I made the tough decision last week to remove some of my titles from circulation. Not an easy or overnight decision by any means — I spent many months reaching that conclusion. With the closure of one publisher, now was as good a time as any to reconsider some of my older works. Those I’ve withdrawn no longer represent me. My style has changed as I have improved. I may re-release some after an edit but I’m happy to let others rest for now, if not indefinitely. A few books I never intended to write, owing to the muse and opportunity. I regret none of them — they were all a learning experience — but my interests have grown, as have the possibilities.
To some writers, particularly those still seeking publication, the decision to withdraw books from the market may sound surprising. No one warns you of the heartache when a good publisher closes, or having to make the sometimes heartrending choices, and this was definitely one of those. I was pleased and proud to hear their door remains open to me. This re-enforces the fact they were a wonderful group to work with and tells me they’ve appreciated the stories I produced for them. Didn’t make parting ways any easier.
The simple truth is some older works can do more harm than good, particularly when the writing has improved so much as to be almost unrecognisable. I don’t mean the older work is necessarily poor, but the difference can be so great it may influence someone’s decision to hire the writer, and there can be many factors too many to bother mentioning here. If a work weighs heavily on the writer, if there’s a smidgen of doubt, the best thing can be to put the work to bed. In the matter of love, it’s sometimes said the heart wants what the heart wants. It’s a peculiar lesson for the writer to realise the same can be said of one’s writing.
Sometimes you do what you have to. I’m going to have to make that decision with some of my works when I retire from the day job, because they may be affecting sales. Thankfully, the book I’m thinking about happens to be an eBook. I’ve also got to make some serious changes in my website too. So … not an easy decision.
Barbara of the Balloons
*HUGS* I have had to make these decisions, in the past, as well. Writing is all about learning to adapt as you grow and change as a writer.
Currently, having just lost a beloved publisher after 10 wonderful years of publication, I’ve had to make some difficult decisions of my own, regarding my writing, and the next steps I take forward. I applaud your ability to see the change in your writing style and interests, and to flow with it, even if it means leaving behind work you put time, energy, and heart into, and I’ll be eagerly looking to see where your new ventures in writing take you. 🙂
Yes, Barbara, it was a strange lesson for me to learn that some titles can affect the sales of others. That can be especially true of a multi-genre author. It’s unfair but the cookie sometimes crumbles that way and there’s not always a lot the writer can do about it, not and follow their heart. Readers don’t always understand a writer sometimes has to make decisions and follow opportunities in order to get to where they truly want to be. I’ve said yes to things I never excepted to in order to learn and open doors and I’ve often had a blast doing it, too. I still thing the most damaging can be less than wonderful work. I hope you can make the changes you want without too much trouble and heartache.
Thanks, Esther. It’s terribly difficult to put any type of creativity aside and I have to admit I took a long time talking myself into it. All my contracts were coming up and I knew if I didn’t I’d have to sign up for an extension and might regret not taking the plunge. Some will reappear asap, and in a better format, so I take what comfort in that I can. What I’m working on now couldn’t be more different, though my style also varies a little (has to) depending on market needs. It’s also about not stretching myself too thin.
That must have been a hard decision and I applaud you for having the courage to part ways with books you no longer feel represent you.
Here’s to many more books in the future and (hopefully) more stable publishers.
Sincere thanks. It was truly one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made with my writing. Not only to trunk those books but to leave a fun and supportive group of people. I want to try new things and don’t want to ‘never know’ what else may be in my future. Stable publishers? Yes, that would be nice. Some can’t survive Amazon. Other writers have told me to self-publish but it’s not the ‘dream’ of writing I wanted. Won’t say never but not at this time. Thanks for stopping by.