So, thanks to a tip from Albuquerque gadabout, man-about-town, and fan extraordinaire Craig Chrissenger, I spent some time corresponding with my editor at Tor today.
Bitter Seeds is currently out of stock at the warehouse, because all copies from the intial print run have been shipped to fulfill bookstore orders. This doesn’t mean the book has sold out — not by a long shot — but it does mean the first batch of orders exceeded expectations. Speaking verrrry cautiously here, that’s good news.
The real question is how many of those copies shipped to bookstores actually sell, and how many get returned to the publisher. It’s possible of course that the entire stock of reprinted copies will end up moldering at the bottom of the Hudson River. (I’m told my optimistic outlook will serve me well in the world of publishing.)
Just minutes after this conversation, I received an email from my friend Emma Frost in England, who said the shipping of her order from Amazon.co.uk had been delayed because it is “awaiting stock from [their] suppliers”.
I guess this means the shipping might be delayed on some orders, pending the situation at the warehouse. I don’t know. But I do know the rush reprint is happening as I type this, more or less.
So… If you’re awaiting a copy and the delivery has been delayed– please, please be patient. I’ll buy you scuba-diving lessons if you don’t cancel your order. The extra printing could come back to bite me in a huge way, if it turns into huge returns.
It’s too early to say whether this is definitively good news or not. But, in light of Monday’s news, I’m feeling very cautiously optimistic. For now.
You should jump on this excellent news. Start telling everyone that your book is in its second printing. You know, because it is.
Omaigawdthisissoexciting!
Just, wow, Ian, this couldn’t happen to a cooler person or book.
Thanks, Ceridwen! I sure hope this is good news…
Have I mentioned recently how amazingly awesome you guys are? Your ability to deal with unruly houseguests is awe-inspiring.
I suppose technically it’s the 1.5th printing, or perhaps printing 1(a). Since the “rushed” extra copies will be identical to the originals and still say “1st ed.” on the copyright page. I assume.
Also, if I haven’t already mentioned it upthread, you guys are amazingly awesome. Your greatness as hosts is only exceeded by your greatness as human beings. And mammals.
I just finished Bitter Seeds, and I have to say, I’m NOT looking forward to the long wait for The Coldest War. Nicely done.
I imagine anyone I recommended the book to will be patient if their order is delayed. 🙂 Great job, keep up the… optimism!
I’m sure it made for quite a, um, change of pace — yeah, let’s call it that — after reading works by Bradbury and Priest, two writers whom I admire greatly. Thanks for the kind words! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
Thanks very much, Ann! My sales figures and I both thank you from the bottom of our optimistic hearts. I really appreciate the recommendations, too. I hope your friends enjoy the book.
(The actual conversation today went like this.
Ian: Suddenly out of stock as in all copies shipped to fulfill orders, or as in somewhere
there’s a truck full of Bitter Seeds at the bottom of a river?
Editor: Your capacity for immediately imagining the worst possible scenario will stand you in good stead in the world of bookselling and publishing.
I call it cautious optimism. Potayto, potahto.)
Looks like an exciting week for you — the audio book news and now this. Major congratulations to you, nice to see all the research, hard work, rewriting and rewriting, agonizing is paying off.
Your two Northern elderly aunts snatched up copies at B & N in Duluth last weekend. Your auntie Dee was cute “It [the book] was right on the shelf there!”
Thanks, Shell! It was great seeing you in Wayzata. It was wonderful of you and Scott and trek out to my signing.
After purchasing a copy at the Barnes and Noble at the Galleria Mall in Edina, MN, I can announce that the book is sold out at that location. I am really enjoying the read!
Thanks, Jamie. I hope the book proves worthy of your hard-earned cash.
(And– hooray for being sold out in Edina!)