As most of you know I published a middle grade novel with Pugalicious Press last November. I barely got to marketing. I have a companion novella written and edited, ready to self publish.
It’s called How To Survive Pirate Curses and Tainted Treasure. I hadn’t written these characters in a couple years, so I loved returning to them. Especially as a writer with more experience. I had a blast.
Sadly, Pugalicious Press recently closed with my novel barely even out.
I’m not as disappointed as I thought I’d be. Self-publishing definitely has taught me that in this industry, as with life, stuff happens. We can’t control what works, what doesn’t work, what sells and what doesn’t sell.
So I shouldered this news with a shrug. From what I can tell this kind of thing happens all the time in the traditional industry. Books are orphaned, never picked up, or go out of print.
The good thing is that I know I can re-release them in the future. But I’m going to wait. There’s too much on my plate right now, but I loved these stories, so I see it happening at some point.
As with any news: good or bad, it’s important to MOVE FORWARD, even changing course at times if needed.
Do you have good news? In what ways have you had to adapt to the industry?
Oh no! I know how you feel. This happened to me too. I’m sorry. But you’re right, with self-publishing taking the industry by storm now, I think shrugging it off is the best option! 🙂
Definitely. I”m pretty sure that’s part of the reason it wasn’t too discouraging. And I know this happens with small presses all the time!
So sorry to hear that happened! I’m sure you came away with some valuable experience, though. Your books will do great at the right time when you decide you’re ready to self-pub.
Middle grade is tricky – as you know, Elle. We’ll see about timing…
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that! Bravo to you for your positive attitude, though. I’m not sure I could take that sort of news with such equanimity if I was in your shoes!
Um, let’s see, good news … I’ve started talking ideas with the cover designer for my book! It’s small good news, maybe, but still pretty exciting to me.
That’s awesome, Louise! I loved the premise!
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that! But you have exactly the right attitude. All we can do is focus on the things we CAN control.
So sorry to hear they closed. But you have such a good attitude toward it and glad you’re moving forward.
Oh geez!! I’m planning on releasing my review of your awesome MG book. I think MGers will love it. Honestly. Did the rights revert back to you? Can you re-published/self-pub it? I was going to share it with a group of students I’m speaking to next week.
Anyhow, looking forward to the companion book. 🙂
Thanks, Sheri. I’ll let you know when it’s live again. 🙂 It never really built up steam so I’m okay with starting over. I do plan on self pubbing it. We’ll see when.
Sorry your press closed! But you can still send the book back out into the world when you are ready.
WOW, had no idea!! What a great attitude you have, Laura!
Sorry to hear that. Tomorrow I’m doing another book signing
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Thanks everyone! Now more than ever we have to roll with the punches as they say!
Oh, I’m sorry, Laura. I hadn’t heard this. You’re very right that having other irons in the fire helps!
Yikes!! I’m sorry to hear about the closure of Pugnacious Press! I imagine nothing will stop you , though 🙂
Lyn
I’m sorry to hear your press closed! I hope you are able to re-release it sometime in the future.
That’s still bummer about Pugalicious (still love the name). 🙁 But it is cool that you can always re-release them yourself. You never know what’s going to happen. But you definitely have the right attitude about it! Can’t wait to see what’s next up your sleeve.
Oh, Laura- I’m so sorry! I had no idea and that’s so dissapointing and hard but I know you’ll keep going and do what needs to be done to get your stories back out there!