An awkward situation, and a plea.: seanan

An awkward situation, and a plea.

All right: here's the thing. Discount Armageddon is officially released March 6th. That's the date we've been talking about for months, that's the date you should be able to obtain the book, that's the date when sales begin counting against my first week numbers. Any books which escape into the wild before then count against my overall sales, but do not count for that all-important first week. Also, because I am number-based OCD, any books which escape into the wild before then make me feel sick, cry hysterically, and basically become non-functional with stress. It's THE BEST THING.

As of midnight Monday/the very beginning of Tuesday, Amazon has been shipping copies of Discount Armageddon. Consequentially, Barnes & Noble is doing the same thing. I haven't been saying anything because DAW is trying frantically to fix it, and I didn't want to drive sales to the sites which have chosen to release my book early. (I don't blame B&N for reacting when they saw that the book was on sale; they're a business, after all. But it's not helping my stress level any.) Please, please, do not buy my book early. I know it's hard. I know that the urge to have the shiny thing now is strong within us. I've ordered dolls from Japan and Australia, and DVD sets from Canada and the UK, for just this reason. But those things were legitimately released in the regions where I was ordering them, and Discount Armageddon has not been legitimately released anywhere at all. Please wait until March 6th. Don't punish independent bookstores, and local brick and mortar stores, for some computer's hard-to-fix mistake. Please. I am literally begging you here.

It doesn't help that so much of a book's success is measured by their first week. I've basically thrown up every time I thought about my week one numbers (including just now), because these early sales could mean the difference between a series and an accidental duology. It's unlikely—DAW is very loyal, and they stand by me—but it could happen, and I am very much worst-case-scenario girl when I'm this flipped out. So please. Do not buy early. Wait until March 6th.

And then there are the ebooks.

Both Amazon and B&N have put the physical edition of Discount Armageddon on sale, but are still holding the electronic edition for the actual release date. People who receive their physical books early are reaping the benefits of a fortuitous, author-breaking error. People who have to wait for their electronic books are not being denied anything; they're doing what was supposed to happen in the first place. This has not stopped the exciting emails from rolling in. They mostly stopped after the first day, but on that first day, I was called...

See, apparently, the ebooks are being withheld because I, personally, am trying to force everyone to buy my preferred format (physical). So sexual threats and relentless abuse are totally acceptable, because it just shows me the error of my ways.

I have nothing to do with the books being available early. I wish they weren't.

I have no control over whether the electronic editions are available early. I'm glad they're not, but it's not because I'm a greedy bitch; it's because I don't want any editions available early.

I am literally sick with stress, and this is not in any way helping. Please, don't buy my books before their actual release date. Please, don't place an order with a site which is offering my books before their actual release date. Please, don't call me horrible names because you can't have what you want the second that you want it.

Please.

(Because it must be said...comment amnesty. I'm already crying hard enough.)

pickledginger

February 24 2012, 08:27:08 UTC 5 years ago

New comment

*offers virtual tea and tissues*

Here's hoping the tsunami of stupidity has receded, taking those trolls back to the shallow end of the gene pool - or their senses, should they have any.

seanan_mcguire

May 18 2012, 15:24:42 UTC 5 years ago

It did recede, and it left good people and soothing words on the beach. Thank you.

themadfish

February 24 2012, 08:31:49 UTC 5 years ago

D: I was extremely confused when I saw that the paper copies were being offered before the electronic copies, but like a sane person, I didn't go "that greedy author!! She must be the geedyiest of greediness cause that makes sense!!" I just shrugged and decided to wait until March to get the kindle version.

So sorry you have to deal with this.

May 18 2012, 15:23:15 UTC 5 years ago

People are weird.

Thank you for being a sane person.

manwe_iluvendil

February 24 2012, 09:10:00 UTC 5 years ago

Honey... I am FURIOUS on your behalf. FURIOUS.

May 18 2012, 15:24:10 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you.

wordweaverlynn

February 24 2012, 09:15:31 UTC 5 years ago

Have shared over various social media.

I'm angry but not surprised that Amazon is willing to screw you over, whether deliberately or by accident. However, the behavior of some readers leaves me sick with horror. I am so sorry this is happening to you, and I hope people wise up and start treating you with respect and decency.

May 19 2012, 03:35:37 UTC 5 years ago

willibald

February 24 2012, 10:17:07 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so sorry for you. Hugs from across the Pond.

For what it's worth Amazon UK still seem to be adhering to a March 13th release date. Not that this is of any use with regard first week sales figures 8-(

May 18 2012, 16:57:30 UTC 5 years ago

dewline

February 24 2012, 11:06:29 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 24 2012, 11:09:03 UTC

Answering

slweippert:

No idea if it's a favourite of Seanan's.

I just recommend the brand from personal experience.

Deleted comment

June 15 2012, 15:54:26 UTC 5 years ago

I think we all make that tactical choice, and yeah. I will buy now over buying cheap, but I would never contact the creator of whatever I'm buying and berate them.

wyldirishtric

February 24 2012, 11:52:44 UTC 5 years ago

Unbelievable! I've pre-ordered the ebook (and so am looking forward to getting it on the day it is supposed to be released) and then plan on buying the physical book from a store here in the Netherlands when it is actually available. I do not understand why people would abuse you like that! I'm so sorry people are being horrible to you. It is entirely undeserved and they are terrible, terrible people. *hugs are available, if desired*

Have a cute picture of a rat in a pocket, to help cheer you up.

May 17 2012, 19:45:22 UTC 5 years ago

RAT IN A POCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rats in pockets make things so much better you don't even know.

bryanp

February 24 2012, 11:59:15 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 24 2012, 11:59:43 UTC

Wow. Just ... what the ...

I know telling you to ignore it is pointless. All I can say is I'll be buying it when it it's supposed to come out. Unfortunately I don't really have any independent booksellers available anymore, so it's either Amazon or B&N.

February 24 2012, 15:41:14 UTC 5 years ago

B&N is totally fine. I can't honestly blame them for starting to sell a book Amazon was already selling, given that they need to protect their market share from the 10,000 pound gorilla.

sabine791110

February 24 2012, 12:12:53 UTC 5 years ago

I'm sorry. I thought I was pre-ordering from Amazon so's I'd get it on the release date. I didn't know they'd be shipping it already.

February 24 2012, 15:40:29 UTC 5 years ago

It is so, so, so not your fault that they're playing stupid reindeer games. I hope you enjoy the book.

lacyjae

February 24 2012, 12:23:20 UTC 5 years ago

That is ridiculous. I can't believe people are attacking you like that for the ebook not being available wrongly early as the physical books are. That is CRAZY. Literal crazy.

I wish there were something I could do. You don't deserve that, nor the stress of messed up sales. :(

Dear douches attacking Seanan, my icon is for you. Stop being douches.

May 17 2012, 19:47:22 UTC 5 years ago

I adore you for this.

B.e. Sanderson

February 24 2012, 13:47:45 UTC 5 years ago

OMG, I'm so sorry this is happening to you, Seanan. :hugs: I've been patiently waiting to order Discount Armageddon. It's on my wishlist (which as of yesterday, still didn't have a release date posted and now it's for sale this morning). I am looking forward to placing my order on 3/6. If it makes you feel any better, I made you my Wicked Awesome Author on Wednesday. I know it's not a lot, but I hope it helps.

May 15 2012, 17:33:41 UTC 5 years ago

It does help. Thank you so much.

scholarinexile

February 24 2012, 14:07:55 UTC 5 years ago

Oh, gods, Seanan. I'm so sorry. This SUCKS, at every level, and the people threatening and mocking and attacking you...I barely know what to say. If there's any way at all I can help, I will; say the word.

May 15 2012, 17:33:22 UTC 5 years ago

talekyn

February 24 2012, 14:13:02 UTC 5 years ago

People are absolutely ridiculous. I'm sure I'm just echoing others of the 350 comments you've already recieved. Those names are things most of them would never have the nerve to say to you at a book signing, but the internet makes it so easy to fire our venom and walk away unscathed.

Sending you good thoughts that DAW can get some kind of fix in place. Once again the mega-giant doesn't think the "hard sell by" date applies to them but does to everyone else.

May 15 2012, 17:34:32 UTC 5 years ago

Sadly, there is no "fix," because release dates aren't enforceable. But DAW remains amazing, and the support I saw from everyone was great. Thank you so much.

anjak_j

February 24 2012, 14:23:23 UTC 5 years ago

I'm sorry to hear people are being such assholes to you over something you don't even control. I bet most of those people wouldn't have the balls to say those vile things if they were in a room with you. It makes me so mad that people think they have the right to say whatever disgusting, stupid thing that comes into their brain online, because of instead of seeing a person, they just see a screen. They don't see the hurt that their nasty comment causes you and therefore think it's okay to say that shit. Just... *randomerhugs*

I hope some of those people who emailed you are reading this, because this is what I have to say to them:

You are all disgusting douchebags of the highest order. Boo-fucking-hoo that you can't get something in your preferred format for another two weeks. Welcome to the same crap pretty much every fan of something has to deal with at one time or another. You're not special and you don't get to say that sexual violence will solve the problem of you not being able to get your precious e-book, or send abusive emails until it causes the recipient to be sick from stress. I hope karma comes around and bites you all squarely on your arses.

June 15 2012, 15:54:46 UTC 5 years ago

I love your way with words.

seahawk

February 24 2012, 14:31:00 UTC 5 years ago

Ah lady I am so sorry. For some reason people seem to think it is acceptable to abuse artists, they have no understanding that often there is very little control over these type of aspects. No one should feel abused or unsafe. I sincerely wish I could make it go away.

May 17 2012, 19:44:52 UTC 5 years ago

ohari

February 24 2012, 14:42:45 UTC 5 years ago

Most days I hate Most people.
I love You, though.
*huge internet hugglez*
I received a VERY damaged copy yesterday from Amazon, which I'll be returning and buying elsewhere on the 6th.

February 24 2012, 17:06:04 UTC 5 years ago

...seriously? They not only sent it early, they sent it DAMAGED?

I am so sorry. Hugs for you.

May 15 2012, 16:33:41 UTC 5 years ago

Thankfully, it settled out.

bethzebra

February 24 2012, 15:05:26 UTC 5 years ago

I have also just set up a calendar reminder to buy the book on March 6th from a local bookstore - and honestly, had I not seen this post, it might have been weeks before I got to it. So hopefully the copy I buy the first week because of this situation will cancel a copy that someone else got early. And I'm so, so sorry that you are getting abuse for this.

May 15 2012, 16:33:58 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you so much.

p_m_cryan

February 24 2012, 15:21:22 UTC 5 years ago

I am shedding tears just reading this.

I am so so so sorry that this situation has occurred, and that you are being hurt so badly by it.

Had I wings, I would fly to where you are and wrap my arms around you. I have no wings, alas, and thus will have to settle for my icon of Chip Zdarsky's character Frank cuddling kittens, and hoping it will soothe.

This bookseller still loves your books. No sales here at Annie's Book Stop of Worcester until the 6th. I solemnly promise.

Again, I am so, so sorry.

Much affection,
Patty Cryan
http://www.anniesbookstopworcester.com

June 15 2012, 16:47:07 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you so very much. And Frank is awesome.

5 years ago

peskipiksi

February 24 2012, 15:22:37 UTC 5 years ago

Wow. Adding my sympathies - I am so, so sorry you've had to go through this.

I'm glad I now know about Discount Armageddon, because I can think of at least two people I want to buy copies for now, but I regret I had to learn about it because of something that has hurt you so much. :( I'll order mine through my local brick-and-mortar as usual, but I'm going to put it in my day planner for the week of March 6th, in case any additional computer glitches pop up. Hope I can help boost your first-week sales, at least a bit. :)

May 15 2012, 16:30:11 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you very much, and I do hope you enjoyed the book.

nyxalinth

February 24 2012, 15:26:39 UTC 5 years ago

Wait, what? How is this even remotely human behavior? Gods.

I have a feeling if it had been a male author, nary an unkind word would have been uttered. This is awful *hugs*

February 24 2012, 15:39:38 UTC 5 years ago

Or all the unkind words would have been about how he's stinking rich and gets away with anything, with a grudging sort of admiration, rather than "what a stupid bitch."

the_siobhan

February 24 2012, 15:32:44 UTC 5 years ago

Just an FYI

I wasn't aware of your book until somebody pointed me to this post. I will now be marching out to my favourite brick & mortar store as soon as they have a copy and buying it from them.

And two fingers to the douchecanoes with their insulting emails.

February 24 2012, 15:39:03 UTC 5 years ago

Your blankly staring Fester icon warms my black Munster heart this day. Thank you.

celli

February 24 2012, 15:34:02 UTC 5 years ago

*hugs*!

I just pre-ordered the ebook, since I can be sure it won't be released until the right date.

I am so, so sorry you're being abused over this.

February 24 2012, 15:38:34 UTC 5 years ago

fountaingirl

February 24 2012, 15:48:00 UTC 5 years ago

I don't know you, and I have not yet become familiar with your work, but I am writing 3/6 on my calendar, and the title, and I'm going to go buy the g-d hardback in a BRICK STORE just because of this. Oh and I friended you. Don't feel like you have to reciprocate.

GRAH. PEOPLE SOMETIMES.

February 24 2012, 16:14:58 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you!

otherdeb

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An awkward situation, and a plea.

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