One Giant Step Forward
Not long ago, I decided to handle my business a little differently and leave my publisher. It turned out to be a bigger decision than I thought it was at the time I made it. For example, all my mystery titles went out of print simultaneously.
I am happy to report that my first mystery, Greased Wheels, is in print again. It took awhile to get set up with a new publisher and wait as covers were redesigned, text reformatted, and arrangements made for the new release. It took so long, I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. (Greased Wheels) The distribution stream isn't flowing yet, but it will all come together soon.
Having any books out of print, even for a short time, can be a major set back for an author. That is the situation in which I currently find myself with all the Kyle Shannon mysteries no longer produced by the previous publisher. Getting the titles reissued quickly is critical.
As more and more pressure is placed on authors to handle more and more of the business side of writing, we struggle with things that have nothing to do with writing. For example, the change in publishers meant all new ISBNs. Not a problem? Wrong. Every bookmark and marketing piece sitting in my file cabinet is now invalid. So new ones must be designed and printed. That's true for sell sheets and anything else that contains those ten/thirteen critical numbers or the old cover images.
The other two Kyle Shannon mysteries will be available soon. The publisher tells me that both titles should be out by the end of July, if not before. So I move forward, step by small step.
Change can be tough but it can also be a tremendous opportunity for growth. Any alteration in how you handle your business can mean standing in place for a while but eventually you will move forward again.
I am happy to report that my first mystery, Greased Wheels, is in print again. It took awhile to get set up with a new publisher and wait as covers were redesigned, text reformatted, and arrangements made for the new release. It took so long, I was beginning to wonder if it would ever happen. (Greased Wheels) The distribution stream isn't flowing yet, but it will all come together soon.
Having any books out of print, even for a short time, can be a major set back for an author. That is the situation in which I currently find myself with all the Kyle Shannon mysteries no longer produced by the previous publisher. Getting the titles reissued quickly is critical.
As more and more pressure is placed on authors to handle more and more of the business side of writing, we struggle with things that have nothing to do with writing. For example, the change in publishers meant all new ISBNs. Not a problem? Wrong. Every bookmark and marketing piece sitting in my file cabinet is now invalid. So new ones must be designed and printed. That's true for sell sheets and anything else that contains those ten/thirteen critical numbers or the old cover images.
The other two Kyle Shannon mysteries will be available soon. The publisher tells me that both titles should be out by the end of July, if not before. So I move forward, step by small step.
Change can be tough but it can also be a tremendous opportunity for growth. Any alteration in how you handle your business can mean standing in place for a while but eventually you will move forward again.
Posted by Linda Mickey at 6/25/2011 10:46 AM 
Categories: Publishing Issues, Marketing
Tags: Greased Wheels ISBN out of print changing publishers change is good business side of writing Kyle Shannon mysteries
Categories: Publishing Issues, Marketing
Tags: Greased Wheels ISBN out of print changing publishers change is good business side of writing Kyle Shannon mysteries
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