It’s hard to let go.
When I asked for advice from trusted colleagues about closing the door on the reprinting of my first book, Decorating Eggs, one response I got was, “What would you advise your client to do?” Well, when you put it that way, the answer is easy. But this is MY issue, so it feels different.
The back-story–In its day, that book reached best-selling status with over 30,000 copies sold. I received regular royalty checks, orders flowed and I was known as the author of a well-received volume.
Then a couple of years ago I made a routine call to my publisher to order a few more cases to sell via my website and was told it was out of print. I had thought it would never go out of print, so this was a blow.
I was able to track down a reseller who had bought the remaindered copies (such an unkind word for my precious work) and ordered several more cases. My stash is almost gone. I have ten copies left. I see that they’re going for over $70 apiece on amazon.com now.
Recently, a store owner emailed me saying how much he loved my book and how popular it is with his customers. He gave me the name of a publisher who might be interested in reprinting and distributing Decorating Eggs. I found enough energy to follow up with that house and send them a copy. I heard last week that it didn’t meet their qualifications (20% new material, out-of-print for more than two years). I do not have the energy or interest to create the new material. The store owner subsequently asked if I’d let go of my copyright. (No.)
So here I am. On the verge of letting go. Another trusted colleague put it beautifully: “There’s a piece of you that doesn’t want to let go and it’s got to be flattering to be asked so persistently. But if you say no and let go, it’ll open up energy for the next thing.” I know, teach and trust that she’s right.
Here it is, Folks. “NO!”
Good for you, Jane!
I would simply recommend that you keep at least one new copy that you are willing to part with in case something comes up to make you want to revisit this decision. Many of the publish-on-demand companies will take apart an existing book (as long as you have copyright) and create a new book that people can order if they want. Minimal up front cost, no inventory to deal with. The cost per book is more than the traditional route but not as expensive as what’s being asked on the used book market.
Jane-what a tough decision! i have the book and love it, and part of me thinks-“there are so many people who won’t ever see the book now”-but many libraries have the book, and I agree-you need energy and space for the next great thing in your life! (BTW-I have trouble letting go of ANY printed material that involves beauty)
@Elizabeth
That’s a great suggestion. Thank you!
@Sandy
Ah, a kindred spirit…
Jane, you set a good example for the rest of us. No, a GREAT example. Thank you for lighting the way…
What a hard decision. Maybe you can look at it like: one egg book closes. ..another Golden Goose opens. Or something like that.
Hi Jane,
I second Elizabeth’s suggestion. I print all my books on demand, through Create Space (www.createspace.com). Amazon owns them, and you get a better revenue split from Amazon if you use Create Space to do the printing. $70 for a used copy seems like a great incentive to investigate whether this would work or not. It’s no mess or fuss, either- people order on Amazon, Create Space prints and ships, and they deposit the net in your account. Yay “passive” (except for the part where you slaved over this book) income.
@Linda
I’m looking forward to this version.
@Christy
A compelling case, but…no.
Jane, I can relate to the issue “letting go”. I have two lines of art work, production work and the artwork that speaks to my spirit. I have been letting go of the production work very slowly. It is hard because it has been “easy” money. Yet I know, if given a choice, I’d prefer to make the art that comes from my spirit; the meaningful work. I congratulate you on making this tough decision (and I like some of the options others have suggested.) Your decision serves as a reminder to me to really think about the direction I want to take.