It’s Worse than I Expected
Want to see what some of my readers have been emailing me lately?
“Shame on you!”
“How can you be so deceptive? I’ll never read another of your books!!!”
“I know you did this just to make a buck. Disgusting.”
Honestly, it’s worse than I expected. I have, however, appreciated the kind and thoughtful emails and Facebook messages I’ve received from readers confused over a) the title change for Cypress Point (The Shadow Wife) and b) the three different titles in three different countries for The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and Breaking the Silence. I asked my publisher not to change Cypress Point’s title, knowing that it would cause me problems, both personally, because I’m being attacked (to a degree I never anticipated) and professionally, because I don’t blame a reader for not trusting my next book to be one they haven’t already read.
As I’ve mentioned many times, authors don’t have much clout, if any, when it comes to covers and titles. The argument for keeping Cypress Point as Cypress Point was unwinnable, and I’ve had no say in how publishers in other countries title my books. Book purchasing sites list all the titles as though they are separate books. Devoted readers order them all, only to discover they have three different copies of CeeCee Wilkes. I don’t blame them a bit for being annoyed and feeling duped.
I’m forwarding the emails I recieve to my publisher and they’ve been sympathetic and responsive. I know they did what they thought was best at the time. With The Shadow Wife/Cypress Point they wanted a title more in keeping with my current books, while publishers in other countries choose titles they think will better appeal to their market. I believe my publisher had no idea the havoc the title changes would cause and I’m happy to share that havoc with them so this won’t happen to me–or to their other authors–in the future. I will never again allow a title change on an American book, I can promise you that!
There is a printable booklist in the upper right hand corner of my Books Page on my website that is up to date and that will help you know which book is which. However, if it’s too late for that and you’ve purchased a book you’ve already read under a different title, please email me at diane@dianechamberlain.com. I want to know how many of you are affected. All I ask is that you keep it civil!
“Shame on you!”
“How can you be so deceptive? I’ll never read another of your books!!!”
“I know you did this just to make a buck. Disgusting.”
Honestly, it’s worse than I expected. I have, however, appreciated the kind and thoughtful emails and Facebook messages I’ve received from readers confused over a) the title change for Cypress Point (The Shadow Wife) and b) the three different titles in three different countries for The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and Breaking the Silence. I asked my publisher not to change Cypress Point’s title, knowing that it would cause me problems, both personally, because I’m being attacked (to a degree I never anticipated) and professionally, because I don’t blame a reader for not trusting my next book to be one they haven’t already read.
As I’ve mentioned many times, authors don’t have much clout, if any, when it comes to covers and titles. The argument for keeping Cypress Point as Cypress Point was unwinnable, and I’ve had no say in how publishers in other countries title my books. Book purchasing sites list all the titles as though they are separate books. Devoted readers order them all, only to discover they have three different copies of CeeCee Wilkes. I don’t blame them a bit for being annoyed and feeling duped.
I’m forwarding the emails I recieve to my publisher and they’ve been sympathetic and responsive. I know they did what they thought was best at the time. With The Shadow Wife/Cypress Point they wanted a title more in keeping with my current books, while publishers in other countries choose titles they think will better appeal to their market. I believe my publisher had no idea the havoc the title changes would cause and I’m happy to share that havoc with them so this won’t happen to me–or to their other authors–in the future. I will never again allow a title change on an American book, I can promise you that!
There is a printable booklist in the upper right hand corner of my Books Page on my website that is up to date and that will help you know which book is which. However, if it’s too late for that and you’ve purchased a book you’ve already read under a different title, please email me at diane@dianechamberlain.com. I want to know how many of you are affected. All I ask is that you keep it civil!
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I agree. That is a shame. If you are around any book type talk at all, you would have known that and I think that someone is taking all their anger out on you. Keep your chin up. You have lots of loyal readers and I can't wait for your next book!!!
I have always disliked the fact that authors don't control their cover art/titles.. what a mess for you. I love your books, and hopefully the publishers will get the message. Hang in there, and keep writing. xo Lorie
That is awful. I agree with the other posters. Keep your chin up and know that you have loyal fans who will stand beside you.
thanks for all the support, guys. My skin is thicker today, plus no nasty emails in two days. I don't blame readers for being annoyed, though.
Diane, You are amazing and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Unfortunately the author is the easy target when people feel deceived. Nobody wants to go up against the publishing houses. I don't think a lot of people know how little power the authors have over their books which personally I think is shameful. The books are YOUR babies and should be treated as such. Keep doing what you are doing Diane. Always a fan,Stephanie
Why do people have to vent negative thoughts about the author's talent when reading is obviously a subjective experience.
What a nightmare. Even though you may intellectually understand where the anger or frustration may be coming from, the personally attacking words are still hurtful, and very misplaced. So sorry you are in this situation. I really hope your publisher makes things right. They need to know that your loyal readers are watching to see what they, as publishers, do about the situation they have placed you in.
Peace to you Diane, in the midst of this storm.
Always a fan,
Jo
I'm sorry that people have been cruel. You made a point of posting on Facebook EVERY DAY that the book was a reprint, you've mentioned it at every opportunity. Obviously this was something beyond your control. Sending you virtual hugs, and a puppy breath kiss from Winston.
Ditto to what everyone else has said. You're an amazing author & we can tell from your posts & interviews that you're a very genuine person. Thanks for writing great stories that allow us to escape for a few hours & remember that you are special. This unfortunate incident will pass. Hugs across the miles to you & I hope you and your family have a very blessed Christmas.
I can't believe that anyone would actually attack you. A publisher should never put an author in the place that you are in and for that my heart breaks for you.
Keep you chin up and if someone has purchased a 'duplicate' novel then I'm sure that you will help them. I watch your website and have been fully aware of the titles. If someone is really a fan of yours then maybe they could watch your website because you have been up front and honest from the start.
You're such a tender soul and have amazing talent in communicating the emotions we all carry. May you learn something special that you will be able to incorporate in your next novel.
I'm confident that whatever you write will be fantabulous...you are just that!!!!