Up and Down
By Juliet Marillier | September 2, 2010 |
By the time this gets posted, I’ll be on a trip to attend two speculative fiction conventions, Au Contraire in New Zealand and AussieCon 4 in Melbourne. I have a busy schedule at both, appearing on panels, giving a workshop and fronting up for the Sir Julius Vogel Awards, for which my novel Heart’s Blood is short listed along with an interestingly diverse collection of other novels by New Zealand writers.
However, at the time of writing this post my mind is on the roller-coaster of publishing success and failure. I have plenty on the plus side of the ledger, with several books currently under contract, an international award earlier this year, and the Vogel short listing. But I’ve been feeling despondent about my writing career recently. It’s not lack of confidence in the current project, which is bubbling along nicely. It mostly has to do with my backlist.
I hate putting bad publishing news up on Writer Unboxed. I suspect it’s not sound business practise to parade one’s failures in a public forum. On the other hand, the WU community is one where honesty is valued, I think, and where we can all learn from each other’s ups and downs.
In the last year or so I’ve had several bumps on the publishing road. My publisher in Germany has dropped plans for a German edition of The Well of Shades, third novel in a series. My former UK publisher made a decision not to bring out Seer of Sevenwaters in a separate British edition. And three titles from my backlist have gone out of print in their UK editions. One, Foxmask, is also out of print in the US, though it’s still available in a Kindle edition.
It’s hard not to see such a pattern of events as a personal failure, sign of a career on the downslide. It’s hard not to fixate on the negatives and start scrabbling about for reasons or, worse still, apportioning blame. Did the agent negotiate an unrealistic advance? Were the books not pitched at the right readership? Was I stupid ever to believe the readers who loved the romantic, mystical, Celtic world of Sevenwaters and my first person female protagonists would forgive me for plunging into a Viking epic and then a big historical fantasy set in the kingdom of the Picts? Or were those just not very good books?
I don’t often slip into such a negative frame of mind, especially since my brush with cancer, which forced me to re-evaluate what was important to me. But I’ve always hated to fail. It’s at times like these, when the business news feels like a personal kick in the teeth, that a professional writer needs to take a step back. I took hold of my sad, disappointed, feels-like-a-failure self, and made these points:
1. This is your back list. Face forwards.
2. It’s too late to rewrite those books. They sink or swim on their merits. You can learn from what worked and what didn’t work. Apply that learning to your new writing.
3. You may love something and believe in it, but that doesn’t mean everyone else will feel the same. Accept it. Be proud of the book if it was good, and move on.
4. Publishers make these decisions based on sales. If bookstores have stopped ordering in copies of your book, why would the publisher keep it in print?
5. Don’t lay blame, either on yourself or others. Negativity is unproductive and unhealthy. The market changes. The global economy changes. It’s a volatile business.
6. The most important book is the one you are writing NOW.
That pep talk helped a lot! In particular, it reminded me that I still feel happy and confident about my current project (more about that in a future post.) And I have learned from the ups and downs. I’ve learned, among other things, that the publishing game is full of surprises. There’s no point in trying to second-guess the market; there are just too many factors involved. To a certain extent I have followed the advice of editors in planning new projects (far more than I did back in the days of Foxmask) but I’ve continued to write from the heart. Perhaps my main learning is not to be too ambitious; to retain the ability to be thrilled by the publication of a short story or by a modest reprint.
By the way, all my books are still in print in their Australian editions at this point. Now back to the work in progress.
Photo credit: © Farek | Dreamstime.com
Juliet Marillier has written twenty-four novels for adults and young adults and two collections of short fiction. Her works of historical fantasy have been published around the world and have won numerous awards. Juliet’s most recent series was Warrior Bards, of which the third and final book, A Song of Flight, was published in 2021. Her collection of reimagined fairy tales, Mother Thorn and Other Tales of Courage and Kindness, had its trade release in 2022. Mother Thorn is illustrated by Kathleen Jennings and published by Serenity Press.
Juliet is currently working on a two-book fantasy series. The first book in this duology, The Amber Owl, will be published by New Dawn in February 2025.
When not writing, Juliet looks after a small crew of rescue dogs.
Love number 6. I’m not in the same position as you are but I really needed to see this today. Thanks! :)
Juliet, thank you for bravely sharing both sides of the *writing career* coin. Even as I put the two words side-by-side (*writng* and *career*), I think doing so is a fallacy, which explains the downs for so many of us. Writing is not a conventional career, with a predictable, linear path. No matter how we’d all love to think of it as a potentially steady trajectory heading forward, it simply is not. And with the current state of publishing industry — which appears likely to continue unraveling — uncertainty, setbacks, disappointments and other such bumps on the road are going to become increasingly commonplace for all but an imperceptible fraction of writers.
Personally, I think the best reaction is to simply begin finding ways to make your success less dependent on publishers. Think, Seth Godin. I know — his case is pretty extreme and not feasible for most, but he’s got a good point.
PS — and — oh — maybe redefine *success?*
I was going to comment, but Sharon basically said it all. (Except I’ll refrain from “ditto-ing” the Godin stuff, b/c I have only marginally kept in the know about it.)
This post *was* very brave, and a good reminder for writers at any stage that being an author has its own pitfalls, just like any career. But your positivity is an inspiration, and I’m sure it played no small part in getting you to exactly the enviable position you’re in: making a living off your writing, winning awards, etc. :)
Thank you.
Great list. I like #1: “Face forwards” and #6. I’m sorry about your publishing bummers. :( That’s life, right? I’m glad you’re looking at it in a positive way and thanks for sharing those excellent points!
Thanks so much for your bravery and honesty in posting this, Juliet! It was absolutely something I needed to read today with the pre-book-launch jitters in full swing here! I think there’s almost always a reason that a writer *could* feel like a failure in this business if she lets herself. It’s such good advice to face forward and focus on the book you’re writing NOW. After all, that’s why you become a writer, right? Because you love the writing.
Upfront Award–Juliet, you have shared with readers some of the down moments that almost everyone experiences in one form or another, in any career, job or life choice.
That said, the bonus that you have shared as well is your own strategy of listing some facts in a positive way to counter-balance the sadness of these down moments.
For so many of us, the negative self-talk steps in and takes over.
In my point of view, you deserve this first-time (I think) Upfront Award for being so “upfront” about the vicissitudes of life as a writer. The use of a list strategy is a great way to process this moment.
Thanks from someone who works at keeping the negatives in perspective!
Patricia
PM_Poet Writer
Juliet, thank you. You’re not alone in having these roller-coaster emotions (this industry has a way of creating them in many of us!), and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated reading your post this morning when I’ve been feeling similarly. Sigh. Hang in there. And thanks again for the wise and very helpful advice. Wishing you a wonderful trip. :)
Facing forward – good advice. There is so much that we can’t control about this industry, which is frustrating. But thanks for being brave and sharing your wild ride with us.
There really are so many factors that aren’t part of what we contribute — the book — but since the author’s name is on it, the author is bound to feel the sting in a much more personal way. Plus, publishers and bookstores are dealing with scores of books, making it easier to stay emotionally detached when expectations aren’t met. :)
Congrats on all your successes, past and future. :)
Always great to see bravery/vulnerability expressed. Now, I don’t know what your contractual arrangements are for those backlisted books but IF you can secure the rights (or have never relinquished them) they may have a great afterlife as ebooks. Look in on http://www.jakonrath.com for a graduate seminar on wringing riches from a backlist. It could just be an opportunity in disguise.
Thanks all for your comments and especially Patricia for the UpFront Award (makes up for missing out on the Vogel Award this year ;))
My books are mostly already available as e-books as well as in print form, though the complicated entanglement of international rights means they are not available to every reader in a wide range of formats.
Thanks for the perspective. I’m stuck with a remaindered book with its sequel coming out next year, and then the publisher announces it has canceled that imprint. What do I do with book 3 which is written, and book 4 which is my WIP?
Yet I do have 5 books published, which is where I should be focused, right?
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Thanks for sharing such a personal part of yourself. You are not alone is this situation and it’s such a great help to others to know their feelings of self-doubt and insecurities, in deed, their simple sadness is shared, validated and understood. That being said, go forth and thrive to the best of your ability. What you’ve said is deeply appreciated.
Thanks so much for sharing. As an unpublished author it makes me feel so much better to know that even the really good authors have their self-doubts.
Glad realistic, optimistic Self had a good talking to with down-and-out Self. Eat some chocky and repeat numbers 5 & 6 frequently. :)
I nodded my way through your list, Juliet. Though I’m sorry for these less-than-ideal publishing decisions regarding your books, I’m grateful you’ve shared details with us. It does help to know that this is just the way the publishing industry works. It’s not an easy or kind business, and it’s never personal.
And as for Foxmask, it already had a permanent spot on my keeper shelf; now I’ll appreciate it even more. I loved that book.
Thanks, Juliet.
Firstly..
You could never, ever be a disappointment to us Juilet. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the epic viking tales as much as I adore the Sevenwaters books.
Your soul-stirring tales whisper of voices long living within the shadows.. tis your gift which brings their stories to our humbles lives. Dear Goddness, how could you think these failures?? Your writing is a joy.. every delicious word!
Your courageous life reflects in your beautiful heroines, and I am inspired. Oh so inspired.
Second..
tis a wintery disapointment for the Germans to not have your glorious novel in their native tongue. What is wrong with the publishers there?
Thirdly.. the English are fools for not printing the Seers. A wonderous tale, which still dances with me in my dreams.*thank you!*
Fourthly.. I am disappointed in my American cousins (I’m of Celtic/Sioux blood) for their lack of foresight in printing the next edition is simply idiocy, and I am embarressed!
Lastly, always write from your heart. As long as you do so, us, your loyal and devoted followers will continue to love you! Thank you for sharing with us your vulnerable side. Makes us love you evermore xx
Your post points out how, no matter where you are on the spectrum (as a writer, published or unpublished or in any other field for that matter,) there are ALWAYS ups and downs and demons to face. No one likes to talk about it, least of all on a blog because it may not be “a sound business practice.” We need to hear it though, and for some, it can be a long stretch of disappointment before good news shows up. After I repeat all the stuff on your list to myself, I’ve added “be prolific.” In other words, keep on keepin’ on. No one has invented a way to see around corners yet, so it’s good to stay in the moment and put our “failures” in the context of the big picture. We don’t yet know the ending, so the choice to keep going is easier to make.
I’m sorry to hear that your publisher here in Germany dropped publishing plans – maybe I should buy your books in German from now on? I really prefer to read them in their original language though, so I usually get them from the foreign books section.
Just a thought, but maybe people prefer to buy single books over series in times of economic downtime because they don’t want to commit to future spendings. So seeing “book 3 of …” written on the cover might turn readers away that otherwise would be interested. As they should be, because your books are wonderful!
Yes, just like speculating in the stock market, one can never figure out which way publishing is heading at given time, so #5 is absolutely correct.
One can only continue doing your #6.
And amen to #1. Face forwards. Always.
Most books go out of print eventually. At least take comfort in that. It sounds like these books did pretty well at one point if they were getting published internationally.
It sounds like you have a positive attitude, though, and are willing to work to maintain that. Good for you. Keep that chin up.
One of the things I’ve asked my kids to do is look at the lifestyle involved in their future career choices. When they have the information about “reality” and still decide to move forward, they can proceed from a different place. That’s why I’m grateful for posts like these. Truth is preparation. Here’s hoping your truth becomes more outwardly affirming in the next bit.
There are very few writers whose work I look for – maybe three, four writers – who books always have a place on my shelf. I do have everything you’ve written, and I know many, many other readers who do. You are such a popular author here in Australia and there are many people who speak in reverent tones of your characters, of your stories and of the heartrending scenes you write.
I realise what you’re talking about is the issue of breaking into and sustaining new markets. And I am sure those are important things. But success, writing success, is about so much more than that. The reason we write is because we have something to stay, stories to sell and meanings we see in life that we want to share. At the risk of being presumptuous, I would guess that you write not only to share your stories, but also to share your love and knowledge of druidic lore and celtic wisdom.
If your writing career is measured against those goals, then it has already been a triumph. You have touched thousands of hearts, shared your learning and given readers a new perspective on life. That’s success on a grand scale, by any writer’s standards.
It all has to be seen in perspective, of course. This weekend I’m at Worldcon in Melbourne, surrounded by speculative fiction enthusiasts and fellow professionals, and it’s hard to feel down under such circumstances. I signed many books for fans yesterday. I do have several book contracts on the go and a novel that is progressing well. Like the dips on the roller coaster, these low patches don’t last forever.
To answer a couple of points: re German publication, my original German publisher, Droemer, is bringing out an edition of Heir to Sevenwaters and may also re-issue the Sevenwaters Trilogy, so that balances out the loss of The Well of Shades.
Re stand-alone titles versus series, my agent’s advice was that (in fantasy, at least) publishers currently want series. For young adults in particular, a series that attracts loyal readers is welcome in the current economic climate.
Juliet, you can please some people some of the time, but it would be rare to please all the people all of the time. You have established such a huge and loyal readership with past successes that the only way IS forward.
No doubt the publishing world is changing but I suspect you, above many others, can roll with the changes and I for one will be pre-ordering any of the new titles as they are advertised.
Best wishes and thanks for the insightful post.
Thanks, Prue. I am feeling pretty positive after four days at Worldcon – it’s been both exhausting and energising.
Thank you for your honesty concerning the ups and downs of publishing. It is a tough business. I think that you are right to look towards the future, but it is normal to look at what is going on with all your books because so much effort went into them.
Bon courage!
I am quite surprised that your career might be even slightly bumpy and that because of it you may sometimes doubt yourself as a writer. Knowing this, I am quite disappointed with your publishers here in the UK and I will write to them. I am concvinced that all you need is a bit more publicity.
It is true that the fantasy fiction is not for everyone but please you need to know that for those like myself, who absolutely love your books , your writing skills and your talent in storytelling are exceptionnaly amazing. I love ALL your books!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us, it does open one’s eyes to the challenges and struggles of a writer and to the publishing industry which is after all a money making business – not always fair in my opinion.
I can see that you are doing a good job in the self-peptalking but even if the sales of some of your books in some of the countries are not as you (or your publisher) had hoped, it is certainly not because your books are not good enough. I think that it is because not enough people know your books and you did not get the publicity you deserve.
My friends never heard about you but once I got them sarted on Sevenwaters, they all love it and agree that you are an exceptionnally talented writer. I hope that the word about you spreads and reaches the ears of the publishers…
Your books are amazing, just so that you know and never doubt it.
Thanks so much for this post, Juliet. You’re a writer whose work I admire, and honestly it’s a comfort and a relief to hear that someone whose skill I hold in such great regard has questions and frustrations about their writing career. I certainly have them with my own writing career! I’ve had pieces that didn’t turn out as well as I wanted, works that I discarded, that weren’t always received positively or properly promoted. I can honestly say though that the writing itself is what matters and what lasts, and you have to write what inspires you. Your books have travelled with me in backpacks and helped me through times of loneliness and change when I’ve lived in far away parts of the world, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who could say so. I look forward to reading your future work.
[…] read this blog post by Juliet Marillier (one of my favorite writers when it comes to romance and love), and it inspired me to follow up on […]
Juliet, I love your work. What I see many writers doing as their work goes out of print is turning to ebooks to get their backlist out there. This does require learning a new language or hiring someone to do it for you, but it opens up another world and gives you more control over the books you’ve worked so hard on. And it gives you a little more power and the publishers less power over you–options are always a positive thing.