Looking Ahead, AKA What May Help Get An Earlier Publication Date for WALL #4
Besides me completing the revision and delivering the manuscript (ms) that is. Needless to say, everything below is firmly predicated on where responsibility for that lies.
Nonetheless, on Monday, I did a “steady-as-she-goes” update for the Great Revision. And noted that I am currently “well into [revision task] #4”—which although “the largest and gnarliest of the 7 [revision] tasks”, still means that the next stage, which is called D&A: Delivery (my part) and Acceptance (publisher), is now visible on the horizon.
Assuming all goes well with the acceptance, a publication date will then be set and we’ll be into the edit, copyedit, proof etc stages of (capital P) production.
I do harbour some apprehension, though, that having taken so long to complete the manuscript and lost WALL #4’s place in the publication queue thereby—and also given that Covid, subsequent supply chain issues, and inflation have had adverse effects on the publishing industry along with so much else—that the publication date may be a long way out from D&A.
The chief factor that might influence that scenario positively is a discernible uptick in interest in and enthusiasm for the series and its completion. The series has continued to sell through the intervening period since #3 (Daughter of Blood), which really helps, but the more that continues between now and D&A, the better the chances (imho) of an earlier rather than later publication date.
The most telling sign of interest for publishers when setting dates and booksellers for stocking books, is always prior sales. But the primary means of generating the buzz and building the readership that supports sales is what I call the 4 R’s:
- Request: If they’re not in your local bookshop or library, request they get them in
- Read: (Although I’m assuming most who visit here have already done that. 😀 )
- Review: Leaving reviews on retail, library, and other reading and book sites is a great way to keep a book and/or series before other potential readers. They don’t have to be long—I believe “Impec” is Daughter of Blood’s shortest review but nonetheless conveys the reader’s impression.
- Recommend: If you love the series yourself, recommend the books to others and where appropriate encourage them to request, read, review in their turn. This can be via word-of-mouth, reviews as above, or contribution to lists, and on on, should the opportunity arise.
The “where opportunity arises” applies to all of the above, I hasten to add. 😀
And of course “Tis The Season” (ahem)—but bearing the WALL series in mind for gifts generally is always appreciated in terms of the ever vital bottom line.
Hence my thinking that with D&A discernible ahead, it’s worth mentioning what may help get an earlier rather than later publication date—and although the delivery part rests with me, any and all help with building a buzz is always greatly appreciated.
You could also add Book 4 to your wish list in Amazon as I have just done. Also I see that this is one of the most anticipated book of 2024 in Goodreads.
Thank you for that additional suggestion, Karin: much appreciated.
I am so looking forward to reading Wall 4. Can’t wait.
Thank you, Matt — I can’t wait to get it to you!
Man! Book #4 has been such a loooong time waiting….*sighs*
Today I received an email from Amazon telling me that my pre-order of book #4 [Kindle-Edition] has been cancelled and that the book is no longer pre-orderable.
I pre-ordered the book on 11th March 2020 (LOL).
Looking forward to when book #4 is finally getting published!
I agree 100% with that first sentence, Christine — just in case you ever wonder whether it feels like a long time at this end, too. Answer: it sure does! None of which makes it any easier for readers, having to endure so long a wait, a circumstance for which I apologise, most sincerely.
I greatly appreciate your preorder, Christine, and am equally sorry it has been cancelled, doubtless because there won’t be a publication date until I get the dang thing revised, delivered, and accepted. All I can promise you at this stage is that I am working working on it and things are coming together, as per here!
I am trying to understand the hold up on Book 4 release date, but the miss information on dates for release is really hard to handle and from what I understand the D&A procedure is that you do not have a complete control of this timetable. How many times has it been thru the D&A system. Nothing personal but I seem to be running out of time due to illness and would really like to be around for book 4 release thank you
Hi Nelson,
I am very, very sorry to learn of your illness and completely understand that the frustration of the wait for the book and confusing messaging must be exacerbated by your situation.
With respect to the confusion around dates, you are correct that I only have control over the information that is posted here, and I do endeavour to ensure that it is accurate and reliable. So I apologise if anything I’ve posted adds to the confusion, around “D&A” for example.
To clarify, “D&A” means “Delivery and Acceptance” and will only happen once I finish revising the book and deliver a manuscript. Once it is accepted a (new) publication date will be set by the publisher, which I hope will flow through promptly to other sites. I will also ensure it’s highlighted here for readers.
In terms of timing, I assure you that I am doing my utmost to bring the revision to completion as soon as possible, but it’s a large manuscript with a lot of work required. I can also assure you that I feel your situation keenly, and if I could wave a magic wand and have the book out tomorrow, then I would.
Kia kaha, Nelson. You will be in my mind as I work to complete the revision.