As with everything else in our lives, things can change in our publishing careers. Sometimes they’re for the better, sometimes not.
I’ve been writing for a long time, which isn’t surprising since Visionary Wolf, my Harlequin Nocturne that’s being published in November, is my 50th traditionally published novel. During all those years, I’ve been dumped by two new editors assigned to me at different houses, though I still managed to continue with my publishing career–with the same publishing company in one instance. But those editor changes still managed to move my career in different directions.
I’ve also had several mystery series that I was writing end, for different reasons. Also, Visionary Wolf will be my last Nocturne despite its being my ninth book in my Alpha Force miniseries because the Nocturne line is ending, which I’ve known for a while.
And now? Well, I recently learned that my current mystery publisher, Midnight Ink, is going out of business next year. It’s part of Llewellyn, which will continue, but no more cozy mysteries.
I’d already had my first series with them, the Superstition Mysteries, end for various reasons. There have been four books in my current series, the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries, and I’ve turned in the manuscript for the fifth, which is to be a May 2019 release.
You notice that I didn’t put that sentence into the past tense. The MI authors were notified that although the company wasn’t buying any more books, those scheduled at least through July 2019 will still be published. Hopefully, that will remain the case.
But even so, there won’t be any more Barkery mysteries unless I find another publisher or decide to self-publish them.
Not sure yet what I’ll be doing, though I’m currently plotting new series ideas as well as others. Plus, I hope to remain published in romance, too.
Other career changes? Well, once upon a time I was a practicing attorney who also wrote fiction, before I became a full time writer. And before becoming a lawyer, I worked in advertising and public relations.
And you? Whether you’re a writer or a reader or both, I’m sure you’ve seen changes in your life, both professionally and personally. It definitely is part of living, and hopefully the changes are good–or we learn to somehow make the best of them.
What’s changed in your life lately?
Oh, and by the way: Happy Halloween, everyone!
The Writers in Residence 
You have given us a very sobering post, Linda, but we live in a world where stuff happens and things change. But we also have options like finding another publisher. With your incredible track record you do have many things in your favor. And there is always self-publishing which many of our writer-friends have opted for even before the big publishers started to downsize. Since you incorporate animals into your stories, maybe an animal rescue organization will link with your books so you can both reach folks who love our furry friends. Your love of dogs is a terrific way to reach people.
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There are always lots of options to deal with change. My mind is always at work, and yes, I am now focusing on a new idea that includes animals that I will consider self pubbing, depending on how it goes.
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Oops! Forgot to include my name!
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Linda, you are indeed a survivor and amazing for writing all those books. You have managed to land on your feet and I am sure you will find a new home for your Barkery series. Thanks, too, for the update re MI publishing until July 2019, that gives some authors a little relief. Diversifying as you have could be a lesson for us all to explore all genres if one falls away. I am awaiting conformation of ghostwriting a memoir and a script-to-book project. Any of you done that? I know it is backwards. The suspense is killing me!! So, Linda, onwards and upwards. As you note. one door closes, another opens. Life is an adventure.
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Thanks for the suggestions. Haven’t done either but am certainly willing to consider various options, including different genres!
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Wow, things are changing for you Linda! But you seem so resilient with all the different series and plot ideas. I admire you. And maybe it IS time to dip your toes in the self-publishing pool. Some have made a million dollars! (Haha – see my post a few months ago.) I can see you perhaps writing a legal mystery, or a legal thriller in the future too.
Me? Yep, a lot has changed for me recently too. I’m now officially an orphan. And have a great deal of responsibility and decisions to make in dealing with a small inheritance. What? How? When? Why? Time will tell… one step at a time… trusting in the One who knows all.
I hope YOU continue in some form of cozy mysteries!
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So sorry about your losses, but I am sure you will figure out what to do with your inheritance. I hope I can continue with cozies but, as I indicated, I will just have to see where my imagination and getting stories published one way or another takes me
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So sorry about your losses but I am sure you will figure out what to do with your inheritance. I hope to continue with cozies too but as I indicated I am willing to see where my imagination and the publishing industry lead me.
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Oops again! Using a different way to comment and am not doing well.
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Your excellent post, Linda, reinforced for me how life can and does change. And in our writing world in particular, there have been soooo many changes, especially in the last decade. Your ability to “ride with punches” (as I think the cliche goes) is inspiring. And thank you so much for sharing your experiences–sure does help in dealing with the trial and tribulations (another cliche(smile)) of our continually changing writing environment. I echo Jackie H’s thought that you continue with some form of cozy mystery.
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Thanks! We’ll see what happens…
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A very timely and thought-provoking post, Linda. Many authors in my circle are experiencing the same challenges with publishing. Those who have an established audience will self-publish; others may do it out of necessity, and the not-yet-published struggle with what to do. But we all keep writing. Then we look at our options — major publishing houses, smaller publishers and self-publishing — and choose whatever is best (or attainable) for each of us.
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I don’t have much of an “orphan” story. My first publisher, Oak Tree Press, put my first book out of print in 2013. But Cozy Cat Press picked me up soon thereafter. CCP has now put that first book back into print and I’ve written four other books for them. And recently OTP has closed its doors, so it all worked out for the best. Good luck to you, Linda. Your next publishing adventure will be even better.
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Glad things worked out so well for you. And I am definitely looking forward to whatever publishing adventures are out there for me!
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My goodness – you have been going through the mill, Linda! As we are all discovering, there are so many changes in publishing houses these days. But, you are a survivor, with a very grand list of books published. Something even better will appear for, I know. Thanks for sharing your latest challenges!
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