So, am I out of my mind, an author asking readers NOT to buy his books? That’s a bit like a politician asking you to vote for the opposition or kids asking to be sent to bed early. Is this some slick attempt at a reverse psychology marketing ploy?
The only marketing ploy here is my blatant bid to lure you into reading more with such a suggestive title. The real story is that there are big changes afoot with my books and I want to make sure you know about them.
The first big news is the relaunch of the Misaligned series. In addition to new covers and titles, my new publisher, CamCat Publishing, has added hardcover, large print, and eventually audiobook formats. The books also include significant editorial changes – the stories remain the same, but now they pop off the page. If they were movies, these would be the definitive director’s cuts. While subject to minor changes, here’s the latest availability information for each release:
Penny Preston and the Raven’s Talisman (Misaligned Book #1) – Pre-Order Now, shipping 12/15/2020 Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter (Misaligned Book #2) – Scheduled for 2/16/2021 release Penny Preston and the King’s Blade (Misaligned Book #3) – Scheduled for 3/16/2021 release
Auditions of voice actors have begun for the audio version of Book #1. I am hopeful that it will be available by the end of January 2021.
So, with newer editions on the way, I’m asking that you wait for them before making a purchase. The old editions should be taken off the market once Penny Preston and the Raven’s Talisman ships. However, some channels may still offer the older editions, or you may see them as used books. To avoid any disappointment, please don’t buy those books.
What about the Warders series? Wasn’t there supposed to be a sixth book out last Fall?
While CamCat initially offered me contracts for the Warder series, too, things have changed. As with most of the commercial world, the pandemic has hit the book industry rather hard. Besides limiting visits to book shops, it has also shut down recording studios for audiobooks and even created a paper shortage for printed books. Faced with those business challenges CamCat withdrew their contract offer for the Warders.
While that may not sound like a good thing, I believe it is. The rights for the series will return to me. While I could pursue another publishing deal, I don’t think that would bear much fruit. A new publisher would face the same financial hurdles as CamCat – five re-releases (no first rights) and one new release (with first rights) in a series of books that didn’t set any sales records. If I was Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer, or even Matt Damon sure, but as my wife will verify for you, I’m not.
What bearing does that have on your purchase of the Warders’ books?
Actually, none in the short term. If you are interested in the Warders, or have already started the series, please feel free to buy any book in the series. My caution is that when the rights return to me, the books will likely disappear from the market. I’m trying to avoid this – they transferred seamlessly through CamCat’s acquisition of my previous publisher – but that seems unlikely. I don’t anticipate any major changes to the Warder stories, but I don’t own the artwork, so I will have to commission new covers and that will take some time. Fortunately, I’ve already contacted a talented artist who’s excited for the opportunity. So besides new artwork, the only other benefit to waiting really comes to me – I get all the royalties for the sales if I publish the books directly.
That’s my case. If you’re interested in the Misaligned series, I strongly advise you to wait for the new editions. Of course, you are welcome to buy both the old and the new, but even my mother wouldn’t do that. As for the Warders, please don’t be alarmed if they disappear for a few months before coming back with new covers. I honestly have no idea how long that process will take – and given that I’ve never done it before – it’s best to assume I’ll experience a few growing pains along the way.
As always I appreciate your support and hope that you and yours are doing well in these crazy times.
Best Regards,
Armen
Looks like things are new and exciting for you. I am thrilled that the Misaligned series is coming out new and improved. I love that series and will stay posted as to its status. My best wishes for great success with your new publisher. ….and, just for kicks regarding your opening paragraph, when my granddaughter was (oh, I don’t know) maybe three years old, one day she came to us and said, “I put me in timeout”, and she went to the hallway and sat down for several minutes. We have no idea what she did wrong.
Thanks for you kind words about the Misaligned series. I appreciate you sharing the story about your granddaughter. Perhaps some day she’ll fill you in. It seems like such a long time since we shared that table outside of Liftbridge. I hope you and yours are doing well.