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.)

salexa

February 24 2012, 02:27:50 UTC 5 years ago

New comment

Being an adult, I am patiently waiting for March 6th. I am sorry you are dealing with so many people for whom adult is not a reasonable description.

seanan_mcguire

February 24 2012, 03:17:41 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you.

lignota

February 24 2012, 02:29:06 UTC 5 years ago

Here from

jimhines. I will signal-boost. You don't know me, but I have heard good things said about you. I'm sorry that some people were so horrible to you about it. Their behavior is appalling. Sending good thoughts.

February 24 2012, 03:17:59 UTC 5 years ago

_d_o_w_n_

February 24 2012, 02:30:54 UTC 5 years ago

Ugh. D:

Does anyone know what's the best way, from the UK, to get a copy which will count towards that first week in the USA? Book depository, maybe? Or forcing a physical store to order in? (I don't know what the UK release date is, because I am scatterbrained like anything; if it's also out here on the same day, is it better to buy a UK version to support it here?)

Having been a ballroom and latin american dancer from the age of 6 to 16 (and up to now when I get a chance XD), and a fantasy fan from well before that, I am really really excited for this book. I adore the Toby books beyond all reckoning; I struggle with stress myself, and they are one of the series which are guarenteed to take me out of my own head for long enough for my body to begin to calm down. (Mira Grant's waiting in my to-be-read pile for when I next need a guarenteed treat. ^^) I also love having a favourite writer who has the flexibility to write more than one style and genre. Thank you for your writing; it has given me a great amount of pleasure already, and I look forward to more.

(I'm normally a lurker, but it seemed like the moment to come out of the woodwork and say thanks, so... *now retreating shyly*)

janetmiles

February 24 2012, 02:35:03 UTC 5 years ago

Seanan has previously mentioned Borderlands Books, which will make the sale in the first week and will ship internationally. (I'm sure it costs, but at least you'd get the book.)

4 years ago

Terry Weyna

February 24 2012, 02:36:56 UTC 5 years ago

Dear sweet God in heaven, what is wrong with these people?

I often preorder books on Amazon, but I'm glad I didn't do so with this book; I'll get it from Borderlands. Despite the fact that I'm salivating already with joy at the thought of another novel from your pen, I can wait -- it will be all the more delicious for my hunger.

August 3 2012, 15:02:28 UTC 4 years ago

fr2day

February 24 2012, 02:40:16 UTC 5 years ago

People are bastards - but there are also the most awesome fans here who will support you.

Plus, there's nothing quite like wandering into a physical store and spending time (usually more than intended...) wandering around and looking longingly at all the lovely books that are just dying to come home with you before wandering your way out with a shiny new copy of Discount Armageddon!

August 3 2012, 15:01:59 UTC 4 years ago

There are good people to balance the bad ones.

But wow, it's hard sometimes.

Thank you.

soundingsea

February 24 2012, 02:51:37 UTC 5 years ago

*lots of hugs* I will be going to my local brick & mortar independent scifi bookseller on March 6th and buying a beautiful copy in person! And hugging it and gobbling down every delicious word!

June 18 2012, 18:33:31 UTC 5 years ago

Best Soundingsea is best.

ladymajor

February 24 2012, 02:57:02 UTC 5 years ago

I am so very sorry for the gigantic assholes of the world. I have never read your work, but I will now. And I will wait to purchase the book after the on sale date, dammit.

I wish you peace, kindness from others, and a successful first week.

June 18 2012, 18:26:33 UTC 5 years ago

dragonsally

February 24 2012, 03:05:02 UTC 5 years ago

God god, I am SO SORRY people are calling you such things. That is totally unacceptable.
I was going to pre-order the book from bookedepository, but I will hang off until the release date now.

Please accept some supportive virtual hugs.

August 3 2012, 15:02:50 UTC 4 years ago

Virtual hugs are always, always welcome.

peachtales

February 24 2012, 03:06:04 UTC 5 years ago

I won't go anywhere near your new book until March 6, I promise.
All those people calling you nasty names and making very stupid and careless remarks? You are none of the names that they throw at you, and you deserve none of the stupidity they have offered you. *hugs*

In news that might bring the ghost of a smile to your face (or at least the thought of a ghost of a smile), I adopted a new kitty today. That's right, there is a strange young man in the bathroom, and the girls are Not Amused. The shelter called him Ramses, but he is currently going by Ramilou (Ram-e-lou) until I decide that will stick or I find a new name. He's about 8 months old.

August 22 2012, 20:11:28 UTC 4 years ago

KITTY.

greenlily

February 24 2012, 03:06:21 UTC 5 years ago

Hi! You don't know me, but I'm here via

lignota's LJ. I love the Toby Daye books and have been looking forward to more of your work.

I am so, so sorry that some of your readers out there are suffering from such serious recto-cranial inversions. Fans like that, nobody needs. The entitlement attitude would be bad enough, but the things they've said to you are beyond appalling. May their just deserts descend upon them quickly and with extreme prejudice.

(It's my policy to support my local brick-and-mortar, which desperately needs it anyways. Two birds with one stone time: shortly after March 6 I will buy three copies of Discount Armageddon and find good homes for two of them. )

August 6 2012, 16:06:48 UTC 4 years ago

wyld_dandelyon

February 24 2012, 03:16:21 UTC 5 years ago

Cranky blonde deserves to be cranky! Gosh, I hope this gets fixed soon!

As for the alleged "fans" who are saying such nasty things, I'm speechless. Just speechless. All I can do is offer sympathy.

I've never been much of an opening-day kind of person, but if I remember, I'll buy your book then rather than wait for the next convention.

August 3 2012, 15:01:16 UTC 4 years ago

biguglymandoll

February 24 2012, 03:22:06 UTC 5 years ago

Oh No! That sucks, ma'am, and we'll wait patiently. And you're not ANY of those things anyone called you. So there!

August 3 2012, 15:00:04 UTC 4 years ago

Thank you, honey.

cammycat

February 24 2012, 03:26:52 UTC 5 years ago

Human beings are horrible little monsters.

This is why I prefer cats.

*hugs* More than happy to wait for my March 6 ebook preorder.

June 15 2012, 16:42:42 UTC 5 years ago

Cats are horrible little monsters that snuggle us and purr. Much better.

ladycheron

February 24 2012, 03:31:46 UTC 5 years ago

Good wishes, zen hugs, and warm energies to you, Seanan. Our household is definitely waiting until the 6th to get our TWO copies (paper and kindle).

June 15 2012, 16:41:53 UTC 5 years ago

Yay!

kimuro

February 24 2012, 03:34:04 UTC 5 years ago

I'm sorry Amazon is an ass company. I'm glad now that I did not nag, pout or in any way try to persuade my husband to go to Barnes and Noble tonight because if I had seen your name, I would have bought the book. But I promise you, the weekend of March 6th, I AM making the drive to B&N to get it.

I've really REALLY have been liking the alphabet thing. You've got me truly hooked with it.

June 15 2012, 16:14:04 UTC 5 years ago

arison

February 24 2012, 03:38:52 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so, so, so sorry, Seanan. You're amazing and wonderful and I hope DAW gets this sorted out quickly.

June 15 2012, 16:13:15 UTC 5 years ago

amusingmuse

February 24 2012, 03:55:58 UTC 5 years ago

Good Grief! And these are fans! Do they have enough brain to power a flea in the total collective? Yikes!

I was on the fence on buying your latest. I love (adore/worship) your music, but not as keen on the books. But despite not liking one, it lead me to your music and as I said, love...love...worship, snapped up everything I could on CDBaby and bought more as presents. (I signed up for supporting Chicon early specifically to nominate "Wicked Girls" for the Hugo as I thought that a wonderful suggestion. Yes, really, I did. It's been in constant rotation on my iPod since I picked it up last October.)

Damn. I've jumped off the fence. That week I'll chuck out some change to undo a bit of damage done by these so-called fans. I really don't understand how the jump is made from LOVING a work to hating the creator. Boggles my mind.

February 24 2012, 03:59:17 UTC 5 years ago

I'm sorry you don't like the books as well (but thrilled that you love Wicked Girls so much, because yeah). Maybe Discount Armageddon will work? A lot of the songs on WG are for that world ("Mama Said," "Counting Crows," "Dear Thomas").

Thank you so much for your support. Even if you hate it. :)

pretzelcoatl

5 years ago

cherry_faery

February 24 2012, 04:09:38 UTC 5 years ago

I'm a newcomer here and I usually sit in lurk mode forever but I can't sit by on this one. What those people have said to you is beyond shameful. No matter how disappointed or impatient someone is for a new product of any kind, I fail to understand how anyone could be so incredibly rude and abusive. I'm sorry that this happened over something that was clearly beyond your control.

June 15 2012, 16:13:35 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you so much for your support, and for your presence.

admnaismith

February 24 2012, 04:14:41 UTC 5 years ago

All together, now: One...Two...Three...CLASSY!!!

June 15 2012, 16:11:00 UTC 5 years ago

Heh.

komainu

February 24 2012, 04:36:59 UTC 5 years ago

Usually I try to be a good person, but... When those people open their mouths to call you a name I hope they choke on a dick.

May 19 2012, 02:17:38 UTC 5 years ago

I love you for this.

bunsen_h

February 24 2012, 04:43:11 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 24 2012, 15:55:52 UTC

*sigh* With fans like these, who needs enemies?

I'm so sorry. Squidly hugs...

ETA: DAW did not become a successful corporation by being stupid. They want to publish books that are in demand, and it is in their interest to base their decisions on an accurate estimate of books' popularity. Surely-to-god they can add the sales figures for weeks 0 and -1 to the sales figures for week 1.

February 24 2012, 16:13:38 UTC 5 years ago

They can, and they will. DAW is going to look at my overall sales. But were I not already an NYT bestseller, they would have to factor in that this was my sixth book without cracking the list, and that would be bad for my chances.

thegreenyear

February 24 2012, 04:47:43 UTC 5 years ago

i got the notice that my book had shipped early and i just knew something was wrong. shit. i am really sorry.

i know your comment pants are totally going to be bankrupt, so i'm going to assume that the best thing will be to go buy another one at a brick and mortar store after march 6th. am totally going to do that. wish i could do more. here's hoping that all of our outrage on your behalf translates into AWESOME sales numbers.

$fractalwolf: Clover$

fractalwolf

February 24 2012, 05:10:20 UTC 5 years ago

Ditto on the outrage --> sales number conversion hope!

My partner and I will be going out to our local brick & mortar store on the 6th and buying not only that book, but others of yours as well. I know the others won't count towards your first week sales, but we figure after this awful experience an extra boost can't hurt :}

fluffworld

February 24 2012, 05:18:50 UTC 5 years ago

Oh wow. What goes on in some people's heads?

I'm looking forward to reading Discount Armageddon and I will buy it on March 7th just in case Australia jumps the time-space continuum.