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.)

annathepiper

February 23 2012, 21:57:27 UTC 5 years ago

New comment

Jesus jumping Christ on a pogo stick, some people are assholes.

Standing by to buy your book on March 6th.

seanan_mcguire

September 25 2012, 01:15:31 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you.

scavengerchild

February 23 2012, 22:03:06 UTC 5 years ago

*hugs* What a bunch of asses. I don't know why anyone would treat an author that way (especially you!). Any half intelligent person realizes that you are not to blame for when a seller decides to release/carry/order books. They should be complaining to the seller, not you, if they want results. Mind you, as adults and decent human beings, they should be gracious enough to realize the world doesn't revolve around them, and they will just have to wait, like the rest of us.

I'll be picking Discount Armageddon on March 6th or 7th. Through your book you'll be keeping me sane and entertained as I travel across the country for a friend's wedding. I've had it marked on my calendar since you gave us a release date and am really looking forward to reading it!

September 25 2012, 16:46:17 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you!

judifilksign

February 23 2012, 22:05:33 UTC 5 years ago

I am so sorry the trolls wrote you nastygrams.

I will buy the book March 6th. (This fits in with when I have money, right after I am paid, so I get to be sensible while helping your numbers.) May your numbers soar!

I remember when the last Harry Potter book came out, how the publishers were DRACONIAN about the books NOT being sold early, and how many people blamed Rowling for that. With names. You aren't alone in being the victim of entitled, narcissistic bullies. I'm just sorry any author has to deal with such ugliness at all.

Big hugs, and virtual kleenex.

September 25 2012, 16:43:32 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you, honey.

celticdragonfly

February 23 2012, 22:15:15 UTC 5 years ago

Oh gawd how awful. *sends sympathies and diet dr pepper*

I have not preordered, I don't trust that much. I will be walking into a bookstore that day (and the A-Z thing is so helping me get fixed on just the right day!) and gleefully be buying a copy. Then I will buy my ebook copy which is how I plan to read it. I will not buy it early, neither will any of my household. Wishing you the best.

February 23 2012, 22:22:33 UTC 5 years ago

Just called the local B&N. Reserved 2 copies (one for me, one for a spouse) for the day they come out. Checked, they are NOT putting them out early, he says no they haven't gotten any in yet, they expect them for the 6th.

4 years ago

soberloki

February 23 2012, 22:22:02 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 23 2012, 22:22:25 UTC

I am so sorry this idiotic shit is falling on you. If I knew any of these people, they'd get an earful fropm me, I swear.

In other news, I've pre-ordered my copy through Black Bond Books in Surrey Central Mall, so if any locals see this, join me!

September 25 2012, 01:06:06 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you for this.

poltr1

February 23 2012, 22:24:41 UTC 5 years ago

*hugs*

September 25 2012, 00:56:38 UTC 4 years ago

klwilliams

February 23 2012, 22:25:03 UTC 5 years ago

I'll get Discount Armageddon when it is available in its first week. Right now, I'm deep into A Local Habitation and loving the heck out of it. (Yes, I'm always way behind in the TBR pile. That makes it easier to wait for new books.)

September 25 2012, 00:56:22 UTC 4 years ago

I, too, am forever behind. I feel your pain.

spitphyre

February 23 2012, 22:26:23 UTC 5 years ago

... I hate the world. I'd say sometimes but that's not true. Most times. I just... Everyone is getting these sexual violence threats for the smallest things. None of this is your fault, even if the physical book were released first you would have nothing to do with it. That's a publisher thing. BUT you didn't do anything. The publisher didn't do anything. Holy crap. I am so sorry.

beable

February 24 2012, 18:09:55 UTC 5 years ago

Not to mention that even if Seanan were in control of all the book-release dates in all the 'verse it would STILL make the sexual violence threats and similar rape-culture-ish insults entirely inappropriate. Hell, even if Seanan had a secret volcanic lair from which she laughed an evil laugh and cackled gleefully about controlling all the books everywhere: the kind of threats and name-calling and douchecanoe e-mail she's received would still be wholly disgusting and inappropriate.

People suck.

slweippert

February 23 2012, 22:26:34 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 23 2012, 22:39:59 UTC

I am so sorry, Seanan. *hugs*

Idiots! Publishers haven't been able to tell Amazon what to do, why in HELL do they think an author CAN?!?!?
AMAZON DOES WHAT THE HELL IT PLEASES AND THE REST OF US CAN GO KISS OFF!

Ahem. Sorry, for yelling there. Chocolate? I have Hershey's.

P.S. My plan is to pick it up the first payday after the 6th anyway.

dewline

February 24 2012, 03:04:37 UTC 5 years ago

I'd recommend Cocoa Camino. They have three things in their favour in my eyes:

1) They're headquartered in my home city.
2) They source their chocolate via fair trade rules.
3) Their stuff tastes better. (Admittedly subjective.)

5 years ago

aubade_saudade

February 23 2012, 22:27:36 UTC 5 years ago

Those disgusting dicknoses can gdiaf. They were never going to buy yr books, so yr losing nothing but dregs and gaining plenty of loyal readers.

Don't worry about it. I'm going to buy 2 or 3 copies and even though amazon has been pestering me to buy, I'm going to wait until march to buy it ( not on amazon plus I'll be telling them why I'm buying elsewhere) because buying it then is just basic decency/ smart / selfish bc it ensures that I'll get more of what I'm impatiently waiting for now.

September 25 2012, 00:55:11 UTC 4 years ago

wendyzski

February 23 2012, 22:31:08 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so sorry - I didn't know about this until this morning, when it turns out that B&N has already sent me shipping info for my pre-ordered copy (gotten with a holiday gift card). So it's too late for me to stop the order and go get a physical book next week.

I wish there was something I could do about the stupid and mean people in the world as well. You provide us so much happy (with occasional tears and book -throwing as a bonus) that it breaks my heart to see you like this. If you were nearby I would make you zombie cupcakes to make you smile.

February 23 2012, 22:39:53 UTC 5 years ago

Also, here is what I just sent to B&N customer service, attached to my order number:
"I pre-ordered Seanan McGuire's newest book 'Discount Armageddon', which is due out March 6th. I also understand that some of your stores have already put out copies, and that some pre-ordered copies have shipped.
While the idea of having books in my greedy little hands right now is appealing, I don't think this is fair to the author. These kinds of practices dilute her initial sales figures and make it harder for her to do things like "make the NYT best-seller list".
Please reconsider your policies when it comes to releasing books "into the wild" before their official release dates."

pointedulac

archangelbeth

wickedladybear

February 23 2012, 22:31:36 UTC 5 years ago

Gods, what a nightmare, and shame on folks for calling you names.

We'll be happy to buy one of each version, on the appropriate day, because, we like our Seanan and want her sane. And, yanno, good writers must be treated well or they will go away.

September 25 2012, 00:55:58 UTC 4 years ago

You are splendid.

raishaan

February 23 2012, 22:33:32 UTC 5 years ago

Hugs and encouraging thoughts aplenty. I must admit, though, I *am* looking forward to the 6th. :)

September 25 2012, 16:22:19 UTC 4 years ago

ajpursell

February 23 2012, 22:35:58 UTC 5 years ago

Is it a different book between now and March 6?

February 24 2012, 00:32:45 UTC 5 years ago

I'm sorry; I don't understand your question.

wood_dragon

February 23 2012, 22:36:01 UTC 5 years ago

Tons (tonnes, even) of hugs. I'll definitely be making a trip to the bookstore on the 6th, money in hand.

September 25 2012, 16:12:04 UTC 4 years ago

mythicalgirl

February 23 2012, 22:37:05 UTC 5 years ago

I am so sorry this is happening to you!

Seems some people are ugly, brutal creatures these days, especially on teh web. The entitlement thing, I just don't understand. How hard is it to wait a couple of weeks? Bah. I hope Karma finds them soon and unloads a can on their butts.

I be over here in the corner waiting patiently for release day to buy copies for me and all my friends.

September 25 2012, 16:11:47 UTC 4 years ago

myuki_chan

February 23 2012, 22:41:05 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so sorry, Seanan. A lot of people really have no idea how these things work and it seems the default reaction is to blame the author which is completely unfair. I really hate that you're being attacked over something you have no control over.

I wish you all the ponies and candy corn and kitties to cheer you up. :(

September 25 2012, 15:56:07 UTC 4 years ago

starrcat

February 23 2012, 22:42:11 UTC 5 years ago

Sending hugs and a hanky. And buying the book on the release date!

September 25 2012, 15:55:52 UTC 4 years ago

cleothyla

February 23 2012, 22:46:43 UTC 5 years ago

I am soo sorry for those horrible comments from the small minded. There are some reasons why I will not pre-order a book because of sometimes these mess-ups happen in this age of digital technology. I will try to buy it within its first week so you get the best numbers. Hugs!

September 25 2012, 01:41:27 UTC 4 years ago

Hugs!

aliciaaudrey

February 23 2012, 22:49:49 UTC 5 years ago

I never, ever get this when I see it. Seriously? Seriously????

Authors are real people. They're really people. So they have, you know, feelings and stuff. Which means if you want them to continue producing books you are obviously looking forward to (given the need to spew venom over a weird perceived slight that a seven year old could understand was a computer error on someone elses part) maybe you shouldn't call them nasty names and threaten to assault them. They aren't robots who get wound up by their publishing houses and agents and then magically spew forth enjoyable novels (though I'm sure some publishing houses wish they were. Hmm.)

And this totally gets back to my view of things you say online, which is if you would not feel comfortable saying it to someone's face in earshot of a police officer maybe, y'know, you shouldn't be typing it on a computer screen. (see also:John Gabriel's Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory

September 25 2012, 01:39:08 UTC 4 years ago

wojelah

February 23 2012, 22:50:27 UTC 5 years ago

Delurking because I'm here by link, to tell you that I am so sorry for the bad behavior, and that my reaction was just great glee at seeing you start another series. Thank you!

September 25 2012, 01:10:56 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you, for reading!

Deleted comment

September 25 2012, 00:43:30 UTC 4 years ago

theironchocho

February 23 2012, 22:58:41 UTC 5 years ago

I promise to wait to buy Discount Armageddon until March 6th. So sorry about what you're going through.

September 25 2012, 00:43:13 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you so much.

braider

February 23 2012, 23:00:30 UTC 5 years ago

Take a step back. DAW is loyal. Anyone with a lot of fans also, unfortunately, has a load of asinine, self-absorbed idiots who feel that they are the center of the author's world.

This has nothing to do with you.

The only part that has to do with you is that your first-week numbers will be damaged somewhat. DAW knows this is happening, and is doing its best to resolve the issue.

Amazon should be smacked, but hey.

Instead of allowing hysteria have its way, take a breath, take another and turn your mind to something else.

Also - good luck. Sorry it happened.

September 24 2012, 18:03:53 UTC 4 years ago

zoethe

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

I am boggled. Just completely boggled. You shouldn't be upset; those people should get a fuckin' life. "I'm so much of a fan that I will now call you horrible names." What's the sense of that?!!

September 24 2012, 17:23:58 UTC 4 years ago

Entitlement is a bitch.

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An awkward situation, and a plea.

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