Or more accurately, start the presses.
I’ve gotten feedback from readers that moving forward with new books this year is the wrong course to steer. They’ve convinced me that until I get all the books out in all the formats (ebook, audio, and – most importantly – paperback), I should not move forward with new work.
Of course, ideally, I’d be able to do both but there are only so many hours in the day. Every hour I take away for writing is an hour I’m not working on getting the paperbacks ready.
So, new course.
I just published the ebook of Hermit of Lammas Wood – the final volume of Tanyth Fairport’s first trilogy. It’s available on Kindle, Nook, and Kobo. (Links point to US stores so you may need to adjust for your local.)
That will be the last new book until I get the entire catalog published in paper.
Realistically, that should take four to five months but it will probably take closer to six. I’ve eight titles and each book takes two to three weeks to get prepped, laid out, and proofed. Maybe once I’ve done a few, I’ll be able to speed up a bit.
Quarter Share is out in paperback now and I have the galley proof for Half Share sitting on my desk. I have some overdue audio work that will have priority this week but next week I’ll be back in the vaults working through the old books one more time.
Would you please clarify . What does this do for Owner’s share, (which I understand is off in editing ( by Chief Bailey, I suspect)). Does that fall under the category of a new book as it has not been published other than podcast or does this fall as one of ” all the books out in all the formats”?
Thanks for pointing this out, Mike. It was clear in my mind but not on the page. This post is only about writing new books. Not the books that are already written. What it means is that it’s going to be months (not weeks) before there’s new content.
South Coast and Owner’s Share are still in the queue. As soon as I can get them edited, I’ll publish them in ebooks and then they’ll go at the end of the paperback line for when I get there.
FWIW, the editor for Owner’s Share is out of the hospital and I’m hoping I’ll see some progress there as the pain medications taper off. She’s still dealing with other medical issues, so we’ll see. Fingers crossed.
And in less positive news, South Coast has come back to me as the editor has taken a turn for the worse and will be unable to continue editing. I’ve moved on to the next editor on the list but I now have scheduling issues in getting into those queues.
This post only refers to my sitting down and writing new books.
And having said that, I have to confess that I’m probably going to sneak a few new words out here and there. If I have to sit and deal only with old words for the next five or six months, I’ll probably scoop my eyeballs out with a rusty spoon and check myself into the psych ward. What those words will be or who they’ll be about, that’s all up for grabs.
But since I’ve been chastised – quite appropriately – for promising more than I’ve delivered, I’m going to stop promising. It’s the only honorable thing to do.
Thank You
I can’t say I agree with whatever other reader feedback you’ve received. Everything is out there in one form or another. What’s the big hurry with publishing in all forms? I know you’ve had delays that were out of your control, but it’s been more than 3 years since the early Christmas present you provided with the release of Owner’s Share on Podiobooks.com.
I’m jonesn’ for some new Ishmael Wang here. Adding at least 5 months to your latest schedule is very disappointing.
Really wish you’d reconsider and work a new novel or two in while you are dealing with the publishing issues.
I’ll try but I can’t promise anything, Sal.
Same here. I’d rather have new content than old content in a new form.
Personally,
I would prefer to see new content over paperbacks. I love Ishmael Wang and I am disappointed to that I will have to wait even longer for the next addition to his life. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do but if you find that getting those books other books edited and formatted is taking an inordinate amount of time, you should take a break and start writing again!
I’d prefer new content, too, Adam.
Let me take care of this back log of work. It shouldn’t be too long now.
Just to add my (unsolicited) two cent’s worth: please, DON’T forsake writing new books just to satisfy the demands of paper- only readers! Or to please some obsessive need to have everything done perfectly in every format possible! Your mental health matters! You are a WRITER, not an editor, and the need you have to create is something that shouldn’t be stifled or treated as of secondary importance.
This isn’t a matter that’s up for a vote, but my vote is: keep writing and devote a portion of time each week to working on the paperbacks. But only a portion.
I agree with the people above. Getting out everything in paper and audio is an important step, but while I crave signed hardbacks (I know… not currently in the works), I am willing to forgo those forever if it is an option of paper vs new books in epub or audio, but not both. I would most like to have all of the stories you can publish – in any format. I enjoy your stories that much. I say create when you feel like it… when the urge drives you. Don’t put it off your creativity just because you feel you need to satisfy all of us in every way. The other tasks can happen when you don’t feel creative.
Dear Nathan,
Having listened to your morning walk for close to a year, I would like to make a suggestion.
Go to Panerra’s for coffee each day, and write for an hour or two. Drive there when it snows. You could do the drudgery of paperwork at home. I have never heard you happier than when you were writing The Hermit! You deserve that joy as many days as possible. You went through too much for your eyes to be gouging them out now! Perhaps writing feeds the inner you, and you need it? If you got new books done, you could hold them back until all the older ones were out.
That being said, when your books are out in print, I will buy them for my favorites library. But I sure couldn’t wait that long to read or hear them. I love your books. Listening from Florida, a fan.
Shauna makes a lot of sense here I think. You might be surprised what 1 or 2 hours a day would do for you and what you would produce that way. It would give you freedom for that time and probably energy to do the other stuff you need to do. I’d give this some serious thought.
I’ve got to say that idea of you spending months of grinding to get all the books out in print, is profoundly depressing. I loved Hermit and was really look forward to seeing more new words later in the year.
I suspect that you are going to find the grind so discouraging that it will take longer than the estimated six months. When you are not enjoying what you are doing, you seem to have a tendency to get distracted by just about anything, so we’ll get yet more morning talks with you sounding totally demotivated and reporting you’ve made no progress.
I seriously think you would produce more faster, by alternating between writing new stuff and republishing the older books in new formats.
I’m pretty certain the majority of your readers would prefer to see new content, instead of the old content in all formats. Sure, that would be nice to have, but it’s not as important as producing new more profitable books.
Perhaps you should run a survey of your readers to see what the majority want to see you doing next.
Converting from audio to written is a task that you’re going to have to be the one to do at least the majority of work on. BUT, that being said, the process of converting from eBook to pBook is something you can easily hire out. Getting into a text format is the hard part. The rest is annoying but can mostly be off-loaded, IMHO. And certainly, once the initial conversion to text is done, and published, anyone with a computer or device of any sort has access to it. Yes, they may want a paperback. Personally, I don’t, but I understand that there are those who do. BUT, while they wait for the paperback, they can read it in eBook format easily.
I strongly urge you to reconsider here. Spending all your days reading physical proofs is beyond tedious (I know, I’ve done it!) and is an absolute mind-numbing (and dumbing) process. You’ll need to find a way to get some creative time in or you really will want to dig out that rusty spoon.
Charlie, the books are already in text and putting them into a galley is a matter of a couple of hours.
But then I have to check the galleys. That is something I cannot outsource and that’s what takes the time.
For reference, Half Share took me about 4 weeks to write originally. It’s had 12-14 editing passes already. When I moved it to print and starting working thru the galley, all kinds of problems showed up. I’ve got about 60 hrs into that book on this pass and I’m only about half done.
Yeah, I could take the ebooks and just plug and play, but that’s not the product I want to put out.
You’re right about the mind numbing. Add to that it’s soul sucking because these old books are old books. I don’t write like that any more.
I’m seeing if I can work around it some how. Maybe put out a paperback and then write something new. Maybe split the days. It’s never worked in the past but maybe I’m at a point where I can now.
We’ll see.
It seems like the only part you have control of is the writing part. You keep getting delay after delay in the editing. If you go ahead and write then once done you can sit back and wait for the editing to run its course. I own your books in in ebook format and in paper when available, but I would rather have new material than wait for paper. Thanks for the heads up and will start your latest book tonight.
Hey, Nate. I realized about halfway through last year that I had to do this – get everything produced in all formats (ebook, paper book, and audio) before writing anything new. It sucks, but it’s worth doing. I want just two books total on my plate – one in draft and one in production. Not one in draft and ten in production. Not three in draft and five in production. Just two books at a time. I’m almost there. Ironically, paid audio is the last piece.
I don’t know how you’re laying out your print interiors, but I used tutorials on Lynda.com to teach myself Indesign, and it was worth the effort. The program is industry standard, and it’s cheep to rent by the month. It’s a steep learning curve, but once you know the short cuts and create some templates, you can move through a paper interior in a few hours with beautiful results. This gave me the ability to fix a new round of typos periodically in my paperbacks. I don’t have to pay someone else to go back into the file, and I never have to feel like the current version is written in stone for all time. My cover designer takes longer to create the full-spread cover than I do to finish the interiors.
I don’t you know what you mean by “check the galleys.” Are you talking about the proof copy that CreateSpace sends? I turn every page, make sure all spacing is appropriate, title page looks right, graphics are OK, make sure italics are showing up, make sure each title page has dropcaps or whatever I’m using on that series. And then I call it good. Are you saying that you’re doing another typo/continuity-edit on those proof copies? Why? You can *always* find more typos, Nate. Always and forever. If you’re really worried about it, offer your readers 10 paper books (do a drawing or something) to proof. Send them books, have them mark errors, send back to you, then send them a clean signed copy. Or something even more special; whatever. Insta-proof readers. And 10 pairs of eyeballs will find more errors than your single pair ever will.
But seriously, let the typos and the bad writing go. People want the books. They’re willing to pay for them. If they complain, then think about more editing. Otherwise, let it go.
I have been writing and finishing novels since I was 15. I’m 36 now. Some of those early books are published – not in their original forms, but still! Do you know what my 15-year-old writing looks like to me now? But people love those stories. Your current writing will look bad to you in 10 years, but you should not go back and try to fix it all. Make it available in all formats and move forward. Re-evaluate if readers complain.
Thanks, Abbie.
I do the layouts in LyX — it’s a LaTeX front end and takes about two hours from html to pdf. I bit the bullet last year on that and built my templates the way I want them, complete with the code for handling the graphical elements of the chapter headings, and scene breaks. That part is – like – what I do while I’m waiting for a fresh pot of coffee.
Checking the galleys is – as you guessed – checking each page of the proof for layout, correct placement, etc – but I’m also making sure that the text lays correctly on the page. That includes things like the right dialog tags, continuity errors, typos, and the like. I’m sure I’m not getting them all but I’m finding at least one thing on every page on Half Share.
The writing is the writing. I’m committed to leaving it as intact as possible (given that it’s had about ten drafts since it was podcast), but I’ll still give it one more pass.
Quarter Share wasn’t bad. A couple of weeks and it was ready to go.
Half Share (the one I’m working on now) is a mess, but I’ve only got about 50 pages left to go so – after my audio work tomorrow – I might finish this.
I’ve got Full Share on deck and just need to get into CreateSpace and get it uploaded so I can order a proof. I’ll make the changes in Half while the proof is being shipped.
Looking at Double, Captain’s, Ravenwood, Zypheria’s Call, and Hermit … and I’m still hoping I’ll get Owner’s Share back from the editor one of these days and that one’s huge.
South Coast has gone into hiatus while I wait for a slot to open with a replacement editor. Holding that one back until the rest of the books are out probably makes a lot of sense because then I’ll be able to move from ebook to paper and put that one to bed.
That will only leave me with two books that need to be recorded. Zypheria’s Call – at about 110k and Hermit at about 85k – so about six weeks worth of work between the two of them.
Stacked up, realistically with the way I work? I have no idea at all how long it’ll take. The newer books should be smoother because they’re cleaner. They’ll also go faster because I’ll be so tired of them, I’ll probably start pushing them out the door without covers 🙂
Thanks for the words of encouragement. 🙂
Nathan,
Don’t burn your self out trying to get all the books out in a short period of time. I am waiting patiently for new podiobooks from you as I can listen to them in the car on my to and from work (for some reason the cops frown on reading books while driving).
Are you going to release the ebooks in the epub format in the future?
Keep up the good work.
Duncan
Duncan, All the books that are out as ebooks are also available as epubs from both B&N and Kobo.
Nathan,
I have read or listened to every book you’ve written, and have really enjoyed them all. I’m with the others here who are longing for more fresh works rather than new versions of older works. For me personally, I’m happy with electronic formats (e-book, audio), and I have no intentions of buying your paper books (sorry!) … why do I need them multiple times? Anyway, I guess we can all have our opinions, and that’s my two-cent’s worth. I just bought The Hermit of Lammas Wood yesterday, and hopefully that will help keep starvation off until fresh works are back on the menu!
Hungry and hoping, Brian
Nathan,
I got my son signed copies of the first three trader tales books, and I have all your ePub books in both series available. I really enjoy your podcasts, and I am enjoying Hermit. I’m halfway through reading it. I look forward to reading your stories, in electronic form, and probably in paperback as well. That said, the most important thing is for you to keep this a process that is viable for you. Keep up the good work, and know that you have thousands of readers/listeners/fans who appreciate your work.
Best wishes,
John
Nathan,
You’re the captain, Captain…it’s not a vote. I know how I’d vote – I whined about having to wait until 2015 before another Lammas Wood story…but the gnats have to slapped down from time to time. And once they’re gone? I’m thinking that content and new books won’t be an issue because there won’t be any gnats biting any more. Just my $0.02 – I’d love to have new content – but if shooting down the gnats removes the distractions that allow you to write, I’ve got a shotgun I’ll lend you 🙂
Good Luck – and follow your instincts. They’ve been pretty good so far.
Marc
pleas do more new work last years delays where good to me I found four new wrighters to follow but I don’t think you really want your core supporters turning away from you. I also follow kindle and audio.
lol ok we would never do that but waiting is so frustraighting.
Please wright more new books or at lest alternate
Nathan,
I have to agree with Marc – do what you feel you need to do. We all have our opinions, but you’re the one that needs to keep your creative self happy and healthy. Hopefully whatever you decide will be the right thing for you! I have just purchased the Hermit on kindle, and am looking forward to reading it.
That said if you want my two cents worth… I’m with the majority of the people above. I yearn for new content especially ebooks and audiobooks. I absolutely love the audiobooks, and I listen the ones I have over and over and over (I haven’t gotten into the morning walks yet). I find your voice engaging, comforting and calming. Again, echoing what is above… it’s all out there in one form or another, and we all have different preferences. While one may prefer audiobooks, ebooks or paper… if it’s available in a format that’s not my first preference I’m happy to enjoy new content in whatever format until my preferred format becomes available.
I’ve shared your audio books with many friends and family, and they all love them as well. One of my neighboors used to be in the Merchant Marine, and has been listening to Ishmael’s journey during her morning workouts. She says it’s a great way to reminisce about her own journey through a familiar landscape.
Trust Lois!
Thank you for your work. I put you and Scott sigler as two authors who I really love hearing read their own works. I’m looking forward to Zypherias tales on Podiobooks but I will say to you what I say to Scott; I would cheerfully buy an audiobook from you (even without the free taste on Podiobooks). I’m not trying to talk you out of a Podiobooks release because it’s great for lots of people and I never would have found your stuff without it. But I’ll buy the audiobook, please. 🙂
I’m looking at remixing some of the older stuff .. and at creating the new stuff with an eye toward “audiobook” formats.
It will not be Audible. Ever. Just sayin’
But I noticed that CreateSpace has a place for mp3 sales. So.. maybe.
Well, well, Captain. You sneaked up on me with Hermit. I found it yesterday and of course, I bought it and read it through. What a wonderful finish to a heart-warming series. Thank you so much for all the pleasure you’ve given me with Tanyth as well as Ishmael. Whenever you decide to publish them, I’ll buy them.
For what it’s worth, all of my books are on Kindle now – my shelves are full so paper format is not for me.
Captain,
There is nothing to say other then thank you! It was wonderful to walk in the woods with Tanyth. Promise us nothing but do one thing keep telling the stories. I return to your writings time and time again simply to have a place to have my heart filled with life in all its forms. Thank you for all your hard work.
Nathan,
I was thrilled when you decided to spend one month writing new content and one month working on production demands. You sounded so much more grounded and balanced in your morning walks. You were more upbeat and hopeful. Most of your audience found your work via electronic media. Paper is fine, but not at the cost of your joy for writing. I don’t care what format you tell your stories. I just want to have you tell us stories. Pick the formats that work best for you. If you want us to meet you at a campfire, we’ll bring the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. You seem to enjoy audiobooks and manage ebooks. The paperbacks seem to involve bamboo splinters in your eyelids. If you never publish in paper, most of us will manage.
You can’t please everyone. Do what will make your soul soar, not what people guilt you into feeling you should do. Life is too short to worry about getting everything perfect before you do what you are craving to do. Don’t forget what happened to the mathmatician who spent all his creative energy writing a huge proof showing that 1+1=2 in preparation of the next bits he wanted to write only to burn out and never get to the Maths no one else had ever thought of.
Just saying. You are a creator. Only you can create these stories. And I can only imagine the joy creating must bring you. Follow your joy.