Thursday 2 February 2012

BLOGFLASH... Severing Ties...

Last October I temporarily broke from the novel writing and ventured into the mystical (to me) world of e-publishing with the help of Trestle Press.  Pretty soon into this exciting phase of my writing journey, warning bells began to tinkle... but, alas, not loud enough it seems.

I won't ramble on, as I'll later point you in the direction of a fellow writer who has done the most balanced and pertinent post to date on this subject... and believe me, there are a lot of people talking about this!

The upshot is that Trestle Press are being heavily criticised for allegedly using ebook cover artworks without permission. I've never been one for bad-mouthing folk, so I'll bite my lip, hard, and leave it at that.

However, I am extremely proud of the reputation I've worked hard to build, both as a writer and ezine editor, so I've emailed Trestle's Giovanni Gelati and asked him to withdraw 'Manchester 6' from sale.  I also asked Gio for sales details and payment.  For the record, I actually supplied the photo used for my cover.  Unfortunately, some highly respected writers have been sucked into this controversy.

Personally, it's a bummer, as my ebook seemed to be consistently selling, which is one good thing, I suppose.  Other authors, I know and respect, had more than one ebook with Trestle, so I'm genuinely gutted for them.  They've since jumped ship.  I just hope the stormy seas calm down soon...

The whole episode (which is fast becoming a 'series') has left a very sour taste.  It's a steep learning curve and no doubt we'll reassess matters, then endeavour to have our ebooks back on the market.  I have every faith that our strongly knit online writing community will support the innocent authors involved.

I'd be interested to hear what you think of this 'mess', so please do feel free to comment below.

Anyway, that excellent post I mentioned is from Luca Veste, and is much more articulate and comprehensive than mine.  Read it here.

Pondering,
Col

13 comments:

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

I feel for you, and all the others involved. In the end all you got is your name and your word. Hope it all gets sorted for you all!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Sean. Appreciate that, bud.

Kate Pilarcik ~ absolutely said...

Col ~

Takes class and distinction to stand up for what those tinklin' bells eventually affirm your gut instincts were all about. But man oh man, re-read your gentlemanly distinguished words. Everything happens for a reason, and sometimes that which takes us a little further, farther down the road -- then wham*slam*bam -- outta the blue, plummets ------ gets us tougher, more focused and directed than we mighta been pacing righ along.

Best steel goes through fire buddy, and you and so many authors derailed from the Trestle tracks to stand up for what seems good and right and true -- well, you'll find all the more clarified where and how you're next meant to pursue your talents.

Any ways I can shout out how damn superb you are -- you know it's a fait accompli. Now take a day, go someplace that you really dig, pull out a fresh empty notebook and write exactly where you most desire to be with your writing reaching the world in five years -- only rule is "no holds barred". Get a drink on the way home and smile because your direction is right there. Hit the next day running.

Phoenixes always rise from ashes.
The good ones do.

I'm a gamblin' woman. I got faith in You.
Love'ya man - in the whole scheme of Life, not so much collateral damage, as pride in your Higher Self came outta this. That's what your gut really knows.

~ Kate (absolutely)

Unknown said...

Wow, Kate. Thank you.
Feel better already.
Cheers,
Col
x

Ben said...

I understand why writers signed with Trestle Press, but man. There was some serious fast food drive-thru mentality over there. It's the only publishing house I know who prided itself numbers rather than quality.

While I'm sad you guys had to orphan your books, it's a good thing that they were exposed for what they really were. You guys are better off. When you re-launch Manchester 6, hit me up at benoitlelievre (at) gmail (dot) com so we can plan a review to help you get it back in the mix.

Unknown said...

Hey Ben,

Cheers, fella. I'll do that.

The influx of authors accelerated after my decision to give them a go in October last year. That's when the doubts crept in.

Regards,
Col

Dean Crawford said...

Sorry to hear about that Col. Don't let it get you down, and keep pushing for traditional publishing success as well. Long shot though it always seems, there's no winning the race if you're not in it...
Hope things get sorted and your e-books back on sale as soon as possible mate.

Unknown said...

Dean,

I appreciate your kinds, and wise, words very much, mate.

I'm much more philosophical about it now and feel better and more focussed in the path I'll be taking.

Cheers,
Col

David Barber said...

Well done. You know my thoughts, buddy! Irons in the fire, as they say.

Onward!!

Unknown said...

Cheers, Dave. You've been a great help, mate. I love yer, man... not 'your man'... YOU! :-)

Paul said...

Much credit to you for withdrawing your work - probably a little like telling your wife that the kid's beautiful but it has to go back in.

Fighting plagiarism takes up far too much time for many writers andartists/graphics designers. A principled stand in your case is a welcome occurrence.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Paul.

It's a bummer, especially as the eBook was selling steadily and gleaning good reviews, while I continued with the traditional approach. But life goes on, feller. Concentrating on the novel now.

Regards,
Col

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