You know the old saying, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Well this past week I found out that my publishing (former) company has officially passed on my option book, AN HEIR OF DECEPTION, which is the third book in The Elusive Lords series. Kensington, like all publishing companies, must look at their financials when deciding to re-contract an author and it appears that my debut, SINFUL SURRENDER did not sell as well as they would have liked so it makes no business sense to contract me for another book.
This is the news I expected when I found out just how many (or few) print copies of SINFUL SURRENDER sold. But really no hard feelings, I was happy to have my first two books published at all so all I can do is move on and go forth to make that lemonade. What does this mean? This means that despite the fact that New York doesn’t want AN HEIR OF DECEPTION (Waaaawaaaaa, Alex’s book) I know my fans do. They’ve been asking for this book actually since SINFUL SURRENDER so I’ve decided that the show must go on so I will self-publish the book. I’m incredibly fortunate because I know someone who can design me a smashing cover and I have two friends who are more than willing to lend their editor credentials to edit the book.
The release date of AN HEIR OF DECEPTION is August 9, 2011 and I’ll also be releasing a connecting novella, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE & SEDUCTION April 12, 2011. Why am I self-publishing this book? Because this is the book of my heart. Don’t get me wrong, I love the other two books in the series but Alex’s story…is the story resonates inside me like nothing else I’ve ever written. Here’s the blurb:
After three years of carousing and debauchery, Alex Cartwright, heir to the Duke of Hastings, has put his life back in order. Having embraced sobriety for two years, he has no intention of revisiting the past or risking his heart again. But the return of the very woman who introduced him to the darkest side of hell brings not only the painful, haunting memories of bittersweet love and abandonment, but the son he never knew he had. Alex will do anything to make his son his legitimate heir, including wresting a child from his mother’s arms and imperiling long-held friendships. Vowing he feels nothing for her, he soon fears the most painful deception of all are the lies he tells to his heart.
News of her sister’s illness brings Charlotte Rutherford back to England, ending a five-year absence. After finding her sister healthy and hale, Charlotte learns the person she believes caused her to flee on her wedding day is dead, taking with her the secret that could destroy her family’s place in society and forever tarnish a dukedom. But when Alex discovers her other secret—their son—Charlotte has an altogether different battle ahead. She must now fight one love to hold onto the other—the man whose touch still makes her burn, for the child who is her very world.
Voilà! There you have it, my lemonade.
Now how about something extra sweet? Comment and enter to win Eloisa James’s February Top Pick, WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST and Amanda Scott’s HIGHLAND MASTER!
I’m so glad you are going to publish your third book. I look forward to it!!! They don’t know what they are missing. The above two books sound like good reads too 🙂 Perserverance seems to be the one thing an author must have – so good for you!!!!
Oh my…I WANT (all of them) WOW, Alex’s story can’t come out soon enough, and I look forward to your self-publishing debut!
I will be waiting for the 3rd book. I read the first two and I loved them. I will be setting the date on my calendar.
Good for you, Bev! I just know you are going to turn this bump in the road into CHAMPAGNE , not lemonade! And I will definitely snatch up your next book !!
That’s wonderful that you can self publish looking forward to its release!
So glad you are moving ahead with self-publishing to bring your fans the next story. I’m very much looking forward to AN HEIR OF DECEPTION and the novella! Good luck to you with all this, Bev. 🙂
Aw I am sorry to hear about that but I am glad you didn’t just throw in the towel – I can’t wait to actually read this series they all sound so scrumptious , haven’t read a historical romance in ages and been itching too.
I’m so glad you will be publishing your other 2 books. I can’t wait to read them. Best of Luck with them!
What wonderful news that you are going ahead and self-publishing AN HEIR OF DECEPTION! I’m also eager to read Alex’s story! 🙂 Maybe now you’ll be able to release even more books!
I think that’s awesome. It’s horrible for a romance reader when a series is left unfinished. Hurray for us having more options nowadays!
So far January books are awesome. What a way to kick off the new year!
Congratulations! I hope that your lemonade has fantastic sales. Many people have gone the self publishing route and done very well. If you want to check out J A Konrath’s blog A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing. He has lots of tips on self publishing and he’s particularly fond of self publishing on the Amazon Kindle. He’s currently running a series of blogs on authors who have done well self publishing. He writes thrillers and horror though. http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/ Miriam Minger has also recently self published and re-released all of her backlist. She has some gorgeous covers for her new old books.
Sorry to hear about “An Heir of Deception”, but I’m glad that it will be available. Thank you for putting this out for your readers!
Bummer about the contract but WAY TO GIRL on taking the dive and still reaching for the stars and making your dreams come true. Best of luck with it all.
Their loss is your gain!!! There is nothing that makes me more angry than to invest in a series, become a fan and then find out that their old or new publishers won’t let them finish it…..Only to Let Us Fans All Go Hang!!! That is just BS!!!
I just purchased my 1st (I think self published short story?) by Kate Pearce for my Kindle at Amazon and loved it. The price was great and I hope she makes a killing on it. I am not afraid to buy a book (self published) from an author I know or an author that is highly recommended from my book reading friends.
You have a great many followers and I think your decision to self publish the 3rd book in your series and anything your hearts desires is fantastic. I for one will buy them. I want more choices in what I read, I want pricing on ebooks that isn’t (agency regulated) and I want all you authors to make more money.
My best wishes and hopes for success and…. ‘May The Passed On Author Have The Last Laugh’.
It’s so great you are going to finish the series by self publishing!
those look so good!
so sorry your book wasn’t kept, but glad to hear you’re still going to get it out there for us! 🙂
I truly believe that self-publishing is becoming a viable option for authors that can’t find a home for their books, especially since you already have lots of connections in the blogging world and hopefully can use those to publicize the book. Good luck with it.
You just make your lemonade! I look foward to Alex’s story and can’t wait to read it!
Way to go. Very impressed with your gumption.
I’m so happy you’re going to self publish Alex’s book.
I’m glad to hear we’ll be able to read Alex’s book. Good luck with the self-publishing…go for it!
It’s great to hear that you’re taking the reins on Alex’s book! Wishing all the best in this endeavor. 🙂
Good luck!! i’ll be getting a copy when they are available!! 🙂
Oh Bev, I my heart is breaking for you. I’m thrilled that you are going to self-published Aex’s story. All the best.
It looks like an emotional story and I’m glad you are publishing it. Good luck with it!
Good luck with self-publishing your book. I admire that you didn’t let one obstacle stand in the way of getting Alex’s story published. It sounds like a great read!
Good for you, Bev! I wish you all the best with Alex’s story!
Wow Bev! What an incredible thing you are doing for your fans! I know a lot of authors are afraid to self publish, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to get the work you really believe in out there. Good luck!
I’ll take my lemonade with lots of sugar, please (I’m in the South, after all…we sweeten everything)! I will definitely buy your books, self-published or traditionally published. Just tell me when and where.
That is great news for readers, Bev. I’ve been reading many self-pub success stories lately. Best wishes!
Good for you! I hope that your self published book is so successful that Kensington regrets their decision.
The blurb sounds very intriguing.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
I’m glad for you that self publishing was an option. You’ll have much more creative control over your books content. 🙂
Thank you for finishing the series.
I love your attitude. Wishing you the best and hopefully a contract with another publisher soon!
Bev, you have worked so hard on this series and I think the publishers are making a huge mistake. For shame, for shame…I agree with Louisa; you will be making champagne and we will all be here to hold up a glass in a toast to you for your perseverance and hard work. Besides, Alex’s story needs to be published and read! 🙂 Best of luck!
That is sweet lemonade!! Anxiously awaiting Alex’s story.
It’s a story that needs to be told so … more power to you Bev!
Wha…? The blurb sounds great!! Well, poo on Kensington…they may have passed, but not all is lost. I’m glad you’re staying positive and found a way to share Alex’s story with the world 🙂 Definitely more power to you!!
I’m going to add the release to my calendar and I’ll contact you to do a blog tour just before it’s release. It’s all about team work 🙂
Best of luck Bev!
Isalys
Congrats on not letting the lemonde sour your resolve! I’ll be refreshing the book’s amazon page over and over again at 11:59pm on the 8th so I can be one of the firsts to buy! Always remember you’re fans will stick by you, through thick and thin! Heir sounds like it will be real emotional (which I love), so I can’t wait! nSecond chance stories…Huzzah!
And I’ll be on the lookout for that untitled novella.
Keep at it and best of luck!
Beverley, thanks for being an example and inspiration to all of us when things don’t go quite as we’ve planned. Make sure to tell us all the particulars when your book comes out–I, for one, will be delighted to sample your lemonade!!!
It is wonderful that you take a potential set-back and turn it into a step forward. I applaud you.
Good for you on turning something not fun into something happy! I’m glad you’re taking the time to self-pub your book!
I’m so happy Alex’s book is going to be self published. Good for you Beverley. There are so many fans of this series and you have such determination. Go get em Bev. Did they think they could hold you back. never..This story sounds so delicious and emotional. Love it.
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com
Beverley, I think this is a great way to approach this, especially since the first two books were published by Kensington. I have Sinful Surrender in my TBR (at the top) so I’ll have to make sure and read it before Alex’s story since he is so special to you. I’d love to help you get the word out any way I can when the time comes 🙂
Good luck with the self publishing…glad to hear you’re making lemonade 😉 And didn’t let that news drag you down…Congrats
I wish you luck with the self publishing, I know a lot of authors are going that way and I think its a good idea! Skip that middle man I say. Your books sound fabulous.
Beverley, I am so glad that you are taking the reins in your teeth and running with them. I loved Sinful Surrender and have just started A Taste of Desire, and am loving it also. Absolutely love James, Thomas, and Alex! Kensington doesn’t know crumb about good authors! You go, girl!
Looking forward to Alex’s story, An Heir of Deception. Your novella on February 25th can’t come soon enough for me!
Beverley, I am so sorry to hear that this happened, but I’m so proud of you for surging ahead. I’m really looking forward to #3 and can’t wait! Curious to know if you’ll be self-pubbing in only e? Or in print as well? I’m one of the few who prefer print, so I can hope that you’ll at some point publish it in print as well as e!
I’m sorry to hear the publisher passed on your 3rd book. Personally, I can’t wait to read it! I wish publishers would give new authors a few more books than two to build up a readership base. But since that’s not a reality, I’m glad you’re moving forward with self-publishing. Wishing you lots of sales on Alex’s book!
Thanks so much, everyone. And no one need feel sorry for me. I think this is a VERY GOOD thing, honestly. I think at the end of the day, I’ll look back on this time and my decision and thank my lucky stars I chose the route I did.
And Rachel, unfortunately for print lovers, it will only be available in digital format, but the price will be much lower than if it was a print book if that helps at all. 🙂
Courageous decision. Wishing you many sales of your third book.
Beverly – I love your decision, I love that you are giving your fans what they really want. I’ve been looking forward to Alex’s book and you can bet I’ll be one of the first in your virtual line to buy it. BRAVO!
Beverley-I am sad that they decided to not go forth with Alex’s book, though I am happy you have decided to go on and self-publish his. Like many others, I fell in love with Alex especially after reading A Taste of Desire and I can’t wait to see his story.
Bev, good for you. Great decision! And pass the lemonade!
This sounds like a smart and brave decision. Good Luck! 🙂
Viola….lemons to lemonade! How sweet it is? I am quickly putting this new book of yours on my BTB list! Can’t wait to buy my copy!
I’m sorry NY passed on it, but what fabulous news that you’re going forward with publication anyway. I can’t wait to buy Alex’s book and tell everyone I know about it. You know how much I’ve been wanting to read his story!
So glad you are self publishing this story—am looking forward to reading it.
Way to make lemonade, girl! Bravo! 🙂
Beverly, I’m glad you’re going to continue on with your writing and publishing. At the end, the publishers will be eating crow!
Hi Beverley,
I’m happy you are going to self publish Alex’s book. I guess I’m going to have to invest in an e-reader of some sort. I hope this transition for you goes well. 🙂
Kudos to you! 🙂
I am glad that you are able to self-publish Alex’s book. The blurb for the book looks great and I cannot wait to see how their story unfolds.
Congrats and all the best luck!
Oh, that’s too bad that your former publisher passed on An Heir of Deception, but congrats on making your lemonade! I hope you sell lots of copies and wish you tons of success with future stories as well.
Hi Beverley! I am so glad to hear that you are going to go ahead and self-publish “An Heir of Deception”. The summary really sounds great, and I can’t wait for August to be here so I can read Alex’s story!
What a wonderful decision. You will have to tell all about the path to self puslishing.
I love lemonade! Cheers to smooth sailing as you self-publish your book. Good Luck!
Hi Beverly,
I was heart broken to read that your next book was not going to be published! I loved both of your books and I am so glad that you have decided to make lemonade! I am eagerly awaiting for August to read Alex’s story!
Hugs,
Chris Mead
Who needs publishers when you have friends. The faith that they have in you and your work shows and now throw out the lemons and grab Lemoncello – Celebrate!!
Wishing you much success! I can’t wait to read it and I’ll be buying my copy when it’s released!
I am so sorry the publisher passed on your third book. At this point, self publishing probably makes the most sense for you. You have the right attitude. Alex’s story sounds great and I am sure many of your regular followers will be looking forward to its release. Go for it!
You have put two books from the top of my Wish List up for grabs today. I can hope : )
The blurb sounds fantastic. Best of luck in the self-publishing realm.
Good luck to you and many future sales.
Excellent decision, Beverley! I made the same decision when my publisher passed on my second book and it was the best decision I could have made. An amazing friend formed her own publishing company and is now publishing all my books. Thank Heaven for friends!
My 4th historical will come out soon.
Best of luck to you!
Laura
More power to you, Beverly!
So glad to hear you will be publishing the third book in the series. I loved the other two books and can’t wait to read Alex’s story, the blurb only made me want more. Hope we get many more titles from you. Can’t wait til August.
Good for you. I’m glad to see you going ahead on your own. Although I have not had the opportunity to read your books yet, I do have them on my TR list. Most of the books I get to read are the ones I receive to review. I hope that I am able to save up for an ereader in time for your newest to be released. My hopes and prayers are with you.
I am so glad that you decided to do this, also glad that you can do this. Thank you for not leaving us wondering what happened to Alex Cartwright. I love this excerpt or synopsis of his story and Charlotte. It leaves me anticipating so I can pre-order it on my Nook. Its a story Im looking forward to. Its a shame that its really all about money. I hope this release will be a slap in the face to the publishers and do very well. Thanx again for the update and will buy this when it comes out.
WTG, Bev!! I’ll be looking forward to reading Alex’s story!
I’m sorry they aren’t printing the book, but I still look forward to reading it! Good luck.