Friday, June 10, 2011

Breaking News!

Herself, my redoubtable editor, has emailed to say that  the team at Bantam Dell will be publishing Under the Skin as a trade paperback, * rather than a mass-market original,*        * and that it will be out October 18 -- a week earlier than the date they'd set previously!

Well.  I'm pretty thrilled by this, for several reasons. As I think I've mentioned before, it was never up to me in what format my books would be released.  I was perfectly thrilled to be published by a big New York publisher  and, I reasoned, the mass market paperback was cheap enough that perhaps more folks would take a chance on an unknown writer. 

But as time went on, and I begin to hear readers complaining about the small size of the print in my books and, as I learned that many of the top reviewers simply exclude mass market paperbacks from consideration, I began to feel a tad wistful.

I'm seeing this as a step up -- and a token of Herself''s confidence in me. I hope that those of you who read my books won't be deterred by the price hike. Plenty of time to begin saving those extra pennies.

The change hasn't shown up on Amazon yet. I don't know what the price will be -- nor what they'll do about those dear souls who've pre-ordered the cheaper version.

AND, it'll be out a week earlier. Good news after this very, very long wait for Elizabeth to find out about that peculiar message on the answering machine. . .

* Trade Paperback: A trade paperback book is a product between a mass market paperback and hardback. It uses the better quality paper of hardback, but the soft cover of mass market. The size is usually 6" x 9". Nowadays, these are priced around $15.


* Mass market: Literally, it means books of wide appeal that are directed toward a large, national audience. By application, it’s the size and construction of a book which is generally 6-3/4" x 4-1/4" and contains pulp paper in a perfect binding. Mass market Original or  Paperback Original simply means that the book was not first published in Trade or Hardcover. Price about $8.
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24 comments:

halloweencouple said...

cant wait to purchase it :)

Witch of Stitches said...

Whatever it costs, I'm in! XO

Christine said...

Wonderful news! I don't care how much it costs; I can't wait to read it! Hurry up October.

Martin said...

Well, your books are wonderful at any price, Vicki. My daughter is reading 'Signs in the Blood' just now, and she's well and truly hooked.

Unknown said...

Goody! Our NZ dollar is the highest it has ever been against the US dollar.. not all good news but great for ordering books!

Stella Jones said...

Since it comes out the week after my birthday and it's a special birthday this year! I am hopeful that someone will buy your book for me. I have enjoyed all your books and having now caught up, await the new one with excitement. I love the cover, if that's the one they go with and look forward to meeting up with Elizabeth again.

Desiree said...

Oh, wonderful news, Vicki! I'm thrilled for you! And I'll definitely be on the look out for my own copy :)

Thérèse said...

Oh I see what you mean. This is indeed great news.
Time for me after having discovered you through our commom thread Photograff to buy one of your books...

Brian Miller said...

that is awesome vicki...love that size as well...congrats on the move up...smiles.

Merisi said...

Wonderful news, Vicki, congratulations!

Barbara Rogers said...

That's wonderful! Can't wait to read it, and I love the comfortable feeling those larger paper backs have while holding and reading them. Kuddos!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Good for you!! My heartiest congratulations!!! Cathy

Amelia said...

Here's your Rock Star button, wear it proudly!
Congrats, and while I've enjoyed Elizabeth's adventures thoroughly regardless of her packaging, I'm so gald that both of you are getting your due recognition! xo

Jean Baardsen said...

Congratulations! A well-earned promotion! Love the photos too - especially the red spider.

Tammy said...

Your books are worth it! I'm glad this is a step up for you. And I can't wait to 'see' Elizabeth again. I need to email you as I finally read your latest book. (After it fell behind some others in the bookshelf and I completely forgot about it....geez...My mind is pretty mushy these days.)

Tammy

Jon Lee said...

Congratulations Vicki. I'm a fan. I have no problems spending the extra money.

Vagabonde said...

This is great news and I can understand why you are thrilled. I’ll be looking for it.

BB said...

Congratulations! I much prefer a trade paperback anyday. It's easier on the eyes in case I don't have my glasses on while at the beach or something. It's easier to hold too. Very happy for you!

NCmountainwoman said...

That is indeed WONDERFUL news! With few exceptions I refuse to buy the smaller paperback books. No doubt I miss some good books, but I really don't like the way they feel in my hands. (I made an exception for your books.) Can't wait for the publication, especially now that it will be a trade paperback.

Kath said...

congratulations!!!

Vicki Lane said...

Thank you, dear friends. for rejoicing with me! It's a much classier setting for Elizabeth and friends!

Nicole@Rare Bird said...

Well, as usual, I am a bit late to the party, but CONGRATULATIONS! We all anxiously await the story and rejoice with you in your good news!

Tipper said...

Sounds like good news to me too : )

JJM said...

Well, that answers that question: "Due to a lack of availability from our suppliers, we will not be able to obtain the following item(s) from your order ... "

I'm so glad I knew about the trade paperback. Now I know I should simply vulch (hang about like a vulchure) Amazon until they post the new version for sale.--Mario