What did Longfellow say,
"Into each life some rain must fall"?
It's a rainy week, and I'm talking metaphorically, even though we're experiencing some powerful literal storms in Wisconsin as well. I received news yesterday -- as did the entire entourage of my fellow authors, editors, and cover artists at Desert Breeze Publishing -- that after ten years in the business, DBP is closing it's doors. There's nothing nefarious going on, no bankruptcy or anything like that. But as anyone knows, sometimes things come into our lives that force us to change direction, and my wonderful publishers Gail and Jenifer at DBP have reached a place where they feel now is the time to make this decision.
Of course, the many of us published by DBP or left with incompleted contracts are trying to wrap our minds and hearts around this news. Some of the authors had books about to come out that will be cancelled now, and some, like me, just had a new release that will be gone as quickly as it was birthed. At every end of the spectrum, there is sadness, and yet we are grateful for the opportunities we were given.
Here's the thing: God is not surprised.
When I signed with DBP almost nine years ago, I knew that small and independent presses often have brief lifespans. Good gravy, even big publishers get swept up into larger overhead organizations or sometimes bite the dust. I never expected DBP to go on forever, no matter how I dreamed it might for both the publishers and authors like me who found a welcome home there. Transition is part of the publishing world. I am thankful that Gail and Jenifer are working at making the whole dismantling as smooth and painless as possible for us. They hope to go out in grace and style.
So, what does that mean for me and for those of you who have enjoyed my books? (I love you!)
It means that VERY SOON my books will come down for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, DBP, and other online retailers, probably before the end of JUNE.
However, this is not the end for my books!
I am praying hard right now for God's direction as I try to figure out the best plan for these stories I've poured my heart so deeply into. Some will most likely be independently re-released. This will give me a wonderful opportunity to do some tightening and re-editing -- maybe even adding some additional scenes (or not!). I'll have to give each book an in-depth study and see. Others may find new homes at other presses. There is not a real answer yet. I am fully at peace however, knowing that God is opening doors I don't even know about yet, and if He is choosing to close some, then that is well and good too. He's got it. I'm good. May he bless my publishers, friends, and fellow authors at DBP!
So, if you want to grab a LAST copy of any of my books or download an ebook, DON'T WAIT! I am going to have a few remaining copies on hand, but these won't last, and I will be saving them for close-to-home sales.
~My Personal Silver Lining~
Amidst the rain clouds, I do have a silver lining. I still have the dear-to-my-heart historical novel Mist O'er the Voyageur releasing from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in October. I will be able to put a lot of focus on that exciting, long-awaited release. I will also have a forthcoming novella published in an historical romance collection with several other LPC authors. Please consider signing up for my newsletter to be kept abreast of these releases as well as the future of my previous books -- and PLEASE keep me and the other DBP authors in your thoughts and prayers as we say goodbye to DBP and make the tough decisions for our works.
With much appreciation and many grateful thoughts,
Naomi
