Today, I'm also guesting at Sharon Ledwith's blog, I came. I saw. I wrote. Sharon is one of my fellow Musa authors. Even though our publisher closed their doors less than a week ago, Sharon has already found a new publisher for her books. She's that kind of 'keeping on swimming' person. I'll be talking about how to build your blog audience, most of which I learned from people participating in IWSG.
If you stopped in here on Monday, you read the news that both publishers who had contracted my epic fantasy series have closed their doors. It was a double-whammy smack for February. I had a pity party for myself for about three days. (No one else showed up to the party even though it had wine.) Then I went to work searching for a new home for my two series. Not every publisher will take on reissues and some don't want fantasy. The epic fantasy market is a strange one. A few 'big' names do really, really well while newer writers have trouble being found. Check out the local bookstore where George RR Martin's books take up two shelves of space.
It could be worse. Back at the start of my writing career, a publisher who had two of my romances under contract declared bankruptcy. My rights were tied up in court for months with no assurance I would get them back. I learned then that those bankruptcy clauses in contracts don't really mean anything. At least this time, my publishers cared about their authors enough to do it right.
But I'm going forward with the belief that I will find a new home for those series and the motivation to finish the third and final book in the one series. There are so many avenues available to writers these days. I won't give up on them. And my romance career as Susan Kelley is still going strong. So while I wait for answers to my queries, I'll be working on the next book for my romance publisher.
"If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it." John Irving
"Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians." Bulgarian proverb
Also, don't forget that tomorrow from 1pm to 2pm and 8pm to 9pm, there is a chat going on about the A to Z Challenge on Twitter. Use these #'s.
#AZchat
#atozchallenge
Hope to see you there with questions, ideas or just an introduction.
Do you know any publishers who take on reissues? Are you familiar with Sharon? Care to share any horror stories of your own about publishers closing? Do you agree with the above quotes?
76 comments:
I give you credit for being so positive in light of your February disappointments. You just keep moving forward and that's all there is to do, really. Kudos to you!
Oh wow. I would've shown up to your pity party (and brought wine. A lot of it.) I'm so sorry to hear about the publishers closing their doors. But you must have something awesome on your hands, so I'd keep shopping it around. Just keep swimming (one of my favorite philosophies). Love the Bulgarian proverb!
I hope you find a home for them. I think my publisher has taken reissues, but not sure if they are looking for fantasy. Just don't give up.
Wow, Susan, that really sucks. I knew I was having wine last night for a reason--I must have been with you in spirit. Good works always find a home--remember that.
Not only was there wine, but there was also whine. :)
I have no doubt you'll get through this, Susan. You're one of those "keeping on swimming" people, too, you know. :)
It is good at least you got your work back without a hassle, so to speak, but sad that you are at the place where you now have to scramble around looking for publisher(s). Your attitude though is a good one and I'm sure you will succeed!
betty
Hi, Susan,
So sorry to hear about your publisher closing.... I know you will find homes for your books. Excellent writing always finds a home. You have an excellent track record,so a publisher should be thrilled to publish your new works... Wising you all the best!
Yes, I totally agree with your quotes. Well said.
Sorry to hear that publishing news. I've seen it happen to a few fantasy writers I know. Tough business, but what else can you do but try and move forward and find a new path. Best of luck to you!!
Thanks, Liza. It's like there's no choice but to keep on going.
Thanks, CG. You could have cheered me up.
Yeah, not a lot of publishers take reissues. Narrows the possibilities.
Thanks for having one of me, Melanie. Appreciate the support.
Thanks, Madeline. Trying not to drown here.
Thanks, Betty. I do not like looking for new publishers. I was in such a comfortable place.
Thanks for stopping by, Michael. Always glad to hear from you and get a piece of your positive attitude.
Thanks, LG. Fantasy is tough genre.
I admire your perseverance. Good luck finding a publisher.
IWSG #142 until Alex culls the list again.
I've been wondering the same thing. No luck at all for me in that department. But Box Sets are all the rage these days and that's what I'm doing with my Breakthrough trilogy. Have to offer it at a discount though to compete with all the rest.
Yes, I like those quotes!
And, like Melissa, I admire your perseverance! I'm also glad your romance fiction is doing well.
Hopefully a new home will be found quickly. But can't give up indeed
Hope you find a new publisher. Sorry to hear that.
Having to go to court to get your rights back is such a pain. I know a lot of authors who had to do that.
Hopefully you find a home for your series.
With such rapid change in this publishing business, it's hard to get a foothold and make progress, but you've done very well. Authors are a resilient bunch and maybe because of their insecurities. Those keep us on our toes. Here's to finding a new publisher and soon.
When it comes to both quotes and pertaining to writing, I do agree. I'm sorry I don't know the answers to any of the other questions, but think they are good questions to ask. Thanks for sharing, and for commenting on my blog today...
Marching onward is the best. Chin up, feet moving, you know the drill.
Sorry it ended up difficult. You've got the right attitude, Susan. Just keep believing. And remember we're here supporting you. Happy IWSG.
Going forward after we face setbacks is the best thing we can do for ourselves. I hope things work out for you, Susan!
Wow, you definitely have a reason to be insecure this month! but if you were picked before, you'll do it again. Just keep at it and next month you'll have good news to report.
Sheesh! Tough, tough break. I bow down before you for the positivity you show in your post. I wish every bit of luck and success to re-placing the series.
Having your publishers close out from under you sucks. Sorry, no other word for it. I'll keep my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed that your find another and things will work out for the better.
Hey, at least you have a bunch of finished books! Whether they're currently available for purchase by a press or not, you still have books.
You've got your books and your rights to them, so that's big win right there. Best of luck with finding new publishers!
Ouch. Sorry to hear about all that. At least you know it has nothing to do with your quality as a writer. Your books have something that made publishers pick them up, it's not your fault they folded. I know they will find another home.
If I could have, I would have brought some nice cake for your party (or whatever makes you feel better). I hope your books find new homes.
Wow, tough February. Too bad I didn't know about the party. I would have come and commiserated (or just drank your wine LOL). Re: reissues. Why not do it yourself? You have the rights. The books have been edited. You might need a new cover but what do you have to lose? Good luck with whatever you do with them.
You're right, we have so many choices these days. You'll find a new home for your stories.
Oh no, Susan, that's so awful! God, I'm so sorry. I can't believe they both closed, just like that. I would have had a pity party, too, and it would still be going on for me, so I admire that you're being positive and moving forward. I hope you find a great new home for your fantasy books!
I love that quote by John Irving. I'll give you one of my favorite quotes to add to the positive spirit of your post and to hopefully put a smile on your face in light of recent disappointments. "Never give up! Never surrender!" ~ Jason Nesmith from Galaxy Quest (played by Tim Allen)
Good luck on finding a new home for your series!
I love that quote by John Irving. I'll give you one of my favorite quotes to add to the positive spirit of your post and to hopefully put a smile on your face in light of recent disappointments. "Never give up! Never surrender!" ~ Jason Nesmith from Galaxy Quest (played by Tim Allen)
Good luck on finding a new home for your series!
I'm sorry about your publisher. Keeping positive is good, but a short, targeted pity party can be a good release. Good luck!
I'm sorry about your publisher. Keeping positive is good, but a short, targeted pity party can be a good release. Good luck!
I hope you find something soon. I'm sure someone has mentioned self-pubbing above somewhere. Maybe it's time to give it a try? The rate at which publishers seem to go down concerns me. Two short story magazines I had submitted to in the last two months went under, as well. And it wasn't the first time. Good luck with going forward!
"If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it." John Irving. Says it all, really. It does take courage to keep on keeping on in the face of such setbacks, but you'll get through it!
Two anthology publishers closed after accepting the same short story from me. I'm starting to think the story is cursed and I'm afraid to submit it anywhere I really want it published. On the other hand, if you have a publisher that has done you wrong I'll submit to them, and we'll see what the curse does to them :)
It's distressing to see not just publishers, but many other businesses going under these days. I see it around where I live. A lot of new businesses are opening and long standing ones are remodeling and growing, but it seems more are closing their doors. Perilous times we are in.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi Susan - what a pain and no wonder you had a pity party .. but looks like Sharon is showing you the way ... good luck with finding a new home for your books.
Good luck with the re-outlook on life .. and I too love the Bulgarian proverb, as well as John Irving's quote ... cheers Hilary
Thanks, Melissa
I hope you'll share how things go with that. Have a friend who did a box set with some other authors and they did terrific.
Those quotes just fit my mood this week, Tyrean.
Not in my nature to give up though the snow is tempting me to give up shoveling.
Still looking, Shelly.
I was lucky in that one because RWA helped the authors out.
Small publishers come and go and I knew I was taking a chance with the one.
Thanks for stopping by and hosting today, Ken. It was a double whammy month.
LOL, I didn't feel so positive the first few days, Kai. Thanks for the kind words.
Fingers, toes and eyes should do the trick. Thanks for the smiles today, here an on your blog.
Thanks, Patrick. I have to remember to look at it that way.
These publishers were very professional about giving back rights so that's a good start.
I am starting to feel the one book is a jinx. Publishers take it on and then they go away. Thanks for the positive thoughts, Nick.
Mmmm, cake. I would have shared my wine.
Not ready for the indie route, Diane. I'd rather have someone else do some of the work.
It could be worse. I could have lost my publisher and had 8 feet of snow like you have. Hope you don't mind, but you guys have come this far so I hope you get the record today. Only need 2-3 inches for that, don't you. I feel so bad for you guys, I'll have some wine for you too.
You cheered me up and definitely made me smile. Thanks.
I usually allow 24-48 hours for the party and then move on.
Magazine publishers come and go more often even than book publishers.
Thanks, Denise. No choice but to keep going.
You are tempting me to give you the name of one I'd like to see take a dive. You made me laugh.
A few small business I thought were doing really well near us have closed their doors recently. The economy doesn't seem to be improving at all.
Thanks for stopping by, Hilary. I usually don't indulge in the self-pity for more than a day or two. I'm moving on.
Susan, your attitude is fantastic.
If you'd announced there'd be wine at your pity party I'M SURE there would have been guests. Heck, I'd have come:)
I do believe those quotes - especially the proverb. I think it's important to allow ourselves pitty parties every once in a while. Then you get up and move forward. What else can we do?
I wish I'd known there was wine and or whine :) Look at the pretty white stuff falling and see if it will act as motivation about a frost kingdom. Hmm, note to self. LOL. I've seen some people on tv battling their way to work today. SMH. roads are bad so stay safe.
Wow! you seem to go through a lot, but I like your attitude, keep up the good work it will pay at the end ;)
Oh no! I'm SO sorry to hear this has happened to you! I have a friend who closed down the fantasy department too and his books (one and two) were orphaned. He tried and tried and no one wanted them. So he self-published them and the rest. Thing is that he had himself a good fanbase, so it wasn't hard to move on *that* way. I had an armful of authors who lost a publisher when they went bankrupt. They were lost for a while, but they're doing fine now.
We are in this together, girl and I wish you the best. Don't give up!! ((Hugs))
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Oh, that's awful! I've known one other writer this happened to, and she was able to move on successfully. Good luck finding a new home for your books! Don't give up. There will be an open door somewhere.
P.S. Love the John Irving quote.
Keep faith! You're obviously talented (people publish you) and definitely persistent (writing is over half fighting your way through).
I've had a crummy experience with a poem of mine, which isn't anywhere near novel trouble...
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