Publisher Pushes Back Release Date 7 Months

[Benjamin Sobieck]

The headline sums it up. If you were looking to read my crime novel, "Cleansing Eden," in Nov. 2010, you'll have to wait until June 2011.

How do I feel about this? I still have a contract. I suppose that's worth something.

If ever there was cause for e-publishing, this is it. Have you ever heard of a seven-month delay in e-publishing? No. But do e-books carry the same air of legitimacy as a print book from a traditional publisher? No.

In the meantime, I encourage folks to check out The Chapter One Blog. It showcases first chapters from crime and thriller authors. CrimeSpace regulars I.J. Parker and Dan Coleman were among the first to be featured. More are on the way. Check it out here:

http://tinyurl.com/39rtk64

(P.S. If you'd like to give me a reason to request to be released from this contract...wink, wink...drop me a line).

[Pepper Smith]

Even with e-publishers, your release date can get pushed back. (I 'm talking about the e-presses, not Amazon and the like.) Have they given you a reason for the delay? Read through your contract. There should be something in there with regard to how long they've got to get the thing in print once the contract was signed.

I'll probably send you a first chapter for the Chapter One Blog here in a few days.

[I. J. Parker]

Ben, that's a bummer! I'm so sorry. Do you have the e-rights? Could you go ahead with that? Maybe not. That would piss the publisher off.
There's a lesson in this: never count on anything a publisher promises or that you thought was implied.

And as you say, you still have a contract. By the way, contract language can spell out release dates! Watch for that next time.