The Riyria Revelations discussion
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Why doesn't a big publisher pick this guy up? Oh wait..
OMGosh! That is AWESOME! Congrats! (I cannot wait for details!)
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Great update! Just curious - does this affect my editing Book 6 (whose title I cannot spell for the life of me)?
It must be official since this was published on Fantasy Book Critic today:"Orbit is pleased to announce that it has acquired the six-book Riyria Revelations series by author Michael J. Sullivan, in a six-figure deal with agent Teri Tobias of the Teri Tobias Agency LLC. Orbit will be publishing the six titles as three two-book omnibuses in consecutive months in Fall/Winter 2011-2012. The first volume, Theft of Swords, will be published in November 2011; the second volume, Rise of Empire, in December 2011, and the final volume, Heir of Novron, in January 2012.
Senior Editor Devi Pillai says: “This is the kind of fabulous new adventure fantasy that readers of Terry Brooks and Brent Weeks can fall in love with. Michael really delivers a great story that keeps to the idea of great epic fantasy while taking on fantasy clichés and having fun with the idea of two thieves caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I read the first book – and I was hooked.”
Michael J. Sullivan says: “"I couldn't be happier to have The Riyria Revelations released by Orbit. Of all the fantasy imprints, they have shown an unsurpassed eye for quality and I'm both excited and humbled to be included in a select group of authors as talented as Brent Weeks, Gail Carriger, and so many others."
The first book in the saga, The Crown Conspiracy, was self-published through Ridan Publishing, a company started by Sullivan’s wife. He’s been a Kindle bestseller in historical fantasy ever since.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Michael J. Sullivan has lived in Vermont, North Carolina, and Virginia. He worked as a commercial artist and illustrator, founding his own advertising agency in 1996, which he closed in 2005 to pursue writing full-time. He currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife and three children."
So it sounds as thought Orbit is going to publish it in 3 books rather than in 6?
That is awesome. Congrats, Michael & Robin!
That is great news, congratulations!
Are we still going to see book 6 as expected? We're not going to have to wait & get it from the new publisher, are we?
So we, the loyal readers here on GR, get to find out that we won't get to read book 6 in April as we thought, but will have to purchase books 5 & 6 possibly in Jan 2012 instead from the blog?http://riyria.blogspot.com/2011/02/li...
(Note that the side bar still says book 6 will be released in April.)
Frankly, I think you're leaving your loyal readers sucking hind tit, Michael.
No way! 2012?! I hope we can still get it in April. That is always one of the points I see mentioned, that people don't have to wait years for a new book since they were already written.
I see also from the blog that Michael won't be doing the covers, although we might get to see the cover & an ebook version of book 6 earlier. That's a real shame. Here I have 5 signed copies of a 6 book series with coordinated covers & then there's a piece of paper with a printed out blog entry on it. Yuck.
Before everyone gets too excited (in a negative way), Robin had this to say in a post on Kindleboards about book 6:http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php...
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They [Orbit] are actually putting out an ebook 6 version (Percepliquis) as well as a standard omnibus version books 5 & 6 (Heir of Novron) - I'm going to see if I can do a "small run" of book 6 so that those who have the current 5-book set can get the last as it was originally designed - what I'm not sure is if they'll let me do this "on schedule" in April or will I have to wait until their version is out in January.
It would be nice if she mentioned it here, where she used to be so active.
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#1 - The announcement was just made a few days ago. And since then Michael has gone into a HUGE depression. I don't want to go into a lot of the details but the bottom line is that he worked hard to graduate to the "big time" and instead of being happy many people have voiced their displeasure. He's in a "pretty bad state right now and doesn't want to write anything at the moment.
I know everyone is disappointed with a possible wait...heck do you think we aren't? I was so looking forward to having this wrapped up in a few weeks so I could finally discuss it with others.
Here is where we stand right now -- though it might change in a few hours or days but i PROMISE to keep you posted.
#1 - Orbit has already said they will make percepliquis only ebook editions available so that those who have bought through book 5 don't have to rebuy book 5 to get book 6.
#2 - We (Michael and I) really want to get Percepliquis out to the "fans" - What we've proposed is that we still produce Percepliquis (with Michael's covers etc but ONLY sell them on our website and only print a limited number - we're willing to give all proceeds from sale of this book to Orbit. We are waiting from them to see if they will approve it or not.
#3 - I suggested that if they want to break the series into 3 books they should do
Volume 1 - Crown & Avempartha
Volume 2 - Nyphron Rising, Emerald Storm & Witertide
Volume 3 - Percepliquis
This will keep 'old fans' and 'new fans' not having to buy something they already got before.
Another option I gave Orbit is that they give me a logo and ISBN and I'll give them print files of Percepliquis (the cover is already done) so they can POD and make April...again I'm still waiting on this.
Technically...we've not signed anything yet (don't even have contracts) but we have given Orbit our word and they have already invested much $$'s in cover designs and editing. But...a lot could happen once the real contract arrives. If there are clauses that are too restrive we could not sign and since Percepliquis is "done" we could release immediately.
So as you can see there is a lot of flux at the moment - so don't freak completely yet...let's let Orbit see what they can do - this is an unconventional situation for them but they want to see the existing fans happy just as much as we do so I'm sure we'll work something out. We'll keep you updated as this unfolds. But realize we are waiting on Orbit so that may take some time.
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Thanks for the update, Robin. I hope Michael bounces back soon. I get the same way when I'm upset, so I feel some of his pain.
And I'm happy you've see the light at the end of the tunnel on the day job. That's a big dream come true, there. Congrats, again.
Thank you, Robin! I really am happy for Michael making it to the big time. He should realize he's not dealing with rational people but book nerds, at least in my case.;-)
I for one would buy a POD or limited edition if it allowed me to finish the series correctly with the 6th book similar to the rest - his cover & signed by him (even if he calls me names). If it takes another year, that's not a huge deal, so long as it happens. (It's an OCD collector thing.)
Thanks for the update Robin. I hope Micheal can bounce out of his depression. This should be a happy time for you two. Hopefully Orbit willlet you do #2. :)
Tell Michael that we're all rooting for him. This a huge accomplishment and he should enjoy it! Sure we would all love to have our matching set, but more than anything I can't wait to finish the story, no matter what package it comes in. It will all work out.
Thanks for the update Robin. Hope you can get things sorted in a way that will work out for everyone. It is a little disappointing the way Orbit wants to do it, but if that's the only option they end up accepting, that's perfectly ok. It's still very amazing Orbit wants to sign you. I hope Michael will soon be able to enjoy his success. You all have my congrats for writing such a great series. :)
Mod
I've also noticed that a few people have been posting to Orbit at:
http://www.orbitbooks.net/2011/02/22/...
Telling them they want Percepliqius only copies - that's probably a more appopriate place to vent your frustration, because they are the ones who can do something about it. I'll keep you updated!!
Mod
I'm pleased to announce that Orbit has agreed to Percepliquis only versions (using Michel's cover) for both ebook and Trade Paperback books! This is great news and Michael and I are happy that we'll be able to give the fans who started the series a way to complete their 6-book sets as they were originally intended.
The plan is as follows. We've been asked to immediately withdraw selling of any Crown Conpiracy print books. While this will impact us financially, I think it is the right thing to do so as it will prevent more people getting into the "old format". If for some reason you want copies of these books (for collectors reasons etc) please purchase them immediately as they will be leaving the market very soon.
The other books in the series will be available for purchase as they are now until August. We'll be phasing out the print versions during this time (Again if you want to complete your sets I suggest buying sooner rather than later).
Starting in August NO Ridan versions will be available for purchase in any form. Copies of Orbit versions will be available for per-preorder.
In November, the first editon of "Theft of Sword" (Crown Conspiracy and Avempartha) will be available from Orbit. In December, the second book, "Rise of Empire" (Nyphron Rising and Emerald Storm) will be available and in January there will be third book Heir of Novron (Wintertide and Percepliquis) AND Percepliquis (in a limited run...for a limited time only) release. I have no idea on price of the print version of Percepliquis but I do know that the ebook will be priced at half the price of the Rise of Empire version.
So...it looks like everyone will be able to get what they want. The only change to the original plan is that Percepliquis will be delayed by 9 months which in the grand scheme of things is really not that long. Orbit is performing a Herculean effort to get three books released so soon as possible after signing. To give you some perspective, normally a newly signed author would be placed 18 months into a production scheudle and they would release the books one per year. So if Orbit were doing this release as they normally would the first book would come out in like August 2012 and Percepliquis would hit the street in August 2014.
Doing a limited run version of Percepliquis is not an easy task for a company that is used to large print runs. Unlike Ridan (who utilizes POD) they will need to get themselves setup for this and it will be a lot of extra work on their part for what will ultimately be not a lot of money. Bottom line...this will be a lot of hassle for them (I'm presuming) but they have heard your concerns and are addressing them. This just goes to further prove to Michael and myself that Orbit was the right place to make Royce and Hadrian's home. They have been great to work with and shows their devotion to both the series and its fans. I encourage you to send them a personal thank you. The best way to do that is to make a post here.
If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks for your continued support and "hanging in there" while we got this whole thing sorted out.
Robin & Michael Sullivan
This sounds great. Waiting 9 months for the book isn't a huge deal. My TBR pile is threatening to take over the house anyway. Thanks for keeping us posted.
That's good news. Thanks for going to bat for us.One question I have is this. What happens to the copies of the books deleted off Amazon in our archive? I know deleting a book off my Kindle totally, with it no longer for sale, would mean I've lost it and would have to repurchase it. I read books and let them sit as archived, which I bet most people do. That means I have to download them again if I want to re-read. With them no longer for sale, can I still do that? I'm suspecting the answer is no.
I thought I'd ask, because if the above worst case answer ends up being what will happen, many of your fans might lose access to the books of yours that they've paid for. If so, that might cause another, perhaps bigger, round of unhappiness in the fan base you might need to brace for.
In any case, if the worst case scenario isn't true, which I hope it isn't, getting the word out before someone pops a cork might save everyone's blood pressure. Of it is the worst case, now might be a good time to be looking for a mitigation plan of some kind. Damned if I know what that would be. Maybe letting Orbit take ownership of the original Kindle versions?
Sorry for rambling. Just thinking out loud. Looking forward to when the Orbit books come out. Again, congrats.
Wonderful news. Thank you Michael, Robin and Orbit.
Great news. I'm looking forward to the last book. I'm glad I got into this series early so now I'll have the 'collectible editions'.
That's really good news! Congratulations to Michael for getting signed with Orbit. I'm really looking forward to the last book. Thanks for the update. Looking forward to more books from Michael!
Terry, I save all of my ebooks to my computer for reasons like this. If I were you I woul dowwnload them to your computer just in case.Robin and Michael, that is great news. I am glad I can have a matching set even if they are ebooks.
Carrie, good idea. Thanks for the tip. I will. I'm still worried a number of people won't, though.
Great news. I can be patient and wait a little longer for the last book. :)
Great news! That is wonderful. Congrats again!I hope Michael is feeling better about things.
I do have one question. Will those of us who have 5 signed copies still be able to get the last one signed, so as to complete the set?
Waiting an extra six months for the conclusion is going to be torture, but I've no doubt it'll be worth the wait!
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When the older books go out of print - they don't poof - you bought them and you can have them forever - even if you archive them. At least that is my understanding of how Kindle works.
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The collectable editions will be going away soon...especially in print version so if you have partial sets and want to complete them out I suggest you do so sooner rather than later - Orbit will ONLY do Percepliquis - and will not produce "versions" of the 5 books that for now are still released. I think we'll have to remove the print versions in April.
You can get signed copies at 15% off from this link
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He is -- thansk for asking - he was VERY depressed for a few days but then a lot of people "recanted their outrage" and that perked him up. He's back hard at work writing Antithisis and waiting for edits from Orbit.
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One way or another ... yes... I don't have all the details on the Perceliquis only version but if we have to buy them from ORbit, sign them, then sell them you guys we will - even if it is at a loss.
Or maybe you and/or "we the fans" can persuade Orbit to sponsor or arrange a book signing tour.Then again, I'm due for a vacation. Wife has been wanting to go to NYC, maybe I can convince her to take a small detour in an effort to get a book signed and maybe enjoy a beverage or two with one of my favorite authors.
Robin, As you know, I have family in VA. That plus getting the book signed, and meeting you two (FINALLY), would make an EXCELLENT excuse for a trip! ;-)
Oh, and I'm glad Michael's feeling better. He's accomplished so much, and should be so proud of himself! He so deserves this - as do you!
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One way or another ... yes... I don't have..."
I'd LOVE to go on tour...and meet people here in DC or anywhere.
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As you know, I have family in VA. That plus getting the book signed, and meeting you two (FINALLY), would make an EXCELLENT excuse for a trip! ;-)
Oh, and I'm glad Michael's feeling better. He's accomplished so much, and should be so proud of himself! He so deserves this - as do you! "
How cool would that be! And yes it is good to have the "old Mike" back again - I hated seeing the strain on his face. Thanks for the well wishes and congratulations.
The first two omnibus editions have ISDNs and show up on GoodReads & Amazon: Theft of Swords & Rise of EmpireI've linked them onto the series page: Riyria Revelations.
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Here are the Amazon pre-order links (you can also "like" them - which will help with recommendations when the time comes:
Theft of Swords:
Rise of Empire:
Pretty good deal - Just a bit more than $20 for four books that normally would run about $43.00 - looks like another advantage for going with Orbit!
Based on the rankings it looks like some people are already ordering ;-)
The Riyria Revelations
Books mentioned in this topic
Rise of Empire (other topics)Theft of Swords (other topics)
I can't say more until the publisher makes an official announcement - but we'll give you all the details as soon as we can.