So, today was DMCA day. I'm unpublishing myself, so to speak, on what I hope is a temporary basis. I'll find new homes for my books, and I'll tweak them a little, make them fresh again before I send them off to be read, and hopefully liked. They're MY books. It's the first step to moving forward again.
But in the interim, I'm really angry, and frustrated, and upset because I was taken in by stories and an inclination to think the best of folks.
And also because, as a small business owner myself, I know better.
Let me say that again. I. Know. Better. I saw the signs, and I told myself, "It's publishing, it's not quite the same thing as what we do, really, it's going to be fine." Revenue flow fluctuates, but if they're putting aside enough money every month to cover royalties at the highest possible rate, plus a bit extra, they won't have a problem.
But the truth is when you stop paying people, that's a problem.
When only one person knows how to do something, that's a problem.
When no one answers the calls, or emails, that's a problem.
You can damned well bet if I was sick, my partner would step in, and fill in. And while I might not grab a bag of test equipment and go run an inspection, or service a panel, I make sure I have subs I can call because my clients can't wait. And I have subs I can call because they know they get paid at the end of the week, no question. NO QUESTION. They get paid before I do. That's how it works.
So if anyone reading this thinks there's still a chance Torquere will pull it out, and things will get better, think again.
About Me
- Morwen Navarre
- I've been writing since I could first hold a pencil, and by all accounts I didn't limit myself to paper. Walls, tablecloths and the occasional sibling were all fair game, and it shouldn't be surprising to learn that markers were banned in my home with all due haste. Although I now content myself with inconveniencing electrons, the desire to bring the stories in my mind to life hasn't waned. In my spare time, I read, putter in the kitchen, and relax on my terrace or at the lake, weather permitting, with my corgi who strives to be part muse, part food disposal. I'm also addicted to coffee and have a close relationship with my Keurig.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Friday, December 2, 2016
Things I never thought I would say...
When I published my debut novella back in 2013, I was elated. It wasn't so much the idea of being a new author, because I wasn't. I'd been writing for a while, and publishing online for free. I didn't think I was good enough to put myself out there, and send something to a publisher.
A dear friend talked me into it, and Torquere Press Inc. took me on. It was honestly one of the best times of my life, and despite all the rollercoaster moments of editing, and worrying about whether or not I was ready, I felt like I was part of an amazing family. The owners of Torquere made me welcome.
I submitted a novel in 2014 and it was accepted for publication. Cue more elation, and once again, despite the bustle to clean up the manuscript and turn it into something proper, it felt so good to be part of this publisher's team of authors.
When they decided to sell Torquere Press Inc. to focus full-time on their own writing, I wasn't worried. I trusted their decision to sell to their general manager. She knew the business, and she knew the authors. My novel was about to be published, and I was riding high.
Apparently not. In case you haven't seen it, let me share this with you all:
Writer Beware
Let's just say I've been happier. This is a fitting end to a year that's seen far too many gifted and wonderful people pass on, and a human Cheeto elected to the highest office in our country.
A dear friend talked me into it, and Torquere Press Inc. took me on. It was honestly one of the best times of my life, and despite all the rollercoaster moments of editing, and worrying about whether or not I was ready, I felt like I was part of an amazing family. The owners of Torquere made me welcome.
I submitted a novel in 2014 and it was accepted for publication. Cue more elation, and once again, despite the bustle to clean up the manuscript and turn it into something proper, it felt so good to be part of this publisher's team of authors.
When they decided to sell Torquere Press Inc. to focus full-time on their own writing, I wasn't worried. I trusted their decision to sell to their general manager. She knew the business, and she knew the authors. My novel was about to be published, and I was riding high.
Apparently not. In case you haven't seen it, let me share this with you all:
Writer Beware
Let's just say I've been happier. This is a fitting end to a year that's seen far too many gifted and wonderful people pass on, and a human Cheeto elected to the highest office in our country.
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