I suffered two losses yesterday: Touchstone (a part of Simon & Schuster), my long-time publisher in the U.S., has turned down The Next Novel. I have four novels with them — with extraordinary sales overall — so I’m sad about this.
Ironically, the editor loved the novel, but the numbers just didn’t add up — and it’s all about numbers these days. Mistress of the Sun didn’t sell as well as the Trilogy — Who could out-sell Josephine? — and when the sales of your last publication tilt down, that’s all that matters. [See a post I wrote on this for Writers Unboxed, “Tyranny of the Numbers.”]
Basically, from a career-perspective, I’d need to write a strong commercial title to tilt those numbers back up. I’d need to write about a known historical person — a “marquee” subject.
I don’t write for the market — and no writer should, in my opinion (for many reasons, but in part because “the market” is an illusive beast). I write because there is something in a story that irresistibly interests me, and trust that readers will likewise find it worthy.
My other loss saddens me almost as much. I had a blog on Tumblr — “Ink” — where I tucked all the writing wisdoms I came upon. I had very few followers, but I loved this blog. I kept it for myself. By accident, I deleted it — and now it’s simply gone. There is no getting it back.
The wonderful thing about being a writer is the work itself — that’s what matters — so in spite of these losses, I feel buoyant. Today is a day to count my blessings: and I have quite a few, in fact. Many!
{Photo: At the South Pole, December 1911, from Wikipedia.}
More blessings: The rejected novel was picked up by the wonderful editor Melissa Danaczko at Doubleday US, where it was published as The Shadow Queen in 2014.
I am shocked and dismayed that T’stone let you down, Sandra. I think we all live in trepidation that this will happen to us. Wonder who it was who looked at your ms. with Trish gone. Those were the days, but I’m going to try and stay positive, too. Lucky for me, T’stone has taken this newest but with the proviso that I write a shorter book. So, in a way, I am having to write to the bottom line, too, which I’m finding hard and, to be honest, a little sad. It means leaving out period and historical detail, and I know my readers like that about my books. Go and have a margarita on me ;-) and good luck. (P.S. But it will be published in Canada, right?)
Thanks for your sympathy, Anne! It has always been so nice being at Touchstone together. I’ve sent you a FaceBook message re the details.
How short? I’ve always aspired to write a short novel: it’s hard!
And YES, the novel will be published in Canada by HarperCollins. The response to the novel itself has been very positive, which is actually what pleases me most.
Off to have that margarita!
And also — I am sorry to hear about the blog. Have you contacted tech support, is there any chance it’s on a server somewhere?
I’m looking into it — fingers still crossed.
I’m so sorry about that and shocked to be honest. I hope someone else picks it up and the marketing people at Touchstone later kick themselves.
Thank you so much, Lilian. I continue to feel a mix of emotions, as you can imagine.
Jane, what journal is this? It sounds interesting!
Oh. My. God. I haven’t been able to access your Notes on the Writing Life blog for technical reasons for the past couple of days, so I’m just reading this sad news for the first time right now!
My most heartfelt condolences on the Next Novel being turned down. However, I’m very heartened by your reaction to it — most especially your insistence that novelists “shouldn’t write for the market.” This is most definitely true, but how many novelists would have the wisdom to understand this so soon after being turned down by their long-term publisher? (The knee-jerk thing might be to scrap “This Bright Darkness” immediately and get to work on the next Anne Boleyn blockbuster.)
All of this makes me more confident than ever that, while you may not have the “machine” backing you on every single project, you’ll always produce great work for your fans to enjoy! And I still look forward to reading “This Bright Darkness” as much as ever! If Touchstone doesn’t want my money, I’ll mail the cash directly to Northern Ontario, if need be! ;)
Lots of love and best wishes, Sandra!
Jordan
Jordan, thank you SO MUCH! It means so much to me.
Perhaps it’s not a loss but an opportunity that has not presented itself just yet.
P.S. Your trilogy is a holiday gift for 3 people this year. I’m going to be saving Mistress of the Sun for myself until the Next Novel comes out. Couldn’t bear to start (or finish) it without knowing there was something to delve into right behind it…..
Kristin, thank you so much!!! That is a very sweet thing to say. I hope you don’t have to wait TOO long before The Next Novel comes out.
you are one of my most counted blessings.
??? ((( )))
You are an excellent write, dear Sandra, don’t let any “numbers” make you believe differently. Let’s hope that soon you will find a US publishing house because The Next Novel sounds fabulous! I’m sorry that you lost your blog, but the good news is that Today is a New Start… A new beginning :)
Hugs to you, Sandra! :)
Thank you so much! Hugs back, Bella! I just learned how to do this, virtually: (((Bella)))
Thank you, Dixie! Thank you for spreading the word : it’s the one thing that helps writers a LOT. As for the blog — sigh — yes, RIP, but I may, once I have the heart, try for a resurrection.
Sandra, I cannot, cannot believe that Touchstone doesn’t want to publish your next book. That’s what happened to me at Bloomsbury. The publishing world is NUTS. You are an amazing writer, and I sincerely hope there’s another book from you coming out in the future.
Thank you, Susanne! I agree that it doesn’t make much sense. For sure this book will be published in the US, even if I have to be the one to do it.
Sometimes loss can be very freeing. I think you know that, and also that this plot point in your life will turn around to lead to a better place and certainly you know that it is the actual writing…the work…that matters. I’m sorry to hear that the publisher isn’t interested. From what I read, I really thought you had a fascinating story going…but as you say, it’s all about the numbers. Thank the goddess, there are other publishing options these days. And the blog…I think we’ve all had that feeling…the sinking sensation of knowing we hit the wrong key…Aaarghhhhhhh! You are a woman of wisdom and talent and you are dealing with this with your usual calm grace. Love and good thoughts…Joanne
Hugs to you, Joanne!!! I have confidence in the novel — Touchstone LOVED it — but publishing is complex, especially today.
As for the blog, I still can’t get over that it has disappeared!
Happy holidays — I gather you’ll be having festivities at your new farm! x0x
Oh, Sandra, I’m so sorry to hear about both of these things. Your positive attitude is an inspiration.
And if you don’t find another publisher, please self-publish the novel so all of your devoted fans can read it. I’ll will do anything I can to publicize for you.
xo
Thank you, Erika! I’m sad about it, but not devastated. I’d prefer to stay with the publisher I’ve been with for 12 years, but there are too many positive and exciting things going on creatively for me right now not to feel hopeful.
So sorry to hear that, Sandra – it’s a pity that the next book won’t be with that publisher (though I presume it’ll be offered elsewhere and could still get picked up?) But very inspiring to hear about someone still staying positive. :)
Claire, it’s unsettling, but there is so much going on that’s positive and exciting, that it doesn’t swamp my boat. (So to speak!) And yes, it will be offered elsewhere in the U.S.