12/1/2005
Soldier Life - Status
American Soldier says,
I had raised a few eye brows by posting about bad or good news yesterday. Really it isn’t bad but some variables involved with the book.
LBF Books and I decided to part ways due to the creative direction in which I had envisioned for the book. There is no bad blood between us. So I have decided that I will seek another publishing house for Soldier Life.
There are a few options to explore and I have decided to get your opinion on it. I could release the book as an e-book. It would for the moment eliminate the cost and specifics when dealing with a print service. It would also give you the chance to actually have it sooner rather than later.
I have been discussing the book with a few other publishing houses so that leads me to the next option. It would be to wait for a few of them to get back to me and pursue the best one. However, that could be some time.
I know those who ordered the book looked forward to getting it sometime this month. Hence the e-book option. You could do what I did and take the PDF file and go to Kinko’s and have it printed. I think it looks pretty snappy.
Now you all know that I will soon be in Iraq. I can anticipate that I will become real busy as soon as I get there. So I don’t want to rush anything nor do I want to put this to the side.
Give me some feedback and I will take your opinions into consideration.
UPDATE: Some people have asked about the pre-order money they sent to LBF. They will be reimbursing all monies collected. As far as B&N and Amazon you can goto that account and refund the pre-order book. If you are having troubles you can contact LBF directly. However, I think it should be pretty painless
Filed under: 24 Responses to “Soldier Life - Status”
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Sent you an email!
i’ve tried to read a few ebooks and i have never liked them. but, i love books. my vote is for a book. i’d rather wait and have “the real deal” in my hands. is there a way to do both?
I prefer “real” books too, and dang it…. I was really looking forward to getting my copy later this month.
It has cost me about $20 to have it printed at Kinko’s. That is the front and back cover as well as the pages in between. I know I could get a bette deal if I were to print in bulk, but I am just speaking from single experiences.
Sorry to hear you need to change publishers. I guess these things are never easy. Since you’re no longer with this publisher is there another address where I can send a copy of “Once a Warrior King”? Good luck in finding another publisher. Penguin Group, 375 son Street, New York 10014 has published books on related subjects. It might be worth your agent contacting them.
aawwww, AS I am sorry to hear this. Never read an ebook before, but I do so enjoy having a book in my hands and reading. Also to share the book with loved ones.
Like ‘his-twin’ asked it there a way of doing both?
Jana: LBF has still agreed to collect items for me and send them to my in Iraq. So send there.
K: I can still do both. However the printed version I need to think of some alternative ideas. So to answer the question, yes I could do both.
You part ways NOW over creative direction? Something smells fishy.
Murf,
Fishy…hmm. I think you need to re-evaluate your position or request for information. Don’t fall into the go fuck yourself category. I said what I said and if you think there is a better reason, then blog about what you think it is. At this point, I don’t have the patience to cater to conspiracy theories. My explanation is exactly that. We parted amicably and to give it a reason, it was the ‘creative direction’.
Anyone that has half a brain knows that that isn’t the reason especially since you were advertising it as late as 11/20. ‘Request for information’? No thanks. If you don’t have the ability to be honest in front of the people that a) read you regularly and b)pre-ordered your book in support of you, that’s called fishy. You’re better than that.
Well I cannot discuss the complete timeline of how the decision got to this point. However at 11/20, the book was in the status of pre-sale. I have every right to advertise it. In fact on 11/30 I did an interview and spoke about it then as well.
I have been honest and to the point. I am not obligated to list every detail of my life nor the details of my publisher/author relationship.
If you pre-ordered the book then you will be reimbursed those monies. Does this mean the end of the book?? No, I have said that I will have alternative ideas to getting the book. I have even given the immediate idea of having sold as a e-book. Heck if I wasn’t leaving for Iraq, I would print the books and sell them for the cost to have them printed. So don’t think that I don’t have my readers best interests in mind. You seem to think there is something fishy going on. Like I am out to violate the trust of my readers? I don’t see nor do I follow your logic.
This is the last time I am discussing this type of response. I don’t think this does nothing but raise un-needed speculation. I am firm with what I said and never, NEVER have I not had my readers best interest in mind. You ought to be ashamed to have even spawned this thought.
Such a shame AS, was looking forward to getting a copy but I can try to wait patiently. Patience is not my best attribute
Anyway, I work for a company that deals with a large varitey of publishers and if you’d like, I could get addresses and phone numbers so you can research this further. It doesn’t hurt to have several other contacts.
Murf, why such skepticism in AS having to change publishers? This happens all the time especially with a first book. Maybe you’re not entirely aware about how the process works so it’s a little hard for you to understand the concept of “different creative directions.” I’m not entirely sure, I’m only taking a guess. That little phrase could mean several different things but I refuse to speculate what it is. Another words, accept what it is and either wait until there is a new publisher or don’t read it at all. It’s a simple as that
Brandee,
Email me what you got. I have not finalized on anything yet.
For me and AS, there’s always a third option.
bummer AS, but hang in there it will work out. Someone will pick it up…and it will be distributed and it will sell.
It’s too bad it will be later rather than sooner, but that’s okay, we can wait
. I vote for a real book. Take care, and tell us to zip it if we get too impatient in the meantime!
Murf. said”Anyone that has half a brain knows that that isn’t the reason especially since you were advertising it as late as 11/20.”
Huntress says “Murf..shut the f*ck up…I worked as an agent for years..and can tell you that last minute creative differences happen far more often than not…even half way through the production of a film, actors have been known to leave, or the film has changed directors. Same shit happens in the world of publishing.”
The split was mutually agreed upon.
Soldier Boy, you already know my thoughts…and what I can do to help.
Stay safe, my friend.
AS, I am speaking of my very own interest here, which is that living in Europe it is kinda hard to get hold of books just published in the States, even if you are willing to order them. I know this is just from my point of view. I would love to read your book and if I get the chance I will do so for sure, so if there is an ebook, I will print it and get it for myself, and maybe even spread it around here….
Murf - And how the hell does something smell fishy???
I’m just curious as to what hair-brained consipiracy theory you got up your sleeve.
AS - I’d vote for the real book. Somethin that you can sit back on the recliner and read. I spend too much time reading my blasted monitor as it is.
Ok let’s stand down on bashing Murf. She emailed me and we got clarification on the issue.
AS–Although I really want to read your book sooner rather than later, I have to vote for a real book. I will try to wait patiently…
You do whatever you need to do! We’ll still be here! Be safe soldier.
AS,
I agree also with publishing the real book. I can wait too until you are able to have it published. Take care and don’t worry about what some people will say! Take your time because you will probably be deploying to Iraq soon! We will be right here when it’s time to get the book!!
sorry its been forever since Ive been on here. been busy with finals! I agree I would rather have the book in my hands. Do what you need to do and then let us know! Stay safe and talk to you soon!!!!
Anchor
Misfortunes never come alone (singly)…