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.)

bookblather

February 23 2012, 20:36:23 UTC 5 years ago

New comment

I'm so, so sorry people said such horrible things to you; that is COMPLETELY uncalled for, and I wish I could give you a hug. :(

As it is, I will be buying Discount Armageddon on March 6th.

Usual random stranger on the internet disclaimers apply to this, but I've been there (sick with stress) and it is so unbelievably awful. There's this chamomile with lavender tea I drink that helps settle my stomach. IDK if it would help you, but maybe it's worth a shot?

seanan_mcguire

September 27 2012, 16:04:46 UTC 4 years ago

Tea makes me sad. But this comment made me happy. :)

pointedulac

February 23 2012, 20:38:40 UTC 5 years ago

Ugh. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this. And I'm so sorry people are being assholes to you because an error that shouldn't have happened in the first place.

September 27 2012, 14:24:15 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you.

catherineldf

February 23 2012, 20:41:15 UTC 5 years ago

WTF??? I'm so sorry that any of it happened and that you're being put through this. My sympathies and hopes that things turn out in your favor (and that anyone who sent you emails like this has their fingers fall off before they can do any more typing.).

September 27 2012, 14:12:04 UTC 4 years ago

Deleted comment

September 27 2012, 14:12:26 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you.

And yeah, people astound me sometimes.

mephron

February 23 2012, 20:47:54 UTC 5 years ago

I just called Amazon on the phone, pointed the gentleman I spoke to at Amazon at this blog post, and complained about this situation.

I pre-ordered from Amazon, and they sent it to me, and I can't do anything more than take the time to register that complaint and all the trouble it causes you.

I'm sorry I can't do much more than that, other than not open the box until March 6.

September 27 2012, 14:24:35 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you for trying.

fezabel

February 23 2012, 20:50:00 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so sorry that this is happening. I've told everyone I know about this & we're waiting until March 6.

*more quiet hugs & hot tea*

September 26 2012, 16:02:06 UTC 4 years ago

serge_lj

February 23 2012, 20:50:42 UTC 5 years ago

I will show that I am made of stern stuff.
I will wait.

September 26 2012, 16:02:28 UTC 4 years ago

markbernstein

February 23 2012, 20:51:47 UTC 5 years ago

Buying a copy at my local B&N was already on my schedule for March 6th. Now, I'll buy at least two. And I'll likely spread the wealth by buying at least one copy at Nicola's, the independent bookstore on the other side of town.

September 27 2012, 14:10:48 UTC 4 years ago

morvab

February 23 2012, 20:52:19 UTC 5 years ago

Oh honey, I am so sorry this is happening to you! Deep breaths --- you have now done all you can do so try to distract yourself. It WILL be OK - the sales will still be good Sharing in the hate of author abusing assholes, and although it doesn't affect me as am in Canada, I will order two extra copies sent to a friend's US address on March 7. From B&N.
Sending virtual hugs and candy corn, if you can stomach it. Go cuddle a cat or two.

September 27 2012, 14:11:31 UTC 4 years ago

The cats are good for cuddling.

Thank you!

You are AMAZING!!!!

rosered32

February 23 2012, 20:54:32 UTC 5 years ago

I have a suggestion for you. Share the information/emails of the idiots who are name callings with your fans. We will happily correct their "informed and understanding" insight on what is going on as well as let them know how much your friends, family and fans ACTUALLY feel about you.

If they are truly worthy of your work, they would STFU!

You rock and I say so!

September 27 2012, 14:10:16 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you.

I'm pretty sure it would cross a moral line for me to share names with the internet. But I did share them with the police.

filkertom

February 23 2012, 20:57:52 UTC 5 years ago

Oh my frickin' god. I'm so sorry you're going through this, and especially I apologize on behalf of my fellow humans who have their heads jammed up their sense of entitlement.

To you, I wish so many things dark and sweet -- hugs, songs, chocolate.

September 27 2012, 14:09:12 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you, honey.

anderyn

February 23 2012, 20:58:44 UTC 5 years ago

I prefer to buy my hardcopy books from the bricks and mortar stores, so I wouldn't have ordered Discount Armageddon from Amazon/B&N's sites anyhow. But now I definitely will not.

September 27 2012, 14:09:28 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you for that.

loki_dip

February 23 2012, 20:59:18 UTC 5 years ago

This is why people can't have nice things.

I'm so sorry that you're getting the brunt of this.

As an aside (no worries if you can't reply), if a book is coming out that I know I want to read - I tend to pre order from Amazon because it's easier/quicker/stops me from forgetting etc. Is this not good for you?

vixyish

February 24 2012, 17:41:18 UTC 5 years ago

I'll answer this for Seanan since I've seen her answer this elsewhere-- pre-ordering is not a bad thing! It's not the people who pre-ordered that caused a problem here, but Amazon shipping the pre-orders two weeks early. (And those readers who were horrible about it.)

5 years ago

liddle_oldman

February 23 2012, 21:00:15 UTC 5 years ago

How infuriating. You have my absolute sympathy. And I most certainly will not buy the book early!

And what the blistering frak is wrong with people? I had always harbored the hope that fen were just a little intelligent.

September 26 2012, 18:12:00 UTC 4 years ago

I wish I knew. :(

alicetheowl

February 23 2012, 21:02:27 UTC 5 years ago

Augh! DX

I just called my local brick-and-mortar to let them know I'd pick up the copy they ordered for me on March 6th. I pre-ordered on Sunday, and was surprised to get a call on Tuesday saying it was in.

The lady on the other end sounded so surprised that I'd wait. That I have my own ARC is definitely helping my patience, but STILL!

Those comments are unbelievable. I mean, I believe that people are misogynist assholes, especially when they're not talking to a person face-to-face. I just want them all of them to contract leprosy so their fingers fall off.

September 27 2012, 14:11:10 UTC 4 years ago

lauowolf

February 23 2012, 21:03:02 UTC 5 years ago

I'm trying to get my head around the - and I use the term loosely - thought process of these, yes, *terrible* people.

I'm guessing it's that somehow they feel that The Book exists out there, like some kind of manna from the heavens, and then Ebil You go in and mess about with this lovely natural process like some kind of demented capitalist exploiter middle man, trying to interfere with this process?
And if only you got your tedious self out of the way, then all of Teh Stories would flow uninterrupted into their gaping maws?
Because their apparent hatred of you seems only to be matched by their need to have access to Teh Stories right now.
You - apply epithets here - I guess, having nothing to do with Teh Stories - obscure object of desire - it seems

I think my brain is breaking.

Sigh.
I'm heading off, on the 6th, to my local brick and mortar and snatching up a copy, maybe two.
In fact, yes two - The Kid will be home for spring break and I can welcome her with the usual Massive Amounts of Satsumas AND her own copy of the book.
Good times!

Srsly, hugs.
Many of them.

If I hadn't known there were crazies out there before, I guess I would now.

September 26 2012, 18:05:52 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you for hugs.

People baffle me.

firynze

February 23 2012, 21:03:25 UTC 5 years ago

It sickens and disturbs me that people think these are appropriate comments at any time, but especially to something so inconsequential, in the long run, as having to wait a couple weeks for an eBook to be released on the proper date. It doesn't surprise me, though, and I think that's what's worse.

I'm saddened, too, that Amazon is doing this to you. We've had them offer our books for sale up to a MONTH early, and we've had them not offer the print versions until a week or two after the release date; it's depressing that they do this to not just a small publisher with no clout, but also to DAW. For us, we know we're not making any bestseller lists, so on-sale-week sales don't matter much. For you, though...OUCH.

*hugs*

I'll be using the last of my Northshire gift card to pick up the book in person when it's out. Support my favourite indie bookstore AND support you AND get to read a book I've been excited about for ages...it's a win-win-win.

September 26 2012, 18:06:11 UTC 4 years ago

February 23 2012, 21:03:47 UTC 5 years ago

Also, my GOD. I cannot believe anyone would call you that kind of horrible language. You are the writer. You create the words and the worlds we enjoy, but you are not the one who sets publishing dates, prices, or availability of e-books/print books. That's the publisher, and as far as I have ever been aware, you don't have any power with them to get them to do thing one about any of those issues, not really. So if any disgruntled person wanted to bitch at the publishers, I'd say "go ahead", but to call the writer names? Not cool. Not cool and not right.

My sincerest sympathies as a reader and a fan, and my best wishes for a fantastic release week.

February 24 2012, 17:43:19 UTC 5 years ago

Just for the record, the publisher didn't do anything wrong here, either. Online retailers jumping the gun is the problem.

4 years ago

la_marquise_de_

February 23 2012, 21:04:27 UTC 5 years ago

You have my full support. That kind of abuse is not acceptable, not ever.
Hug.

September 26 2012, 15:34:15 UTC 4 years ago

rhoda_rants

February 23 2012, 21:06:17 UTC 5 years ago

Jesus H. Christ, Seanan. *hugs* I promise NOT to buy anything until it comes out properly, and additionally to buy it that first week from a brick-and-mortar bookstore.

September 26 2012, 15:34:32 UTC 4 years ago

February 23 2012, 21:06:39 UTC 5 years ago

In fact, basically,
JUST HUGS.

September 26 2012, 15:32:54 UTC 4 years ago

February 23 2012, 21:07:50 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 23 2012, 21:08:00 UTC

Here's the response I got in regards to my complaint e-mail to Amazon, which is pretty cookie-cutter letter:

Hello,

I understand you'd like us to fix the error as the release date for this novel "Discount Armageddon: An InCryptid Novel" is March 06, 2012 and in the product details page it is showing as available in stock.

I've forwarded your feedback and reported this error to the appropriate department internally. They'll look into this and take necessary steps to fix this error. This certainly isn't expected to happen. I sincerely apologize for this.

Customer feedback like yours really helps us continue to improve our store and provide better service to our customers. Thanks for taking time to offer us your thoughts.

We hope to see you again soon.

Thank you for your inquiry. Did I solve your problem?

I know if they won't fix it for DAW, they ain't gonna fix it for a random Joe Schmoo, but all the same. At least they pretend to care? (Not really. That's not good enough.)

ambar

February 23 2012, 23:38:25 UTC 5 years ago

Actually, going to visit the book page on Amazon, I see it's no longer available from them. So someone in the bowels of the beast is trying.

julzerator

February 23 2012, 21:11:23 UTC 5 years ago

Oh, gods... customers are a group of people and just like groups of zombies get smarter, groups of people get dumber and individuals can be super nasty.

I don't envy any public figures, especially women, when something doesn't go perfectly.

September 25 2012, 16:27:38 UTC 4 years ago

It's amazing how fast the mob goes from kiss to kill.

thornsilver

February 23 2012, 21:16:50 UTC 5 years ago

*hugs*

September 25 2012, 16:27:12 UTC 4 years ago

saoba

February 23 2012, 21:18:44 UTC 5 years ago

What the actual fuck is wrong with those people? Do they not have any home training?

Some day, I swear, I want to don the Stompy Boots of Doom and Buttkickery and just plain go to town on the jerks who think Felony Stupid and Intentional Meaness are an acceptable way to behave.

I'm so sorry your book release is being messed with by greedheads and jerks.

As for me and my house we shall honor the release date and keep it holy.

September 26 2012, 15:31:59 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you!

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An awkward situation, and a plea.

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You are AMAZING!!!!