I talked to my editor last week. There have been some scheduling changes.
Now, whenever someone asks me when my book will be hitting the shelves, instead of answering excitedly, "Spring of 2011!", my answer will now be a slightly tempered but still hopeful, "I'm not sure, possibly 2012..."
I am reminded of a scene from one of my favorite movies, You've Got Mail. Kathleen has just accepted that her book shop must close.
Birdie Conrad: Well, let's ask her.
[Birdie opens her locket, revealing a picture of Cecilia Kelly]
Birdie Conrad: Cecilia, what should we do?
[holds the locket to her ear]
Kathleen Kelly: Birdie...
Birdie Conrad: Shhh! She has no idea. But she thinks the window display looks lovely.
In the meantime, I am working on two other manuscripts and will submit them. I may be down, but I am certainly not out. Covenant has accepted two of my books and I'm giving them more to chew on. I won't be closing the book shop.
I'll just be wincing a little every time someone asks me, "When can I buy your book?"
10 comments:
acck!!! What does it all mean?
It's brutal when the schedule is already so far out--and the top sellers get to snag earlier spots and push others back.
So you know, it's not just you. I'm a mid-seller even though I've been there since 2002. I've gotten pushed back, more than once. NOT fun. Especially when close friends (like several in my critique group, all of who started publishing AFTER I did) are higher sellers so they get immediate acceptances plus early release dates.
Really, I feel your pain. I totally get why it happens--this is a business, and that's how they make their decisions--but that doesn't make it much easier to take.
Thanks, Annette. I need to get past the foolishness I feel after telling everyone "this spring". I'll be explaining it over and over, but oh well. What could I do? We all start somewhere. I'd just really like to START NOW. Ha.
Margot, I don't know if it affects you. Genre plays a part (timing releases of several romance authors was a factor). It probably wouldn't hurt to ask.
I should also note that I am not posting this as a rant or that I am disgruntled. I've had some time to consider it all, and while I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me, I am still amazed that my books are being considered. I'm just hoping for slots to open up and the right time to present itself...
*please please pleeeeaase present yourself*
This reminds me of the insightful post I read today by the wonderful Julie Musil, about our dreams becoming expectations (she also linked to a Nathan Bransford post on the topic). This is the writer's life isn't it? First we're excited just to get our ms. accepted, then we have expectations about *gasp* actually seeing it in print. Then comes that desire to see it selling, selling and selling. Anyway, I sure do feel your pain. What a huge disappointment. I was looking forward to your book too, but readers find other things to do while the authors wait and wait and wait. Glad you're still writing!
I love You've Got Mail. And that moment is perfect for this kind of feeling.
I'm so sorry, Krista. Just know that whenever your book does come out, I'll be in line to get it. *hugs*
Just tell them "When my publisher releases it, I'll let you know!"
Karen, it's the truth!
LT, thank you for letting me know. It SO helps!
Alex, that is a great response. Thanks.
I'm so sorry, how frustrating!! Hang in there, it will happen. I can't wait to read your book(s)!
Oh, man - this is no fun. More time to get the marketing machine rolling, but still - blech.
Hope you get a firm date soon.
Dang, Krista, I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope they settle on a firm date soon so your fans can start the countdown!
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