A few quick followup comments.: seanan

A few quick followup comments.

Pre-ordering books.

I've seen some people going "Oh, no, I pre-ordered! I'm sorry!" and variants on this theme. I want to state, for the record, that pre-orders are awesome. Pre-orders are the rainbow sprinkles on the delicious sundae of a new book: not always necessary, but always an improvement. Pre-orders tell bookstores that there is a demand for something, and can increase initial on-shelf orders. They also tell publishers how many copies of a physical book are likely to be needed. Pre-orders rule.

The issue here is not pre-orders: it's that some retailers started releasing books early. Normally, your pre-orders do count against week one sales, because normally, that's when the pre-orders are charged and delivered. In this case, due to no fault of my publisher or anyone who ordered a copy ahead of release, those pre-orders will be counted two weeks ahead of week one. My sales for week -2 are going to be awesome!

Calculating bestseller lists.

I want to say this plainly: all sales count. Period. If you buy a book, your sale is counted. That said, not all sales count for purposes of making bestseller lists, because those lists are snapshots of certain measures of time. In the case of the NYT list, it's calculated on a weekly basis, and a new book's best shot (not only, but best) of making the list is week one, when all the pre-orders are delivered and all the bookstores have the book on their "new releases" shelf.

Not making this list doesn't mean your book is a failure. I'm pretty sure Feed is my best, steadiest selling book, but it didn't make the NYT. It's simply continued to sell, week after week, and that demonstrates good long-term health for both book and author. But that's long-term. In the short-term, making the list is a good way for publishers to know that they have something worth holding onto. That's why authors hope to make it; because they want that position of "see? People like me" to support them when they try to sell the sequel.

Early sales are still counted against your overall "my book sold this many copies." They just don't count against snapshots of release week.

My publisher is awesome.

My publisher rules. They did not release my book early; some online retailers did that. They are not dropping me if I don't make any bestseller lists; they've already bought the second InCryptid book, and the next two Toby books. I worry about my sales partially because I want my publisher to be happy with me, and partially because I want to be able to sell them the next three books in both my series, but also because I love them and want them to benefit from everything they've done for me.

To recap: DAW rules, DAW did nothing wrong, DAW is standing with me, DAW is very annoyed about people calling me names.

You are awesome.

All the support and kind words have been just amazing. Thank you so, so much. I really appreciate it.

I feel a little better because you're here.

alicetheowl

February 24 2012, 22:26:47 UTC 5 years ago

New comment

Incidentally, I don't ever say who my favorite author is, because I usually have a nebulously shifting ranking in my head. When pinned down, I can sometimes give a top 5, and then I kick myself for the next few weeks for forgetting someone.

With this book (and I would point out to those playing from home I'm reading an ARC, lest I seem like I'm bragging about getting the book early), you've cemented yourself as my favorite author. You were already one of my favorite people, but this book is just blowing my mind with the awesome and funny.

seanan_mcguire

February 25 2012, 19:51:49 UTC 5 years ago

Oh, wow.

Thank you!!!

5 years ago

yellowblackhaze

wendyzski

February 24 2012, 22:40:28 UTC 5 years ago

I'm glad you feel better. We like Happy Fun Blonde.

And as awful an experience as this was, I know for a fact that this fiasco resulted in your picking up a more readers. People posted on their blogs and on their Facebook walls "OMG this author is awesome and THIS happened and it's Just Not Fair!!", and their friends read it, went to your blog entry, and agreed that it Was Not Fair, and they were inspired to find out more about you and about your work. I'm pretty sure there are 2 new converts from me (which surprises me because I thought I'd already assimilated everyone I know) , and I don't have nearly the readership that Jim or Tom has.

Here, pet a bunny.

February 25 2012, 19:52:02 UTC 5 years ago

BUNNY.

aineotter

February 24 2012, 22:42:30 UTC 5 years ago

I'm very glad that DAW understands, and is supportive. It shows that they have some sense, and also makes me feel better about buying other stuff published by them, in general.

February 25 2012, 19:52:11 UTC 5 years ago

Yeah, they're amazing.

kyburg

February 24 2012, 23:06:37 UTC 5 years ago

I'm buying the library copies on release day. At the local independent. Because.

And this weekend, I'm dressing the damn Aeslin mice. So mote it. GRUMP.

February 25 2012, 19:52:19 UTC 5 years ago

Hee.

anthimerian

February 24 2012, 23:10:06 UTC 5 years ago

I know reliving the crazy/terrible things that happens to you as a direct result of being an author must be hard, but these sorts of explanitory posts are so, so useful. It's helped me understand the underpinnings. I think as a reader, you basically assume the systems works however you think it should work best--knowing what's actually going on and how things are calculated is extraordinarily helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort.

February 25 2012, 19:52:32 UTC 5 years ago

Very welcome.

_ocelott_

February 24 2012, 23:29:40 UTC 5 years ago

See, if I were to be calling you names, they'd be things like "brilliant," "insightful," "zombie-loving," "thought-provoking," and "funny." You should clearly be called these sort of names more often, so I hereby call you all of them.

February 25 2012, 19:52:47 UTC 5 years ago

Awwww. <3

firynze

February 24 2012, 23:49:30 UTC 5 years ago

Incidentally, I mentioned your plight with the terrible people saying terrible things to you to a coworker today, who's had something similar play out in the past. You do know that you can send emails like that to the FBI for investigation, yes? Threats like that, made via email or other traceable means, are a serious thing, and the FBI does actually investigate them.

I completely understand not wanting to, but I thought I'd mention that the option is there. Just in case.

I'm glad you're feeling a little better. I've just been disgusted with how some complete turds have been responding to your situation, and I hope you continue feeling a little better with each day, because there's so many of us who love you for all the fantastikal joy you bring to our lives.

February 25 2012, 19:53:06 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you.

dragonsally

February 25 2012, 00:11:05 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 25 2012, 00:17:46 UTC

Seanan, do you know whether Bookdepository is a culprit with early releases? I get most of my non e-books from them, because books in Australia are so expensive, and getting to a bricks and mortar book shop is difficult for me.

February 25 2012, 19:53:42 UTC 5 years ago

I do not, but I don't believe they are. And honestly, being in Australia sort of means "go with whatever gets you books," because it's hard enough already.

paksenarrion2

February 25 2012, 02:36:20 UTC 5 years ago

I'm glad you are feeling better. I am also glad to know that my pre-order will count towards sales.

I was discussing this with my boss today because I had been recommending you. She read Feed and Deadline and loved them so when I explained what happened with this book and the absolute nastiness you had to deal with simply because some on-line retailers decided to be big poopie head, she canceled the order she just placed and will order on the 6th.

And this reminds me, I am going to cancel my pre-order for Blackout just in case they pull this again. In fact, I think I will not pre-order any more books and just set reminders in my calendar to order the Sunday of release week.

February 25 2012, 19:53:59 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you so much.

peachtales

February 25 2012, 02:58:31 UTC 5 years ago

I'm happy this day is looking better!

Bonus pics of newly adopted kitty:
http://img.movoda.net/tjodv5x1.jpg
http://img.movoda.net/1u6jj95e.jpg
Much drama with the girls (from my icon), who can't hardly even bother to be in the same room right now without some heavy duty bickering.

February 25 2012, 19:54:41 UTC 5 years ago

KITTY.

pointedulac

February 25 2012, 04:16:24 UTC 5 years ago Edited: February 25 2012, 04:16:59 UTC

You're awesome. Your books are awesome. You are full of win.

Shit happens but you handled it like a rock star (and really, as well as any of us with human blood in our veins are capable of). You're classy and amazing, with a weird knife thing. <3

February 25 2012, 19:54:52 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you. <3

michelliebel

February 25 2012, 04:41:54 UTC 5 years ago

Poor thing! You can't let haters get you down. Ppl are jerks. You don't write for them. Take lots of deep breaths and maybe do some yoga, if you're into that. I would also recommend reading this post from The Bloggess on dealing with haters: http://thebloggess.com/2008/09/this-is-the-third-post-ive-written-today-and-i-want-a-medal-alternate-title-how-to-deal-with-trolls/ (http://thebloggess.com/2008/09/this-is-the-third-post-ive-written-today-and-i-want-a-medal-alternate-title-how-to-deal-with-trolls/) You're awesome. Also if you're into Downtown Abbey, this blog is pretty hilarious: http://downtonabbeyonce.tumblr.com/ (http://downtonabbeyonce.tumblr.com/)

February 25 2012, 19:55:58 UTC 5 years ago

I love the Bloggess. Thank you!

technocowboy

February 25 2012, 06:27:42 UTC 5 years ago

Picked up Rosemary and Rue from the library today. Am three pages in. LOVE. IT. Sad that nobody made me read them before now. Will probably buy the books while out and about this weekend.

You rock. Plain and simple. <3

February 25 2012, 19:55:03 UTC 5 years ago

Aw, yay!

joecoustic

February 25 2012, 16:43:49 UTC 5 years ago

Thanks, you just answered a question re:ordering your book at a local bookstore (chain though) to be sure they had it. I think I'll wait to go to the one I know will have it during the first week. :)

February 25 2012, 19:55:14 UTC 5 years ago

Awesome.

ladymurmur

February 25 2012, 20:30:28 UTC 5 years ago

So glad you are feeling a bit better - and that your publisher (awww, DAW!) has your back!

There's an entry on my calendar on 3/6 to "buy D.A.!" Even with ebooks I never pre-order, because I get such a happy little thrill out of buying the book. One moment it is not mine, and the next moment - MINE!!! *twirls happily*

May 11 2012, 15:07:46 UTC 5 years ago

Yay!

February 25 2012, 22:11:00 UTC 5 years ago

I'm glad you're feeling better about everything now Seanan. You should never have had to go through this and I am really sorry that you did. I can't quite conceive of why anyone would behave in that manner.

May 11 2012, 15:05:51 UTC 5 years ago

Neither can I, quite honestly. People are very strange.

kyrielle

February 26 2012, 00:40:42 UTC 5 years ago

I am glad you are feeling better.

If I pre-order anything in the future (regardless of author, not just yours), it'll be through Powell's for in-store pickup. They charge my credit card when I pick it up, so if they tell me it's available before the release date - oh well, I won't buy it yet!

That does mean I'll sometimes have a few days' delay between release and getting it myself, but I'd rather that than be a party (however unwilling) to this kind of thing. I know not everyone has that option, but I do - for me it is a question of convenience, not necessity, and things what hurt the authors (even in small ways; they aggregate) are not worth it for convenience. Never mind the ones that hurt authors who are also friends.

It's a pity there's no way for us to usefully boycott, avoid, or otherwise unsupport the people who crapped on you via email, however. They need it pretty badly. :P

You? You rock a lot, and I am so looking forward to this book.

I expected to love Toby, based on genre and info, and I did. I expected to really dislike Feed based on the same, but it was yours and I read it...and ADORED it. I was a little unsure based on what I knew of Incryptid, a little wary the humorous side of it might take over too much for me, but...closer to my usual territory, and hello, look what happened with Feed. So then I read the short story in Westward Weird and the followup freebie. And *adored* them. So. Book...officially anticipated happily.

June 15 2012, 16:46:30 UTC 5 years ago

readiness

March 4 2012, 21:51:46 UTC 5 years ago

*whoo* 'Yay! That means that I can relax! I love your Rosemary & Rue series but was (admittedly) looking forward to this project because it seemed a little bit lighter. I bought your book preorder style in December and was so excited it showed up. I devoured it because jesus christ on a cracker is this an amazing book. I go online to make sure that there will be more because not having at least a sequel would be a crime. It was then that I saw your posts and other internet ramblings about what happened and I felt terrible that it wouldn't count. I'm so glad DAW is supporting you and that my sale "counts" because I can't wait for Verity to come back!

Thank you for your wonderfully delightful storytelling. :)
-E

May 14 2012, 16:39:30 UTC 5 years ago

I'm so glad you enjoyed the book!

You are very welcome. :)

wfw_sj

March 4 2012, 23:23:10 UTC 5 years ago

More hugs to you, Seanan! Sorry about the internet negativity. (I hadn't known about it yet when I saw you this weekend.)

March 7 2012, 16:41:59 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you!

alienpenguin

March 6 2012, 00:25:03 UTC 5 years ago

For what it's worth, I thought about it (and checked my bank account balance) and opted to order an additional copy from Borderland, along with the western anthology. The Amazon copy will be shoved into the hands of people at lab who haven't (to my knowledge) read your books before. At least the McGuire ones; Feed and Deadline were easy sells in a science lab...

May 11 2012, 14:52:32 UTC 5 years ago

Thank you so much. You are awesome.

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A few quick followup comments.

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