Christie
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I did a search for this question but couldn't find it, so I apologize in advance if you already answered it: Do you plan on releasing Age of Swords on Audible? If so, when, in relation to the release of the book in general?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Christie, thanks for asking. My relationship with audio books have changed over the years. When I first started, they were controlled by my publisher and they had the say over all kinds of aspects - including when (and if) they would be produced, who the rights would be exercised by, who would do the narration etc.
With the first contract, I didn't think audiobook rights would be exercised, so I was just thrilled that they were -- even though they came out quite a bit after the print/ebook.
With the second contract, I tried to keep the audio rights, but it was a "deal breaker" for the publisher. I did get two concessions though. (1) they would stay with Recorded Books and my narrator and (2) they would release "simultaneously."
With the third contract (the one for Legends of the First Empire) I took a big gamble. I actually sold the audio rights BEFORE the print and ebook rights. That way I could move the control from my print/ebook publisher to myself.
I actually sell VERY well in audio...disproportionally in fact. Meaning I have audio sales at a level that is much higher given my print/ebook sales. This gives me some added power. Muhhhaaahaaa (evil laugh).
Anyway, two things are really important to me and are written into my audio contracts with Legends.
1. Tim Gerard Reynolds will be the narrator
2. The audio will release at the same time as the print/ebook.
I actually get this question quite a bit which is one of the reasons why I sent an email to my audio publisher yesterday asking if they could get the pre-order page up ASAP. They usually don't make them live this far in advance, but it would help the avid audio listeners to know that when it's coming - and even do some pre-orderdering!!
DL:TR Answer: There will be an audio version and it will come out simultaneously with the hardcover/ebook. one of publication.
With the first contract, I didn't think audiobook rights would be exercised, so I was just thrilled that they were -- even though they came out quite a bit after the print/ebook.
With the second contract, I tried to keep the audio rights, but it was a "deal breaker" for the publisher. I did get two concessions though. (1) they would stay with Recorded Books and my narrator and (2) they would release "simultaneously."
With the third contract (the one for Legends of the First Empire) I took a big gamble. I actually sold the audio rights BEFORE the print and ebook rights. That way I could move the control from my print/ebook publisher to myself.
I actually sell VERY well in audio...disproportionally in fact. Meaning I have audio sales at a level that is much higher given my print/ebook sales. This gives me some added power. Muhhhaaahaaa (evil laugh).
Anyway, two things are really important to me and are written into my audio contracts with Legends.
1. Tim Gerard Reynolds will be the narrator
2. The audio will release at the same time as the print/ebook.
I actually get this question quite a bit which is one of the reasons why I sent an email to my audio publisher yesterday asking if they could get the pre-order page up ASAP. They usually don't make them live this far in advance, but it would help the avid audio listeners to know that when it's coming - and even do some pre-orderdering!!
DL:TR Answer: There will be an audio version and it will come out simultaneously with the hardcover/ebook. one of publication.
More Answered Questions
Zaz
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
It seems you succeeded to retain many readers with your good stories and nice level of interaction on the social networks. With such a fan base, I wondered if you are worried before releasing a new book. Are you confident, knowing it will be a (small or big) success for sure, or do you close your eyes, hoping someone will maybe like it?
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