Adventures in Publishing


My adventures in publishing continue as my publisher, Gumboot Books, will be going out of business March 1, 2011. 

While this was unexpected and hugely disappointing, it is not an unusual occurrence for a writer to experience. Many thanks to the talented and hardworking Crystal Stranaghan and Jared Hunt for their energy and dedication over the last few years publishing the first two books in the Megabyte Mystery series: DeadFrog on the Porch and Dead Bird through the Cat Door.

While I am pursuing a few avenues to keep the characters and stories alive, the books will go out of print.   

So, if there was ever a time you thought about buying a copy of either (or both) of my books now would be the time. The books will be available on Amazon worldwide for a few more weeks (publisher is not sure when Amazon will take them off).  I will continue to be available for school visits and will have a number of copies available for purchase at future school visits. 

While this puts a hitch in my literary giddy up, I will continue with my plans for world domination one manuscript at a time, and hope that my bloggowers will be with me on that journey.   

To leave everyone on a high note, here’s a video clip I’ve used before and it seems appropriate to use it again. Defying Gravity from the hit broadway musical Wicked. We, as writers continually defy gravity to create and have our work live outside of our sasquatch writing caves. 


And, since I get accused of being all about the 80s, another video comes to mind.  When I was traveling in Africa (alternately insert Thailand, India, Ecuador or any other country with jungle) I inevitably would find myself hiking through the jungle knee deep in mud. The words from the Talking Head’s song 'Once in a Lifetime' would come to mind: “And you may ask yourself, well … how did I get here?” I’m going to find out the answer to David Byrne’s question: “Where does that highway go to?”

I’m off to dip my quill in ink and start working on my next novel …

Comments

Teri Terry said…
NOOOO! I'm so sorry to hear about this. It really, really SUCKS.
((((hugs)))))
Love the Talking Heads clip. How perfect, the line, "Same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was." So true with writers, eh? Once a writer places a story on paper, the well of creativity has opened and there is no stopping the birth of more stories. You have so many to share, and your readers will be ready when your books hit the shelves. Write on, write strong. I believe in you.
Jan Markley said…
Thanks Teri, it does suck. Thanks Jocosa for your ongoing support.
LTM said…
oh, man, Jan... :o\ I'm SO SORRY to hear that about your publisher. But surely you'll be able to get picked up--your books are so great and popular! I'm wishing you all the best. And I have to confess, Defying Gravity is one of my writer-motivator songs... :D <3
Sorry to hear about your set back from World Domination. Glad though you still plan on forging ahead :)
Jan Markley said…
Thanks Leigh! Defying Gravity is one of my favourite motivational songs as well - now I just have to do it!

Thanks Lynda - world domination is still firmly in my sight! ;-J
Nick Cross said…
I have to concur with Teri - this is a major suckfest. Really sorry to hear this, especially so soon after the second book came out. I very much hope (and expect) those dead animals will be resurrected really soon.

Nick.
The Wicked Lady said…
While this is really depressing in a "state-of-Canadian-publishing" sense, I can't help but feel this a mere stumbling block on your publishing path, Jan. The Megabyte books are a fabulous debut to have in your portfolio and are certainly going to give you a leg up in selling that next manuscript, which I have no doubt will sell!
Jan Markley said…
Thanks Nick! Yes, resurrected frog on the porch ... would be nice.

Thanks Wicked Lady (aka Jennifer). It is tough out there for publishers right now. I've certainly gained some good experience that will serve me well with future manuscripts. Thanks for all your support along the way.
Anne R. Allen said…
I'm so sorry to read this, Jan! I went through exactly the same thing, so I genuinely can feel your pain. You can keep your books in print through Amazon's self-pubbing outfit, plus put them on Kindle for free. (Are kids getting Kindles? I don't even know.) I'd advise looking into it soon as possible. I didn't, because my company didn't tell me they were going under (lots of creepy infighting as they fell apart) and I sat in limbo for two years while my readership evaporated. Staying in print is a whole lot better than letting yourself fall back down to the bottom of the query heap with the newbies the way I did. Good luck!
Charity Gosling said…
Don't give up!This blog really touches close to home, I also work with a small publisher and I've often thought what if? You can bet I'll be cheering you on, and I hope to see you at another SiWC, still doing what you love.
Jan Markley said…
Good advice Anne, I'm looking into a couple of options.

Thanks CJ, I'll still be around spilling some ink!
I'm so sorry, Jan. I'm sure having two books under your belt will give you a head start on finding a new publishing house for your next work or for signing with an agent. Best Wishes!
Jan Markley said…
Thanks Sharon. I'm sure it will all work out in the end.
Angela Ackerman said…
My heart went out to you when I heard this. I hope though it's only a road bump for the series--your books are too fun to not have out into the world.

Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Jan Markley said…
Thanks Angela! You're sweet to say that!

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