Marsha Altman's Blog, page 7
November 19, 2011
"Against Returns"
So there's this deadly little phrase in the publishing contract that says the publisher can hold half of the proceeds of a book "against returns" in perpetuity. When you sign the contract, which is standard anyway so there's no negotiation there, you think, "But how many returns will there seriously be anyway?" and that it's not a big deal, but it turns out it's a HUGE deal and it never stops being frustrating. A lot of people have switched to Amazon publishing because Amazon has promised not to do that, and just pays people every 2 months whatever they're owed. On the other hand, Amazon makes most of its money on high-end electronics and doesn't need to hold on to that money for as long as possible, which is why it can sell books at a loss, which it often does.
For example: I got my royalty statement and check from one of my two publishers last week. It listed how many books I'd sold, at what royalty rates, etc etc, because it varies based on whether the book is sold online or not online or overseas or is an e-Edition and makes for complicated reading, but the end the publisher says, "And this is how much money we owe you ... here's half of it. You might need it all now, but here's half."
The principle is actually sound. A bookstore will order a certain number of copies of the book for its stock based on it's guess as to how many it will sell. If the copies don't sell, it will send them back at the publisher's expense (the publisher pays for shipping) because otherwise the bookstore wouldn't be willing to order anything. The books that are returned are usually junked because they have stickers on them or damage to the cover or whatever, so that's a loss. The publisher is allowed to take from the author's earnings a percentage to pay for those returned books. It's a very low price, but it's got to be paid, so money is held back from the author instead of charging the author when this happens (money always flows TO the author).
Reality is different. In fact, these days publishers hold "against returns" money that's owed for eBooks, which are NEVER returned, because there is no physical book to ship back. Even if the author returns the book to the online store or whatever, there is still no book to ship back to the warehouse and no publisher has to shell out money for a returned eBook. This started slipping into contracts about 2 years ago. Agents fought it, and the publishers basically said, "The economy sucks. Do you want us to buy the book or not?" So the agents lost.
Most of the money I made since April (the last time the publisher was obligated to report) was in eBooks, but I only got to see half of that money. I did feel a bit better when I realized how much money I had ACTUALLY generated, and that people were reading my books (book 1 still sells regularly) and even reading them abroad (where my royalty rate drops from 7.5% to 1.85% of cover price), but my bank account is still very sad.
Long story short: If you get money for your Bat Mitzvah, put it in a fund that generates money and hope for the best, because you may decide to become a writer.
For example: I got my royalty statement and check from one of my two publishers last week. It listed how many books I'd sold, at what royalty rates, etc etc, because it varies based on whether the book is sold online or not online or overseas or is an e-Edition and makes for complicated reading, but the end the publisher says, "And this is how much money we owe you ... here's half of it. You might need it all now, but here's half."
The principle is actually sound. A bookstore will order a certain number of copies of the book for its stock based on it's guess as to how many it will sell. If the copies don't sell, it will send them back at the publisher's expense (the publisher pays for shipping) because otherwise the bookstore wouldn't be willing to order anything. The books that are returned are usually junked because they have stickers on them or damage to the cover or whatever, so that's a loss. The publisher is allowed to take from the author's earnings a percentage to pay for those returned books. It's a very low price, but it's got to be paid, so money is held back from the author instead of charging the author when this happens (money always flows TO the author).
Reality is different. In fact, these days publishers hold "against returns" money that's owed for eBooks, which are NEVER returned, because there is no physical book to ship back. Even if the author returns the book to the online store or whatever, there is still no book to ship back to the warehouse and no publisher has to shell out money for a returned eBook. This started slipping into contracts about 2 years ago. Agents fought it, and the publishers basically said, "The economy sucks. Do you want us to buy the book or not?" So the agents lost.
Most of the money I made since April (the last time the publisher was obligated to report) was in eBooks, but I only got to see half of that money. I did feel a bit better when I realized how much money I had ACTUALLY generated, and that people were reading my books (book 1 still sells regularly) and even reading them abroad (where my royalty rate drops from 7.5% to 1.85% of cover price), but my bank account is still very sad.
Long story short: If you get money for your Bat Mitzvah, put it in a fund that generates money and hope for the best, because you may decide to become a writer.
November 16, 2011
The Origin of Dr. Maddox
My senior year of college, I wrote my first full-length manuscript that wasn't seaQuest fanfic (which I had written at 13). It was called Metropolis and based on a live action roleplaying game I was in of the same name. It was the second manuscript I tried to get published, after the seaQuest one, and it was rejected, even after many, many revisions.
Since I now have an agent, he's kinda obligated to look at my work no matter what it is, and he said he would take a look of I did another revision (I'm easily on my 10th now), because my previous agent (who retired) had looked at it and said there were structural problems that needed revising, and she was probably right. This was all a few days before my trip to Israel, so the first real thing I did after emerging from a jetlagged haze was open the file again and read it with fresh eyes, not having looked at the thing for I'd say 3 years.
It's bad. It's not terrible, but it's not good, or it's not good enough and the amount of work I would have to put in to make it something I would actually want to publish is, uh, really not worth the effort. I would be much more successful at writing something new, I think, it having been over 10 years since I first wrote it and my writing having improved considerably since then. I am bummed about it, because it has potential and a lot of great ideas, but I think it's time to permanently retire Metropolis.
Anyway, there's a character in the book called Dr. Rutherford Tejai, who was played by my friend Jonathan in the game. Jonathan isn't excessively tall as Dr. Maddox is described as being, but he has that black bushy hair, and he did when he played Dr. Rutherford, so that was how I described him in the book, and somehow in my mind when I tried to envision Dr. Maddox six years later, I envisioned Jonathan, without knowing it, as Dr. Rutherford. The characters have nothing to do with one another (Dr. Maddox isn't a clone doc-on-demand and member of the elite Tejai corporation), but they look very similar in my head. The height is the only real difference, and I didn't realize that until today. Man, I even steal from myself.
Since I now have an agent, he's kinda obligated to look at my work no matter what it is, and he said he would take a look of I did another revision (I'm easily on my 10th now), because my previous agent (who retired) had looked at it and said there were structural problems that needed revising, and she was probably right. This was all a few days before my trip to Israel, so the first real thing I did after emerging from a jetlagged haze was open the file again and read it with fresh eyes, not having looked at the thing for I'd say 3 years.
It's bad. It's not terrible, but it's not good, or it's not good enough and the amount of work I would have to put in to make it something I would actually want to publish is, uh, really not worth the effort. I would be much more successful at writing something new, I think, it having been over 10 years since I first wrote it and my writing having improved considerably since then. I am bummed about it, because it has potential and a lot of great ideas, but I think it's time to permanently retire Metropolis.
Anyway, there's a character in the book called Dr. Rutherford Tejai, who was played by my friend Jonathan in the game. Jonathan isn't excessively tall as Dr. Maddox is described as being, but he has that black bushy hair, and he did when he played Dr. Rutherford, so that was how I described him in the book, and somehow in my mind when I tried to envision Dr. Maddox six years later, I envisioned Jonathan, without knowing it, as Dr. Rutherford. The characters have nothing to do with one another (Dr. Maddox isn't a clone doc-on-demand and member of the elite Tejai corporation), but they look very similar in my head. The height is the only real difference, and I didn't realize that until today. Man, I even steal from myself.
October 16, 2011
Other Tales: Stories from the Ballad of Gregoire Darcy - The Podcast
Click to listen to dropping Georgian names like I'm poisoned and they're the antidote, and talking way too long about the strange relationship between Mugin and Georgie.
Download the stories first here.
I don't have much else to say now because I am crazy busy with the Jewish holidays, which thank G-d are over next week.
Download the stories first here.
I don't have much else to say now because I am crazy busy with the Jewish holidays, which thank G-d are over next week.
October 11, 2011
Book 5 Coming in Spring 2012
Book 5, currently titled "The Knights of Derbyshire," is slated for publication in Spring 2012. I say "slated" because that's about when I can feasibly get it out in both paperback and eBook form as a self-published production, through my company (which actually does exist in NY state) Laughing Man Publications, which is a nice way of saying that CreateSpace will do it.
Ulysses Press contacted me before Rosh Hashanah (I always get big publishing news like a couple hours before a major Jewish holiday; it's sort of a thing) to say that all their Regency romance titles are declining in sales, probably because the market is glutted (that's my own assessment of the obvious) and they're not buying any more titles in that area. I have no reason to believe that this was not a totally honest reason why they didn't pick up book 5, which was sad news but not the end of the world. On the advice of my agent, of all people, (because agents only make money when books sell to real publishers) I'm heading into self-publication. I have some experience with it before with both Pemberley Shades and Other Tales, so the news is both good and bad for me.
The good: I will have total editorial control and price control. The paperback will be whatever price is reasonable because books do cost something to produce, probably in the $15-20 dollar range, hopefully on the low end of that. The eBook will be at least half of that, and I can post it lower and have sales. I also control the cover and publicity content, which has been one of the more frustrating ends of publishing for me. Also, I can get it out much faster than a publishing company.
The bad: I have to put money up to have things done that the publisher would do, like copyediting, layout, and cover design. I know enough about publishing with other books I've put together or things I've seen put together at work to know I'm not a graphic designer or copyeditor and I should pay professionals to do these things and not skimp on it. Also, complete editorial control means that I don't have a professional editor catching mistakes or giving me advice. I do have Brandy, who is practically a publishing professional at this point, but another layer of editorial is missing. And in the end I have no idea if I will even recoup my expenses; I may lose money on the book and much more money in lost work time on other material.
It's a gamble, but it's a gamble worth taking. For you guys, the only change is that it won't be available in stores and they won't be able to order it in; if you want a hard copy you will have to get it from Amazon. I stand by my pledge that if you buy a hard copy and want me to autograph it, you can mail it to me and I will sign it and pay to mail it back to you. And if it's a success, I see no reason why there wouldn't be book six in Fall 2012 and then so on and so on. So no waiting years between books.
I will try to have some contests leading up to the publication day - if you help me title the book, or come up with some art, or just win a drawing, you will get a copy of the book or of previous books in teh series. So you should really follow this blog and/or the Fans of Marsha Altman group of Facebook to check up on that. I am more than happy to give away things to loyal fans.
Wish me luck, guys! I'm going to need it.
Ulysses Press contacted me before Rosh Hashanah (I always get big publishing news like a couple hours before a major Jewish holiday; it's sort of a thing) to say that all their Regency romance titles are declining in sales, probably because the market is glutted (that's my own assessment of the obvious) and they're not buying any more titles in that area. I have no reason to believe that this was not a totally honest reason why they didn't pick up book 5, which was sad news but not the end of the world. On the advice of my agent, of all people, (because agents only make money when books sell to real publishers) I'm heading into self-publication. I have some experience with it before with both Pemberley Shades and Other Tales, so the news is both good and bad for me.
The good: I will have total editorial control and price control. The paperback will be whatever price is reasonable because books do cost something to produce, probably in the $15-20 dollar range, hopefully on the low end of that. The eBook will be at least half of that, and I can post it lower and have sales. I also control the cover and publicity content, which has been one of the more frustrating ends of publishing for me. Also, I can get it out much faster than a publishing company.
The bad: I have to put money up to have things done that the publisher would do, like copyediting, layout, and cover design. I know enough about publishing with other books I've put together or things I've seen put together at work to know I'm not a graphic designer or copyeditor and I should pay professionals to do these things and not skimp on it. Also, complete editorial control means that I don't have a professional editor catching mistakes or giving me advice. I do have Brandy, who is practically a publishing professional at this point, but another layer of editorial is missing. And in the end I have no idea if I will even recoup my expenses; I may lose money on the book and much more money in lost work time on other material.
It's a gamble, but it's a gamble worth taking. For you guys, the only change is that it won't be available in stores and they won't be able to order it in; if you want a hard copy you will have to get it from Amazon. I stand by my pledge that if you buy a hard copy and want me to autograph it, you can mail it to me and I will sign it and pay to mail it back to you. And if it's a success, I see no reason why there wouldn't be book six in Fall 2012 and then so on and so on. So no waiting years between books.
I will try to have some contests leading up to the publication day - if you help me title the book, or come up with some art, or just win a drawing, you will get a copy of the book or of previous books in teh series. So you should really follow this blog and/or the Fans of Marsha Altman group of Facebook to check up on that. I am more than happy to give away things to loyal fans.
Wish me luck, guys! I'm going to need it.
September 27, 2011
The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy: The Podcast
My discussion of book 4, for new and familiar readers alike. Some discussion of book 5, and the experience of switching publishers.
This is my last post before Rosh Hashanah. Updates will be irregular during the Jewish holidays, though obviously if there is actually some real news I will post about it. Happy New Year to those who celebrate!
This is my last post before Rosh Hashanah. Updates will be irregular during the Jewish holidays, though obviously if there is actually some real news I will post about it. Happy New Year to those who celebrate!
September 3, 2011
Mr. Darcy's Great Escape: The Podcast
Discussion of book 3. The first 9 minutes are for new readers, more or less. The other 50 minutes are me talking about the various issues within this book. Bonus material: a brief history of the Hasidim and Napoleon, some far-to-personal material about mental illness, and me occasionally sniffling from allergies.In other news: Austen Authors is having a celebration for our first anniversary as a blog! Go to Austen Authors this week for tons and tons of giveaways - books, gift cards, maybe some other stuff. Seriously, if you're ever going to check out Austen Authors, this is the week to do it.
August 29, 2011
The Plight of the Darcy Brothers: The Podcast
My third podcast, discussing book 2, both for new readers at the beginning and people who want background information towards the end. 
August 27, 2011
The Darcys and the Bingleys: The Podcast
My second podcast, discussing my first book. The first 15 minutes are spoiler-free, and the second fifteen discusses a host of issues about the characters in the book and how they came to be. I also talk a little bit about historical mistakes and the publishing process.
August 21, 2011
My first podcast
30 minutes. Discussion about podcasting and the publishing process, the publishing industry, and the obligations of authors in a changing market. Bonus material: my mom texting me in the background and me ignoring it.
August 20, 2011
Jane Austen and Me – Part 2
(this is a continuation of my previous post)
Jane Austen and Me – Part 2
This post is about how Jane Austen and I are different. It was a much easier post to write.
Ways We Are Different:
(1) Tea and scones. I don't actually know that Jane liked this. I just presume it of all British people. In actuality, the concept of high tea – drinking tea and eating cakes and scones – wasn't invented until the Victorian Period, well after Austen's time, when tea was cheaper and the British ere by custom drinking alcohol a lot less and needed something to replace it with. It's not that I dislike stones, I just prefer other pastries. And as for tea, I don't like drinking things that might burn me. Seems silly.
(2) Dancing – Jane, despite being rather sickly at times, loved to dance. It was required of people in her social class to not only dance but to learn long, complicated dances that could last up to 15 minutes and were like square dances without the help of a guy in a ten-gallon hat telling you what move was next. Spending hours being tutored on all of these dances was part of Regency life. Meanwhile, not only do women not dance with or in front of men in Orthodox Judaism because it's too seductive, but when we do dance (at weddings, mostly), it's a lot of running in circles. There's a couple variations to the running in circles bit, but only the person who teaches Israeli dance at camp remembers them. Everyone else just runs until we get tired/dizzy.
(3) Writing long letters to relatives detailing every events in our lives. This was a form of entertainment – both writing and reading the letters whiled away the hours, and the upper classes had a lot of hours to while away. Meanwhile, my emails to my mom and are downright mono-symbolic.
(4) Dying at 41. Man, I hope I don't do this. Jane, I'm not with you on this one.
Jane Austen and Me – Part 2
This post is about how Jane Austen and I are different. It was a much easier post to write.
Ways We Are Different:
(1) Tea and scones. I don't actually know that Jane liked this. I just presume it of all British people. In actuality, the concept of high tea – drinking tea and eating cakes and scones – wasn't invented until the Victorian Period, well after Austen's time, when tea was cheaper and the British ere by custom drinking alcohol a lot less and needed something to replace it with. It's not that I dislike stones, I just prefer other pastries. And as for tea, I don't like drinking things that might burn me. Seems silly.
(2) Dancing – Jane, despite being rather sickly at times, loved to dance. It was required of people in her social class to not only dance but to learn long, complicated dances that could last up to 15 minutes and were like square dances without the help of a guy in a ten-gallon hat telling you what move was next. Spending hours being tutored on all of these dances was part of Regency life. Meanwhile, not only do women not dance with or in front of men in Orthodox Judaism because it's too seductive, but when we do dance (at weddings, mostly), it's a lot of running in circles. There's a couple variations to the running in circles bit, but only the person who teaches Israeli dance at camp remembers them. Everyone else just runs until we get tired/dizzy.
(3) Writing long letters to relatives detailing every events in our lives. This was a form of entertainment – both writing and reading the letters whiled away the hours, and the upper classes had a lot of hours to while away. Meanwhile, my emails to my mom and are downright mono-symbolic.
(4) Dying at 41. Man, I hope I don't do this. Jane, I'm not with you on this one.
