty good in mass market and the next two under contract, I felt my career was really taking off and the next big step with a sale to a major publisher was around the corner.
Then the phone call came. My publisher wanted to release my second book, Beyond the Gate, in ebook only. I was crushed. My spirits were low for nearly two months as I tried to make the decision. I made the wrong one. I allowed them to release my book and they made a real hash of it. No promotion, no reviews, and they didn't even get it to the retailers on the release date. So I divorced them.
It's very strange. I was angry, beyond angry, with the publisher when they told me they would only be doing ebook, but I hid it and held on. I tried to work with them on promotion and pin them down on what they would be doing. They did nothing despite their promises. But once I told them to forget it and give my rights back, I felt free and energized. I no longer felt my writing future was out of my control. I no longer felt so helpless before the cold-hearted decisions of a corporation.
Being contracted with a publisher is something like a marriage but it can turn into a bad one. An abusive one where the party holding the power takes advantage of the other member. I'm happy with my separation because I decided I didn't have to put up with the 'Worse.' I deserve better.
Have you had a bad experience with a publisher? Do you know someone who has?
9 comments:
I've heard the marriage comparison before and this is where things can go wrong, because it's not a marriage it's a business agreement. Many publishers are having to make difficult decisions now with bookstores closing and the ones still around taking fewer books, because print books just aren't selling as well as ebooks. I wouldn't take it personally. It sound like your publisher did the right thing by returning your rights to you rather than making you fight for them. Now you can move on to another publisher or self-publish. Wishing you all the best!
I'm sorry it all fell apart for you. So far my experience has been good, and my second book will be available in both formats. I hope to see a review copy soon!
Sorry about another bad experience, Susan, but I'm so happy you're now empowered! Unfortunately, I've heard some real horror stories about publishers lately. One recent story held that a publisher filed a lawsuit against an author for releasing an anthology of short stories that had nothing to do with her contracted book. The logic was so wrong I can't even recall what their excuse was, but thankfully the author stood her ground and is fighting it. It's outrageous.
I'm so sorry you had such a frustrating experience! I'm glad it worked out so that you're feeling strong and ready to move in this new direction!
Karen's answer is so true. It's a business, and for most publishers, business is not good now, especially for print books. You made a wise choice to set off on your own though.
The publishing industry can be so subjective, and time consuming. I have a feeling you'll enjoy being in complete control of your work this way ... best wishes!
I've not had any bad experiences with the publishers I've worked with, but I am getting a little weary of the rights grab in contracts.
I loved loved the first installment "The Keepers of Sulbreth" and was curious if the second would be released in print instead of ebook??
Wow, is all that I can say. I have never before posted on any kind of blog and I am still in shock to have received an answer,and so quickly too. I read your first book in the chronicles and I was hooked. You instantly became one of my fav. authors. You have a great imagination and I am impressed with how you handled the situation with your publisher. Most would just accept what they were saying with out much of a fight. It is so very sad,especially for someone like me who enjoys the feel of a book and the smell of the pages, to think that books are going out of style. I am usually a library reader but I think I will have to make an exception and purchase the entire series as well as any other books you have or will publish. I wish you the best of luck with all of your endeavors. I respect and admire you and your work please keep it up!!!
Rebecca
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