I’ve mentioned on my Facebook Page that I have some news to share. I was hoping it would be better news, but it isn’t exactly horrible news either.
Last week I attended The Muse Online Conference where we had a chance to pitch directly to publishing houses and take numerous workshops as well as chat it up with awesome agents such as Rachelle Gardner!
After The Great Toilet Fiasco last weekend (did I mention we still don’t have a toilet in?) I didn’t have a chance to check my email until late Sunday afternoon. Little did I know that a happy little email had been brewing in my inbox since 7am that very same morning.
I had my very first Publishing Contract offer!
Champagne fell from the heavens, confetti got stuck in my nose, and I stubbed my toe half way through the happy dance. (Who put that desk there!)
After the party died down (an entire 2 minutes later…mainly because my husband refused to bring in the petting zoo for the celebration…something about how the goats might attack my gnomes…) I got right to work researching every aspect of the company and the contract. It was big decision time!
I googled, I searched blogs, I googled some more (did you know you can get a street view of a company address….apparently they worked out of their home….a very NICE home!) and went through their website with a fine tooth comb.
There were a couple things on the contract that I was not completely comfortable with, so I wrote them down as questions to ask later. The company did not offer any type of advance and I found that quite disappointing. The main thing I kept coming back to however, was the genre that they mainly published … Erotica.
My book … NOT Erotica
Strike One
I added that to my list of things I was not comfortable with.
After getting together my laundry list I sent an email and asked about my concerns, making sure my book would be published in print being amongst the top of the list.
Their answer … Our company can not make any guarantees at this time that any manuscripts will make it to print. (Or something of the sort)
Strike Two
So I simmered on this further. The images of me holding MY book in my hands were fading and the images of the covers of their books became stronger. (Granted I like me a nice little six pack sitting below some pretty pecs … not really what I had in mind for my cover) I decided to sift through their website once more. One little ad made my decision a bit easier.
“Currently seeking erotica (with a focus on BDSM)”
I am many things … small, snarky, often irritating, occasionally funny, super cute (or so I’m told) and a few thousand other things … but I am not someone who wants to be known for publishing with a company that seeks out ‘BDSM’.
Note that I understand everyone has their preferences and maybe some of you even prefer to read that, BUT I just don’t want to linked to that type of literature. It’s not who I am and it’s not anything I would want anyone mistaking my novel for.
So this coupled with the fact that they were not willing to guarantee me a print run pretty much made the decision final.
Last night I sent an email declining the offer.
I want ever so much to be a published author. I eat it, I dream it, I live it. I just can’t put my morals on the back burner and sell myself to something I don’t believe in.
So where it is GREAT that someone wanted to publish my book … it kinda sucks that it is not going to happen … YET (key word their my friends…key word!)
Now I also mentioned in my earlier post that I also had some fun updates. Let’s not leave those out!
Lansing Online News has requested an interview with me as a local Aspiring Authoress! I will keep you updated for when the article comes out!
ALSO
They have put me in touch with Bill at Mittenlit.com in hope to get some good advice and feed back, as well as hopefully a spot to advertise my book as soon as it does come out!
AND
My first published website is up and running … OldtownArt.com !!! Check it out, let me know what you think! I’ve also been lucky enough to work on some online marketing for them as well so you can check out her twitter page, facebook page and become a fan!
I’ve been a busy girl! I think it’s time for a vacation!
Ahhhh Italy….What? Didn’t I mention I dream big!
***Note*** I purposely decided not to post the name of the Publisher as not to step on any toes. Sorry for those who were curious. 😉
Marybeth
Again thanks so much for all the support. If it weren’t for you guys I probably would have given up long ago! You rock!!!
Karen Amanda Hooper
Way to stay true to your morals! I hope I’d be strong enough to do the same thing. The right publisher will come along soon. 🙂
Steven
Congrats on the offer.
IMHO, you’ve made a wise choice. You don’t want your first published book to be with someone you’re not proud to mention. Hang in there. Your time will come.
Janna Qualman
But good for you, though, MaryBeth, because this proved to you exactly what you want and how you want to get it. I understand your disappointment – I had a near miss, too. I’m sorry it wasn’t a better, more reputable offer.
kathy
I am only just getting here to read your update … thanks to Porky and is fellow Swine that have infested my home, but I want to send you a big Hurrah!!! You did the right thing and that will come back to you. Watch. 😉 You’ll see. Keep doing what you enjoy and feel passionate about and it will fall into place.
Helen Ginger
What a day you had, from high to low to…knowing that you made the right decision. Good for you.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Tamika
I know this must have been a challenge, but what a comfort to hear that publication does not supercede your morals.
God has amazing things in store!
Happy writing…
Jessica
What??? No erotica? LOL Just kidding. 🙂
Good for you MaryBeth. You really looked at things in a smart and businesslike way. You’ll go far with that cool head.
I think you’ll be getting better contracts and it’s good that you didn’t settle for something that in the end wouldn’t fit you. 🙂
Krista Phillips
Ugh, this is my third comment… will it work, or will it not? (evidently I’m an idiot and can’t enter CAPTCHA codes correctly… it’s friday, I’ll blame it on my fried brain!)
You totally made the right choice, and kudos to you for doing so! I know it’s not easy…
and YEAH for an interview! Can’t wait to read it!!!
CKHB
It’s not even a question of morals… if a publisher wants to take on a project that doesn’t fit with the majority of their works, I would be very hesitant to sign on unless they gave a very clear explanation of how they planned to market something in such a different genre! If the website said they were seeking more novels just like yours, that might indicate an active effort to branch into something new, but I wouldn’t want to be the only children’s book at an imprint that specializes in mysteries, or a chick lit book at an imprint know for sci fi, you know?
JodyHedlund
Sounds like you made the right decision! Your time WILL come! And it definitely sounds like you’re getting going already on the marketing! How cool!
Marybeth
I know I did the right thing…it totally sucked to pass it up, but I want to stay true to myself.
Thanks for all your support! You guys are awesome 🙂
Natalie Bahm
That must have been pretty disappointing. Don’t worry though, it sounds like you absolutely made the right choice and in a few months when you sign with a great agent and/or a killer awesome editor you will be glad you passed up this opportunity. 🙂
Kristen Torres-Toro
I know that is disappointing, but it sounds like you made the right decision. Your book deserves the best shot it has at reaching as many people as possible. It doesn’t sound like this house would have been able to do that for you. Way to step out in courage. I think you made a wise decision.
Have a great weekend!
Ann
Kudos to you for not selling out! I am proud of you.
Steph Beck
Not an easy decision but you’ll know the right thing when it comes along. All we can do is follow our instincts and hope for the best in the end. This writing world is a toughie but it’s great to meet new people, learn and encourage each other to keep reaching for our big break. Good luck MB! You’re fit will come!
Scott
Sorry for the roller coaster ride you’ve been on.
I had a similar experience with the Muse Conference.
Your book will be published when you’re ready for it to be published. You do have a say, hard as it might be, in which publisher gets your book.
You know I’m rooting for you!
S
Tamara
I know you are disappointed but I think you did the best thing for you by declining the offer. You held to your morals and that is important. May the next offer be from a major publishing house with a huge advance! 😉