Monday, September 26, 2011

Begin Again

A little over a year ago, the publisher of my fantasy series, The Futhark Chronicles, called me to say they were breaking my contract and not releasing my book in mass market paperback.  With my permission they would release my book as an ebook only.  I considered requesting my rights back to all three of my books like many of the other authors contracted with them did.  I believed even then the way to go in the future would be ebook though the disappointment of not having my book in print was huge.  In the end, I stayed with them, mostly because they had already released the first book in my series, The Keepers of Sulbreth, earlier in the year.  I feared I would never find another publisher.

Though uneasy about the company's commitment to making my book a success, I dove into promotion and did everything I could to prepare for the release of my second book, Beyond the Gate on January 1st, 2011.  The big day came, although my first book was available before its due date, and tada....nothing happened.  It was up for sale on Amazon, B&N, or any of the other ebook retailers.  I called my publisher on the very next business day.  My publisher had the nerve to blame it on the booksellers.  Weeks later, Beyond the Gate, finally was available.  Some blips still existed like a few days of bleary cover art.  So many long days after my blog tour and all the online promotion I did, readers could purchase my book.  Was it any wonder word didn't get out? 

I nearly pulled my books right then, but I thought I would wait for my first statement.  You can guess how it looked.  So at the start of the summer, I asked for all my rights back on the three books my publisher had contracted.  It was simple since they had broken my contract.  Now my options were to either find another publisher who would be willing to take on a book series where the first two had already been on the market though not marketed or to take the plunge and publish them myself.

I dove into the self-publishing chaos storm.  I love reading books on my eReader and believe thousands of other people do also.  The first obstacle I face was my lack of computer literacy.  I read the directions on Kindle self-publishing and felt a little overwhelmed.  I lingered over editing, spreading it out over the entire summer months.  I talked to colleagues and friends, gathering information on the steps I needed to know before I could get my books back into the hands of the readers.  I compiled an entire folder with dozens of emails, blogs and printed instructions from Amazon and other retailers to help me find my way. 

So I'm now in restart mode and very hopeful.  I realize I had lost confidence in my publisher long before I pulled my rights from the dark pit of their possession.  I have lots of people to thank for helping me renew my dreams of a successful career as an author.  Let me start with Cate Masters.

Cate answered my call for help.  She answered no less than five emails filled with questions, general and specific.  And she responded every time within a day and she added encouragement each time.  More than a few of her books are in my ebook library.  She's a production machine just not in producing new material but in keeping an up to date blog and promoting her books 'every' where and how.  Her work ethic shames me when I whine about how little time I have to write.  Somehow she gets it all done.  So thanks, Cate.

In the next few weeks, I'll be doing a lot of posts on my experience wading through these new waters including introducing the talented young artist who designed my entirely original cover.  During that time, I'm hoping to not only pass on what I've learned but also to receive even more tips and advice from my followers. 

Has anyone in particular helped you recently in advancing your career or getting over a bump in the road?  Have you helped anyone?

15 comments:

Anne Gallagher said...

Wow, so sorry to hear about your publishing nightmare. I'm on the road to self-pubbing on Kindle and I have a friend who's helped me tremendously. Without her I had no idea of what 'formatting' really encompassed. Good for you for taking your rights back and doing it all on your own. Best of luck with it.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Sorry to hear the publisher didn't work out. I think I might have stayed too, just to let them do the e-book formatting (I'm not so computer savvy). I'm glad you got your rights back and are now going self-pub, though. I like the idea of authors being in charge of their books.

Bossy Betty said...

Hi Susan! Good luck on your quest. I am finding out more and more these days that we sometimes the kindness of others is invaluable!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bummer it didn't work out with your publisher. Brave of you to tackle publishing the next book yourself - and glad you had so much help.

Ava Quinn said...

Sorry you had such a run around with your publisher, Sue.

I can re-post your author interview tomorrow to commemorate your new cover. Unless you'd like to do another one for The Keepers of Sulbreth. (I won't make you re-do the Sea Monkey S.A.T. portion.)

Email me and let me know!

Jamie Gibbs said...

It's good to hear that you're carrying on despite the setbacks. Looking forward to reading up on your progress :)

Cate Masters said...

It's sad that some publishers are backing away from print. Sorry you got caught up in the process. But I'm glad you made the plunge into self-publishing! You might yet find another print pub for this series - many now consider self-pubbed books, so don't give up!

Theresa Milstein said...

Thanks for sharing your story. It must've been stressful and disappointing through the ordeal. I wish you future success.

Talli Roland said...

That's terrible - but I've heard so many stories like this now, I'm honestly not too surprised (or at least, not like I would have been). Good on you for taking the bull by the horns!

Lots and lots of people have helped me along the way!

The Happy Whisk said...

Onward and upward. Here's hoping you enjoy your new adventure.

Cheers.

Cathy said...

Your story is the nightmare that none of us ever wants to have. I'm so sorry it happened to you. But you seep pretty resilient; not so sure I would've been. I'm glad you found some help. Hugs.

Golden Eagle said...

I'm sorry to hear you went through an experience like that. But it sounds like you've made a lot of progress since then!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Hate to hear that happen, but I know it does. If I'd known what you were about to undertake, I'd sent you everything from my publishing and promoting seminar's handout - more books and links and info than you would've known what to do with.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm so overwhelmed by all your support. I really didn't feel alone while swimming through this latest storm. Thanks to you all.

Unknown said...

Wow, I would have been so mad if I'd got a call basically saying, remember how we got you all excited that we're publishing your series? Well, sorry, not happening anymore.
Sheesh! Really sorry you had to deal with that. But how much greater is the sense of accomplishment when you've not only written the book but published it as well!