I have been waiting a long time to officially tell you this….
My new novel, A Clash of Innocents, is going to be published! The aimed-for publication date is October, 2010 and it will be published by a new indie publishing company called Ward Wood. Here’s how it happened.
Remember last year I lost both my agent and my publisher? That spurred me on to think that I would try to use my new novel to get a new agent here in the UK, and sell the book to one of the big corporate houses. I took a deep breath and starting sending out my query letters. I sent out three, all to some of the highest profile agencies in the country. I figured why not start at the top. The first one read the entire novel, liked it, but said the usual “not commercial enough for me to feel secure in our ability to sell it.” Fair enough, as expected. The second sent back a polite note saying they were not taking on new clients. Also as expected. To this date I have not heard back from the third. I started to create my list of next submissions, but then I had a fateful conversation with Adele Ward. She said she was beginning to discuss setting up a new indie house of her own. She told me about the business model and about the reasoning behind taking such a bold move in the present economic climate. I was intrigued. When she then also told me that her business partner was none other than Mike Fortune-Wood of Cinnamon fame, someone I had often heard about and whose business acumen had just recently been extolled to me by another independent source, I became excited. Adele explained that, at first, they would only be taking submissions by invitation and she asked to see my novel. I spent a frantic weekend reading it one last time, making the inevitable tweaks, and then I sent it to her. A few weeks later, Adele reported back that she loved the book and would not only like to publish it, but publish it as their first novel. So then I had a heart-to-heart with myself and a few trusted advisors. Would I give up the dream of the big publishing house? Dare I remain an “indie girl” despite my difficult experience with my first small press? What would be best for my career? It didn’t take long for me to decide. The invitation to have my work play such an important part in a new venture to be run by two such well-established and talented professionals was a very special opportunity, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And now that it is “officially” happening, I couldn’t be more pleased.
The creation of Ward Wood can best be read about in Adele’s blog here or here. And now, I invite you to be the first to read what A Clash of Innocents is all about:
It’s not supposed to be cold in February, not in Phnom Penh. Deborah, a 60-year-old American expat, is on her way back to the “Khmer Home for Blessed Children” which she has run for ten years. A young woman in her twenties is waiting for her. Another American, but with flip flops and a backpack, she asks, “Are you Deborah Young? I’m here to help.”
So begins a story of hidden identities and questioned motives. Who is this young woman? Who is Deborah? Who are any of the displaced Westerners who find themselves raising the leftover children of Cambodia’s violent past? Against her better judgment and building suspicions, Deborah allows the young woman, Amanda, to stay, but when a sick infant is left on their doorstep, the horror of the young woman’s past catches up with her and infiltrates the orderly workings of Deborah’s home. The precarious well-being of Deborah’s “family” of forty forgotten Khmer children is jeopardized, as is her own emotional life.
Against the backdrop of Cambodia’s violent past and the beginnings of its new Tribunal for Justice, a story of displaced souls unfolds. In Cambodia, innocents are everywhere. Everyone is innocent, or so they would like to believe – everyone, except the few who, for their own private reasons, take on the guilt of the many.
I do hope you’ll stay with me as I bring this, my second literary baby, into the world. It will be another wild ride, I’m sure. But I couldn’t be more excited.
The Gulf of Thailand, Kep, Cambodia
BIG congratulations Sue. This is so exciting. The novel sounds absolutely wonderful. And this October…
I shall certainly stay around for this.
Fantastic news Sue, well done! Do you have a publication date yet? Can’t wait to read it.
JJ: I’m hoping to do a charity/launch in Cambodia too and would then come to Bangkok. The idea is in its infancy, but I’ll be in touch about finding English speakers who might want me to talk etc….what do you think?
Dot: Thanks! We’re aiming for October. You’ll know the definite date once I know!
Congratulations! I’d been reading about Adele’s new venture on her blog,all very exciting.
WOW!!! Congrats! I’m really excited about this. It’s lovely when your publisher cares so much about the book side of the business instead of the money side as I’m sure is the case with Adele. Though, of course, we still want money to be made. Lovely that you get to be the launcher.
The blurb sound so enticing. I wish you huge, fantastic success!
What an exciting moment, and it was lovely to read this from the author’s point of view.
Although the main selection criteria are a high standard of writing and a great subject, both of which Sue displays in her novel, we shall also be promoting all of our books and trying to help authors achieve financially as much as possible. Whether or not they achieve financially they will also be promoted to raise their profile.
One of the good things about being an indie, or going with an indie if you’re an author, is that each book and author could get a huge amount of personal attention. This should mean more time with the editor to polish the book and also try out ideas for the next one, time with the production manager to discuss website author info and book cover choice, and (last but not least)promotion.
Adele
That sounds utterly fabulous. Congratulations.
Huge congratulations, Sue! Totally delighted for you!
Fabulous news Sue. I’m so pleased for you. It sounds incredibly exciting!
Wonderful! I think it is so exciting to be a new press’ first book, will get lots of publicity, I am sure. And it sounds like a fabulous new press, too, one being set up by experienced publishers who aren’t, as you say, afraid of starting this now, when some might think it foolish. Amazing, can’t wait for your book launch party, and to get my hands on the book. The story is completely intriguing, you tease!
Boo-yah!
Congratulations!
I am looking forward to another fine read.
OMG; yes yes yes. Book clubs, our library, schools. Fabulous. Let me know what you’d like me to do. JJx
Wonderful news, Sue – I’m thrilled for you! And the books sounds brilliant!
Congrats!
Nik
Congratulations.
Your book sounds fascinating and I can’t wait to read it when it’s published.
Wonderfulwonderfulwonderful news, Sue. Congratulations. May your book bring you all the recognition you so deserve.
Adele Ward is a woman of great integrity and honesty, who will do whatever she can to make it a success.
Wonderful news, Sue! The book sounds wonderful, and Ward Wood sounds really exciting! Can’t wait for October!
The book sounds wonderful. Huge congrats, Sue.
lx
Wonderful. I think mine will be out around the same time as well. We could be in competition for the top spot on the best seller lists!
Glyn
Huge congratulations! I’m so happy for you x
Oh how lovely! Ive been reading the Ward Wood blog for a while… very intrigued. Loads and loads of good luck for the novel which is of course wonderful… I cant wait! And loads of good luck too, to the new publishing house. Kudos.
This all sounds brilliant! Will definitely be staying along for the ride, and buying and showing off about your new novel too. Good luck!
Fantastic news, Sue! What a cool new venture (or should I say adventure?). Your novel sounds very intriguing. xx
So pleased for you and I’m looking forward to reading it!
This is fantastic news, Sue. I am really pleased for you. YAY!!!
Absolutely fantastic news…I’m over the moon for you!! You were researching it when you first found my blog and I was just back from visiting Cambodia….how wonderful that it’s now going to be published!! I can’t WAIT to read it!!!
C x