Wednesday, March 4, 2015

IWSG: Marching Onward

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for IWSG blog hop. This brain child of Alex J. Cavanaugh, this monthly fest is a chance to share encouragement with other writers or ask for some propping up for yourself. Please join this growing group by checking out the others participating today or chiming in on the Facebook page.

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:

Liza said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

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.

Unknown said...

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.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

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. :)

betty said...

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

Michael Di Gesu said...

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.

Luanne G. Smith 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!!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Liza. It's like there's no choice but to keep on going.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, CG. You could have cheered me up.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Yeah, not a lot of publishers take reissues. Narrows the possibilities.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for having one of me, Melanie. Appreciate the support.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Madeline. Trying not to drown here.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Betty. I do not like looking for new publishers. I was in such a comfortable place.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for stopping by, Michael. Always glad to hear from you and get a piece of your positive attitude.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, LG. Fantasy is tough genre.

Melissa said...

I admire your perseverance. Good luck finding a publisher.

IWSG #142 until Alex culls the list again.

Stephen Tremp said...

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.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Yes, I like those quotes!
And, like Melissa, I admire your perseverance! I'm also glad your romance fiction is doing well.

Pat Hatt said...

Hopefully a new home will be found quickly. But can't give up indeed

shelly said...

Hope you find a new publisher. Sorry to hear that.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

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.

cleemckenzie said...

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.

Lisa said...

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...

The Happy Whisk said...

Marching onward is the best. Chin up, feet moving, you know the drill.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Sorry it ended up difficult. You've got the right attitude, Susan. Just keep believing. And remember we're here supporting you. Happy IWSG.

Chrys Fey said...

Going forward after we face setbacks is the best thing we can do for ourselves. I hope things work out for you, Susan!

Chemist Ken said...

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.

Kai Strand, Author said...

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.

LD Masterson said...

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.

Patrick Stahl said...

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.

Unknown said...

You've got your books and your rights to them, so that's big win right there. Best of luck with finding new publishers!

Nick Wilford said...

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.

J E Oneil said...

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.

Diane Burton said...

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.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

You're right, we have so many choices these days. You'll find a new home for your stories.

Liz Blocker said...

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!

Tanya Miranda said...

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!

Tanya Miranda said...

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!

kimlajevardi.com said...

I'm sorry about your publisher. Keeping positive is good, but a short, targeted pity party can be a good release. Good luck!

kimlajevardi.com said...

I'm sorry about your publisher. Keeping positive is good, but a short, targeted pity party can be a good release. Good luck!

Shannon Lawrence said...

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!

Denise Covey said...

"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!

dolorah said...

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 :)

Arlee Bird said...

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

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

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

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Melissa

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

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.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Those quotes just fit my mood this week, Tyrean.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Not in my nature to give up though the snow is tempting me to give up shoveling.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Still looking, Shelly.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I was lucky in that one because RWA helped the authors out.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Small publishers come and go and I knew I was taking a chance with the one.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for stopping by and hosting today, Ken. It was a double whammy month.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

LOL, I didn't feel so positive the first few days, Kai. Thanks for the kind words.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Fingers, toes and eyes should do the trick. Thanks for the smiles today, here an on your blog.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Patrick. I have to remember to look at it that way.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

These publishers were very professional about giving back rights so that's a good start.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

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.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Mmmm, cake. I would have shared my wine.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Not ready for the indie route, Diane. I'd rather have someone else do some of the work.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

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.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

You cheered me up and definitely made me smile. Thanks.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I usually allow 24-48 hours for the party and then move on.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Magazine publishers come and go more often even than book publishers.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks, Denise. No choice but to keep going.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

You are tempting me to give you the name of one I'd like to see take a dive. You made me laugh.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

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.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

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.

Robin said...

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:)

Nicki Elson said...

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?

Unknown said...

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.

Haneen Ibrahim said...

Wow! you seem to go through a lot, but I like your attitude, keep up the good work it will pay at the end ;)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

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¨*•.♥

Anonymous said...

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.

Jennifer Ruth Jackson said...

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...