My Sad News, With A Silver Lining...

I don’t know how to do this, other than to just rip off the Band-Aid and do it, so here goes: Last week I received an email from my agent telling me that my release date has been pushed back six months…which means *sob* March of 2010.

I have to admit, the first 100 (or so) times that I read the email, all I could see was: "DELAYED! DELAYED! DELAYED!" It was not a pretty scene at my house, all the crying and the tissues and the puffy eyes. My husband was the one who had to point out that there were other words in the email too. (And can I just say, thank god for supportive husbands…they don’t say anything when you’re drinking wine with your ice cream, and they make sure that the 8-year-old goes to school in clothes that aren’t out of the dirty clothes hamper.)

So, as sad as I am over the news, and believe me, besides the crying, I’ve also spent a few days in total denial (and with my face buried in box after box of Girl Scout cookies!), there is a silver lining to the announcement. The request came directly from the Sales Department at HarperCollins because they want to make a bigger marketing push for The Body Finder. This is great, it means that the book will get more attention (and hopefully more marketing $$$).

And even though I’m being pushed back, their reasons seem to be for the best. To be honest, I’m already seeing an increase in attention from the publisher, which makes it really hard to complain.

I kind of felt like I was slipping between the publicity cracks (my deal was only 12 months from handshake to scheduled release, which is SHORT in the publishing world), so it really is better this way.

But, still, I'm a total baby, and the waiting will, in all reality, probably kill me!

Okay, I may be a tad dramatic too!!!

Comments

PurpleClover said…
Oh I'm sorry! But it definitely sounds like good news! I know it sucks when you are waiting anxiously for something to happen that has been a long time in the process just to find out you have to wait even longer.

At least you will get more marketing for it! It sounds like a good thing!

By the way...congrats on making it to 50! lol.
Alea said…
Aww I don't do well with change so that would really upset me, but it does seem like it's for a GREAT reason! Congratulations for all the marketing, sounds great!
lisa and laura said…
More marketing = Better sales, right?? I'm sure it's hard to digest at first, but it's pretty amazing that the marketing and sales department actually requested the extension! I bet they have big plans for your release and want to make sure the buzz around your debut is made of fabulousness.

So..YAY! Good news!
My husband texted me to tell me that I'd reached 50, and I texted back: "Good, now Purple Clover can rest"

His response: "What???"

Ahaha!! Thanks for the support!
Thanks Alea and L&L -- Now that I've had a few days to absorb the news (and the extra calories!), I'm feeling so much better about their decision...it'll definitely be for the best, I think!!
Tabitha said…
Oh! I'm sorry! :( I think I'd be just as sad, even if it meant more marketing. The whole idea of seeing your work on the shelves is so...well...fulfilling.

Glad you have that silver lining though. :)
PurpleClover said…
That is so funny. I congratted Suzanne as well for hitting the BIG 50. I have clinicals tomorrow and a big exam on Tuesday...definitely needed the rest! No sleepless nights. ahhh.

lol.

By the way, now at least you can join the Tenners! Christy will have to throw you a big To Do. (if you aren't already part of them)
Thanks Tabitha! I know they'll be there, eventually *sigh*

Hey PClo - Glad we could help you out...I wouldn't want you falling asleep over patients!!! (And good luck on your exam!)
I'm sad too! 6 months more I have to wait to read it :(
Heidi Willis said…
I'm so sorry! I'd look exactly like that picture if it were me.

But you (and your hubs) are probably right... it might turn out to be much better timing, with more personal attention - and better funding!!

you've worked a long time to get here... hopefully a few months more won't kill you!
Sadako said…
Sorry about that--but as others have pointed out, at least it's all for the best! Hugs!
Unknown said…
OH, Kim, I'm sorry too, but I still looking forward to reading it!
Tara Maya said…
Oh, I'm sorry. :(

Hopefully it will give you more time to get word out about your book.
Kelsey said…
Omg, that completely sucks Kimberly! I would probably had the same reaction as you!

But at least there's a good side to it! To bad it will probably take longer to see the cover though. :(

But I'll be here, waiting and waiting for it! I still definitely REALLY want to read it!
Aw, I'm sorry. I'd have been upset too I'm sure, but that's good they want to focus more publicity on the book!! I just hope it all works out for the best and you're really stoked when it is released...as I'm sure it all will be. :)

-lauren
You guys are awesome! Thanks for being so supportive!!! :)
Shalonda said…
Oh this makes me sad, but I am so glad that you have such a supportive husband. Just having people who are there for you to lean on seems to make everything better.

I'm glad that the publishers are going to take a strong marketing approach. Congrats on that!

And of course, I'm still gonna buy a copy! Now matter what the release date!
Aww, thanks Shalonda, I'm so glad you guys are willing to wait for it!!! I promise to post some good news next time! :)
PJ Hoover said…
There are so many good things in this. The economy will be better. More people will buy it. You'll have more time for them to market it. Your second book will be in rocking shape by then.
But I'm sorry you're sad. And is there a problem with wine and ice cream? Wine goes with everything. Ditto ice cream. It's perfect!
Tam and John said…
Good things come to those who wait... :-)
Leigh Purtill said…
It's a good thing, Kimberly! Even if it feels like a big letdown, more marketing for your book is good news and in this economic climate, believe me, you want all of it you can grab.
Patti said…
I hate waiting, so that must totally suck but it looks like it might turn out for better in the end. Congratulations.
Christy Raedeke said…
I know this must seem like the OB telling you at 8.5 months that you're going to need to bake the baby for an additional 2 months, BUT the bright side is VERY bright! More publicity, more marketing, and you're now a TENNER!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!
The Whirlwinds said…
Oh. Don't worry. Your future readers are just as sad! Thank you for following our blog, I've been enjoying reading your back posts for a little while now. I hope you enjoy the Maelstrom and I hope that the interblogonetosphere will let us follow along the road to publication with you.

Thank you again,
Aella
Little Ms J said…
Silver lining, sister! This is great news! I know that it feels awful, but there are so many positives and when you're signing books and working it you're not going to think much about those extra six months. I'm thrilled out of my skin for you. I just had two Thin Mints in your honor.
Christy -- I am thrilled to be a Tenner. Not so much about being *pregnant* for six extra months ;)

Aella -- *interblogonetosphere*, my new favorite word!!! Glad you're willing to wait!

Ms. J -- You should try dunking your Thin Mints in ice cream. And then wine. Mmmm....
Hey PJ -- There nothing wrong with ice cream and wine, unless that's what you're eating for dinner. Every night!

And Tam -- I think we both know that patience isn't my strong suit...

Leigh and Patti -- I'm certain that this will be the best thing in the long run. I already believe it! And, yeah, a better economy can't hurt either!!
Oh that's tough! It's hard for you now, but I have to agree--in the long run, it will be good for you! You've got my support--hang in there, and March will be back before you know it!
KK said…
Oh Kim, I'm so so sorry! I can only imagine how disappointed you must be, but I know everything happens for a reason. Now, quite selfishly, I'm really pissed off that a party is being pushed back 6 months....any cookies left?? If so, I'm sure they go great with champagne...
TCR -- I saw your post (Anticipation) and am so thrilled that THE BODY FINDER made your list!!! Hang in there, it'll be out before you know it! :)

Hey Karm -- Cookies and champagne...great idea!!! Someone may have just come up with my tapas dish for next New Years...
Barrie said…
You can't go wrong with a bigger marketing push. And what a fun story this will all make on Oprah!
Ooh, great idea, Barrie! I'll have to add this to my list of Oprah-anecdotes!!! ;)