I Lost My Publisher
There are no words, and there are too many words, so I am attempting to fall somewhere in between. If I stray into convoluted or chaotic mazes of explanation, I apologize from what is left of my writer’s heart.
Due to the vast Internet we find ourselves gathered on today, you might have already heard. You might not have. Either way, you will now (and finally) hear it from me.
AEC Stellar Publishing, Inc. – my publisher and employer for two years – has closed the doors.
If I could explain, I would, but I cannot. We did not go bankrupt. We had wonderfully talented authors (whom I still believe in fully) and a humble team I admired. We simply lost an essential piece, and without our piece, we would’ve broken, so AEC came to end – as all great novels do.
I am currently seeking new representation, but I must apologize to all of you – to all of my cherish readers – who were anxiously anticipating future novels and poems and short stories. I’m also incredibly sorry if my upcoming posts are not as uplifting as they usually are, but I do promise I will strive to remain positive during this time.
I simply do not know what I will do.
In two months alone, I have lost my car, my job, my books, and soon, my place of living. I know I have not lost everything, but I feel entirely lost on where I am going, and perhaps, this is forcing me to take the adventure that will ultimately lead me to where I am supposed to be in life. That is my current hope anyway – but you are my courage, the confidence to cling onto a hopeful place at all.
You’ve been with me since September of 2012, before I even had AEC, and I am grateful to still have you. If there was an endless amount of space on this post, I would fill every centimeter with my love for you, but – for now – please know that I originally handwrote this, and I felt every word in my pen, and I felt it again when I typed it, and I felt it once more when I read it out loud, and what I felt was undying gratitude.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to share stories with the world, and I will never forget the readers and writers I’ve met along the way. I can only dream of ever meeting this surreal reality again – not as a future fantasy or a broken past – but as my writer life reborn.
Until then, I will cry, and smile, and laugh, and scream, and breathe another day in before the next. But I will never drop this pen.
I will write, and I will write until the end.
~SAT
P.S. If you want a copy of any of my novels, now is the time to get them. All of my novels will be unavailable as of January 31. Links below. I will be giving away PDFs of Death Before Daylight for free. Simply email me at shannonathompson@aol.com.
Also, if you could help me by sharing my Services and Donations pages, you are my angel. By working in publishing for seven years, I’ve used my knowledge to connect authors with readers for book reviews and interviews. I’ve also provided social media support, and my B.A. in English has supported my content edits and proofreads for authors and writers alike. If you would rather donate, you get a personalized picture of Bogart the cat!
Thank you for everything.
Links:
Minutes Before Sunset: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, Diesel, Sony, and Apple, Goodreads.
Seconds Before Sunrise: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads.
Take Me Tomorrow: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads.
Discover more from Shannon A. Thompson
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I know you will land on your feet. All my best wishes to you!
Thank you! I appreciate it. I got the news the day after Christmas, but I’m still trying to land my thoughts somewhere.
~SAT
Oh no! shannon, I’m so sorry for you!! I’ve been there too when Ghostly Publishing closed.
It’s tough and you have my support. Try and find one thing to smile about every day. You are incredibly talented and you need to believe in yourself.
Yeah – thank you! I appreciate it! I have my services that I run myself still, but I also lost my main job because of this on top of my books, so I’m rather lost about everything in my life at this point. I am trying. Support helps a lot. I appreciate your kind encouragement more than I can explain in this comment box. :]
~SAT
This might be a stupid question, since I don’t know how the publishing industry works, but if we buy your books now, do you get money? I would love to help you out.
Yes, I do. I am also accepting donations at this time, which can be done on the right side of my website or on my donations page. And you get a picture of Bogart the cat! Sharing my services – which is a job I do independently – also helps, and any help is tremendously appreciated beyond what I can describe.
~SAT
Ouch, Shannon, that does hurt when it happens. I know the feeling only too well, as I lost my publisher the end of June when they closed their doors. Sad to say, this seems a frequent happening in today’s chaotic publishing world. Wishing you every success for your quest for a new publisher and a good source of income.
Yes, it does hurt, and you are right. It does seem to happen too often with how chaotic everything has become. We just have to stick together to get through the rough waves, right? :] Thank you for your encouragement. We move forward together!
~SAT
Shannon if you want to write then write! Losing your publisher is a heavy blow, absolutely, but you’re still very young, and you’ll only get better as the years pass.
Everything will work out in the end if you just keep plowing forward and do what you’re supposed to be doing.
Good luck and feel better!
J. F. Seegitz
I have never giving up on writing. I lost my first publisher in 2007, but I have to admit that seven years passed before I found the heart to try publishing again. I am trying to stay stronger this time around. I don’t want to wait another seven years this time. I’ll keep writing, and I’ll try to keep that chin up, and when I don’t feel like I can, I can talk to all of you wonderfully supportive writers for guidance and help. You all have brought a smile back. Thank you.
~SAT
I hope you find your bearings soon. You’re right. Maybe this is the impetus to move to the next chapter. I was let go from my industry job and it pushed me to look where I would be happier. That is how I became a college professor, and I haven’t been happier in a job. Keep your head up and keep looking. Your opportunity is out there.
Thank you for sharing your story, Michael! Hearing how others have gotten through a rough time truly helps me feel more comfortable with the events unfolding around me. ~SAT
It might not be when you want it to happen, but things will get better! It took 2 years for us to get back up and out of a hole. Luck will find its way to you ♡
I’ll stick it out – somehow in someway. Speaking to you helps! Thank you for sharing your story! I appreciate it. I said this above, but hearing how others have overcome rough spots helps me believe in overcoming this one just *that* much more.
~SAT
I’m half asleep at the moment so I’m struggling to find the words but I’m thinking of you and wishing you all the luck in the world at finding a new publisher and income
Thank you for taking the time to even share a few words with me. Hearing from everyone is brightening the way out of a dark tunnel. I’ll get out of this hole, especially with the help from everyone’s kindness and support, so thank you again. :]
~SAT
So very sorry to hear this Shannon. I’ll write to you privately but here I’ll just say I have no doubt at all that you will pick up new representation very soon – you’re such a talented writer and lovely person to boot! 🙂 x
You are so kind! I’ve replied to your message btw, and I truly appreciate all of the support you’ve shown me over the past few years. I’ll definitely keep going! Reading your encouraging words just gives me more of a reason to get back up sooner. :]
~SAT
For a person as talented as you are,I know this is not happening in vain but making way for larger doors to be opened in your life. More power to you Shannon as you transform into a bigger author than you already are.
Thank you for the energizing speech! I am blown away by how many loving messages I am already receiving on here, FB, and my email. I know it will get better. With everyone’s support, it has to. :]
~SAT
Shannon, please excuse my ignorance, but when an author loses her publisher do her ebooks go up in smoke as well as the physical editions. I cant see an obvious reason why they should.
Of course! I understand that question completely. I had it myself. Our rights revert back to us on Jan. 31, but we can only keep them up if we find another way. It’s been suggested to do KU on Amazon, but I’m not a fan of KU. (Not that I have anything against that for other authors, but I do not want to have my books exclusively on Amazon.) Also, I haven’t received my files back yet, nor do I know when I will receive them back, so that makes it difficult to create a new plan. I am trying to work with my publisher to get DBD printed and possibly the paperbacks of my trilogy moved over, but at this time, they will be taken off the shelves, and I am unable to do any transitioning at this time nor do I see a certain time that I will, for certain, be able to do anything. All is up in the air at this point. The reason I am telling people to get them now is because I am unsure if I will be able to get them back up (or when for that matter) so I don’t want anyone to feel like they missed their window of opportunity.
~SAT
Thanks for this reply, Shannon. It seems there’s a lot I don’t know about the publishing business. I hope you can solve these problems one by one, and especially getting a new job which is congenial to you.
I’m sorry to hear about this, Shannon. I was planning to purchase your books later this year, but given the news, I went and got them from Amazon while they are available. I wish you luck and hope that things get better for you.
Natacha,
I am sorry, too.
But I send my greatest gratitude for your support, and I hope to bring you more novels in the future. Maybe that bit of luck will push me toward the next positive step for a better future! :]
~SAT
I am pretty much speechless at the minute, so I can only imagine how you feel. I’m very ignorant as to how all of this works, but it feels awful to know your hard work is currently hanging in the balance. I really hope you get representation again soon, and in the meantime if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I’m off to make sure I have copies of everything! R xxx
Oh, it has taken me a few weeks to come up with the tiny post you just read, so I understand. I am keeping my fingers crossed that something positive will come out of all of this – in terms of the books continuing to move forward. Either way, I’m grateful I had the opportunity to share my books, but I believe I will find another house to represent my work. With everyone supporting me, it’s impossible to not believe in hope. You’re the best! Thank you for everything.
~SAT
I’m so sorry to hear this! But you are incredibly talented writer on both your blog and in your books, so I just know it won’t be long until someone finds you again 🙂
Until then, my best wishes are with you!
Thank you, Mishka! I have my arms open toward possibilities. I’m simply happy to have you all here with me while I keep journeying forward.
~SAT
I am so very sorry to hear your news and I hope that you will receive some better news soon.
Thank you, Jade! Me, too. 🙂
~SAT
Shannon, I am so sorry to hear this, and I know how you feel. When I was about your age, I too found myself literally jobless, broke and in debt, and homeless! I even had to crash at a friend’s boyfriend’s couch for a couple weeks. It was humiliating…..but humbling. I tell my students about it now with pride, because I made my way back.
You’ll get out of this, and it will make a great book too. Think of the life experience you now have to add. We don’t want all happy fuzzy stuff in your posts – – we want the real life as well.
Keep posting and keep writing. Also, keep reminding us about donations and book sales. I’ll be donating. We can all use a little help from our friends. ❤
Oh, if I could adequately thank you with all the grateful words I could find in the English language in this little comment, I assure you, I would. Hearing about someone overcoming a situation very close to mine is beyond helpful. I, too, will be doing a couch crash. Walking around looking for work was new to me, too. I haven’t had any luck yet, though, so I’m trying a new city soon. I’ll think of your story and how much you’ve overcome during this time quite often. Your words have already helped. I will surely keep you posted on sales, donations, and future news as well.
Thank you so much,
~SAT
I’m sorry to hear that. 😦 Have you considered indie publishing and hiring out for things like copyeditors and book covers? You have a considerable following. I think you could still do decent work with the fans you have and the freelance resources that are out there.
My previous publisher is technically Indie publishing, I believe. I wasn’t signed with a traditional publisher, but I see what you’re saying – self-publishing. I might consider that option in the future, but at this time, I definitely cannot afford that, so I’m unable to pursue it at all. I will keep blogging though, and hopefully, I will find another home for my books, but I’m grateful to have everyone to speak to on here. :]
~SAT
Reblogged this on Musings on YA novels and pop culture and commented:
The lovely author Shannon A. Thompson’s publishing company as shut down, which means her books are being pulled. Make sure to snap them up before January 31st. Shannon currently has no car or job, so she would greatly appreciate donations or requests for services (editing, marketing, etc.)
Thank you for sharing everything! I truly appreciate it, and I love working for authors, so even if someone has a question, I would be more than happy to speak with them.
~SAT
You’re welcome! Anything more I can do to help, let me know.
I am so sorry to hear this. *hug* At least it was for matters beyond your control, so that does not leave a bad mark upon your name. I have no doubt that you will find new representation. You’ve already found plenty of people who love your work – I’m sure more are out there 🙂
Thank you for your energized encouragement! I hope to find new representation. Not only do I like sharing my work, but I also love working with fellow authors together as a group and right here on http://www.ShannonAThompson.com. I look forward to meeting new writers and seeking new opportunities.
~SAT
So sorry, Shannon. I wish you much success in finding a new publisher. Things will right themselves.I have considered what I might do if my publisher shut down. It’s a bit daunting.
Thank you! I appreciate the good wishes. The energy will surely help me find my way. :] Here’s to hoping your publisher never closes. :]
~SAT
Really sorry to hear that and I hope you land on your feet.
I saw someone mention indie publishing, which I was going to do. If you have the edited manuscript and rights to the cover art then going with Amazon and/or Smashwords might not be a bad idea. It’ll bring a little extra money in and there are a few free/extremely cheap marketing sites out there. Though with everything else, I totally understand if you’re going to focus on getting some other things settled.
Thank you, Charles! I appreciate the sentiments, and I find comfort in your understanding. I will do what I can to keep everything going. I won’t give up. But it might take me a while to find some decent grounding to build upon again.
~SAT
Good luck, Though to be honest, it seems like you have a really strong foundation already in terms of a fan following. Good to hear you won’t give up. Be happy to help out if/when you go indie.
Thank you, Charles! I will probably take you up on that offer. :]
~SAT
Shannon, I am very sorry to hear of the troubles you have been having. Hard times are never fun, and I am speaking from a long standing experience in the world of financial struggles.
You are a wonderfully talented writer, and there will be plenty of presses out there who would be more than happy to have your books under their banner.
As you said yourself, you may be down, but you are certainly not out, and I am certain that not only will you be back on your feet soon, but taking great strides towards that next level of success. Hard timse are sent to try us, not to break us but to strengthen us.
These are the times that we need to prove to life how much we are willing to fight, because true success is just around the corner.
Thank you for your kind comment! I hope I find another press out there I can contribute to, and I agree with everything you said. I will definitely keep fighting. Everyone’s encouragement gives me even more strength to fight this battle. My sword is my pen, right? :]
~SAT
This is terrible news. I’m so sorry to hear all this tragedy has befallen you. There is no way out of hard times but through it, unfortunately, but know that I am hoping for you to find your way to a better place very soon. Keep going and let us know how you are. You are very strong and talented so please don’t let this temporary situation get you down. ::HUGS::
I appreciate the hope being sent my way! I do! All of this positive energy helps me move forward even stronger than before. I couldn’t have imagined the amount of support I would’ve received, and this is why I am so grateful to have the opportunity to speak with you (and so many others) right here. This is invaluable, and it cannot be closed down. :] I promise to keep everyone updated when something changes!
~SAT
You have had so much loss and turmoil in your young life, Shannon. I truly feel for you.
I’ll find a way to keep sharing my words. :] I promise. Thank you for reading and supporting me through this difficult time, before, and after.
~SAT
Well that sucks. Painful, particularly the books becoming unavailable.
I know.
They are available until January 31 though! And I am giving away the PDF of Death Before Daylight to all Timely Death Trilogy readers. In fact, having more reviews might help me find a new home faster so they can become available again.
~SAT
And losing your place. That was always a scary one for me.
Yes. It’s very scary. I can admit that. But I think sometimes the things that scare us also push us to do the things we need to do the most. I’m actually writing a post about that for my #SATurday post this weekend. I hope you check it out. :]
~SAT
Sorry to hear about this Shannon, but I’m pretty certain with everything you’ve learned and experienced in the last couple of years, you will figure out how to turn this into something even better for yourself.
Sure hope so! I’ve been trying to organized my scattered thoughts to create the best possible plan to move forward. Everyone’s advice and encouragement is helping, so thank you for reading and commenting!
~SAT
Wow, that really sucks. I am sure you will be fine though, it’s the tough times that shape us as persons and you seem like a very resilient young woman. Don’t lose hope and – of course – keep writing!
It’s definitely not a happy day, but I’m sure I will find another happy day in my future – filled with writing.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
~SAT
Sorry to hear this; hang in there and know you have many who believe in you.
Me, too.
But I’m hanging in there. :] Thank you for believing in me. I truly appreciate it.
~SAT
When a door closes a window opens? It’s like asking someone if they’re okay after a junk punch… Plus side, you can always join the Indie side of the Force
Very true! For some reason, when I read your comment, I pictured that cliche protagonist scene where they jump out of a building from the third floor window to escape doom and win the day.
~SAT
John Woo style with doves in the background
There must be doves.
~SAT
Badasses deserve doves
You know I’m right there with you, hoping to find a new home for my Stars trilogy, as there are publishers out there that accept previously published work. I wish I could donate, but I also lost my car in a wreck. I’m just hoping to get some money out of it so that way my mom can get her a new car, using that money as a down-payment, and I can have hers and start paying on it. Since you’re already offering editorial services, I would try starting some PR services. Check out InkSlinger’s blog for some inspiration. Some PR services offer editing packages for those who want to self-publish as well. Or do editing. Or anything, really. It sounds like self-employment is your best bet for now.
I do offer PR services and editing. :] Best of luck to you as well!
~SAT
Keep us updated on how things are going. You are truly in my thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about this. I wish you the very best in finding a new publisher.
Thank you, LuAnn!
~SAT
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog….. An Author Promotions Enterprise! and commented:
#Publishers – do YOU need a top rate #Author on YOUR STAFF?
Please contact Shannon directly via her blog!
Thank you so much for sharing! I appreciate any help I can get. :]
~SAT
I put out a second tweet you may like to use Shannon – Good Luck – and please keep in touch – AND send me YOUR Guest Author article to post, then it will reinforce your talents and worth – see my blog submissions guidelines 😀
I’m so sorry, Shannon. It sucks when life stacks up that way. I’ll let you know of any opportunities I hear of. YA urban fantasy, right?
That would be absolutely wonderful. Yes! YA Urban Fantasy, Dystopian, and Paranormal Romance. Basically YA. I appreciate your help!
~SAT
Sending you vibes of good luck and well-wishes! Keep your chin up and keep doing what you love.
Thank you for the good vibes and well-wishes! I will be sure to use them in a positive way to continue pursuing the dream. 😀
~SAT
sorry to hear your news. Wishing you the best of luck in finding a new home for your books.
Thank you! I can use that luck. 😀
~SAT
I am sorry for your hard times. But I must remind you that some of the greatest people come out of the ashes of heartache and despair. Life will throw one ball after another, trying to break your hope. All you can do is keep moving forward, keep a positive attitude, and wait for the storm to pass you by. Just think of this moment as the perfect time to start over. Become a better and stronger you. Good Luck!
Wise words, Heather! I will be sure to remember them over the next few weeks and beyond as I try to find a way to move forward. Thank you.
~SAT
Wishing you all the best in 2015
A clear mind allows new beginnings.
Thank you! I will try to clear my mind soon and start 2015 over with that clear mind in place.
~SAT
Sorry to hear that, Shannon. Your positive attitude through it all iis truly inspirational. Best of luck as you continue to pursue your passion.
Have you considered self-publishing? It’s a lot of work, but indie publishing can be quite lucrative. It might be a good avenue to consider, at least while you’re seeking representation. And who knows, you might like it so much you decide to stick with it!
I am considering it, but at this time, I don’t have the financial support to back up publishing on my own. That is one of the reasons I am hoping to find another house, but the main reason is the opportunity to meet even more authors and beginning again with a company I can bring something to the table to. Since I also worked as a publisher, I would like to contribute to a new company as well – not necessarily as a job, of course – but I love that end of things. Thank you for supporting me!
~SAT
I’m sorry to here that Shannon, but remember what they say, when one door closes….
Hang in there x
Another one opens. 😀 I just have to find that open door.
Thank you,
~SAT
Hi Shannon, very sorry to hear this, but you have a wonderful following! Somehow the country song “Mountains,” comes to mind….here’s a link to the lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/lonestar/mountains.html
I’m sending you a message to a contact who might have some advice. Best to you!
Love it! Thank you for sending that to me. I will also be replying to emails soon. I have been amazed by how many sincere and wonderful messages of hope I have received today! But it’s taking me a while to respond. :] I will respond though!
~SAT
So sorry to hear that Shannon. But know that this is not the end – you’ve still got your novels and you can pick yourself up and start again. It’ll be hard but you can do it. Just think of all those people around the world who you’ve been able to reach with your books and this blog.
Please don’t give up – I’m finding it tough at the moment with getting anyone to read my work. But I know that I mustn’t give up and nor should you. Those who’ve read your work won’t forget it – I certainly won’t forget ‘Take Me Tomorrow’ and we can all help you promote yourself as you go onwards. 🙂
I will definitely have a PDF of ‘Death Before Daylight’ from you (I’ll email you) and as and when it’s available on Amazon (as I have no doubt it will be eventually), I’m happy to leave a review.
I won’t give up! I cannot for the many reasons you’ve mentioned – all of these wonderful people I’ve met on this blog alone make it impossible to quit. I am happy to hear you enjoyed Take Me Tomorrow so much, and I will email you about Death Before Daylight shortly. I will also announce if anything changes. :]
Thank you for your support! It means a lot, especially during this rough time.
~SAT
Reblogged this on Rachel E.B. Robinson and commented:
I found this to be a great post showing how volatile the industry can be but more importantly how to hold your head up with grace and go with whatever new adventure life throws at you.
Thank you for sharing!
~SAT
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had such a tough time lately Shannon. I hope your knew doors open fast and that you are happy with the results! I will hopefully be emailing you later this month to line up editing for my first small novel. Best of luck!
Thank you! I will keep my eyes open for doors opening. :] I will also look out for that email. I look forward to working with you.
~SAT
Try to stay positive. I know that you will get back up and better. Sending positive vibes and thoughts your way.
Thank you for the positive vibes and thoughts. It helps. 😀
~SAT
Wow, I’m so sorry! I cannot even imagine. Hang in there; you are talented and I’m certain you will land on your feet. Sending you positive thoughts <3.
Thank you for your encouragement and support! I’m hanging in there so far. :]
~SAT
I read your other post, and for some reason, was hoping everything will get fixed in a few days, and your publishing house will decide not to close. I am very sorry to hear that was not the case!
I know you will not give up, so I am wishing you best of luck in everything working out for the best in the end, and fast! Hang in there!
That would be pretty wonderful, but I don’t know what will happen in the future. I only hope that something good will come my way – an opportunity of some sort – and that I will be ready for it. Thank you for the luck! I could definitely use it right now.
::fingerscrossed::
~SAT
Even though things must feel pretty bleak right now, just remember that you continue to be a huge inspiration to me and many others. Sending out lots of positive thoughts that the right opportunity is just waiting for you.
I will keep everyone in mind! Today has been a heartwarming experience. Everyone’s kind words have helped me more than I can express now, but I will surely express it by continuing forward.
Thank you for everything,
~SAT
Blurgh, I’m so sorry to hear this, what crappy news. But best of luck to you and keep battling on 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate all of the luck and the positive vibes being sent my way!
~SAT
Sorry to hear this dumped on you at once. Awful way to start a new year. Sending positive vibes. ❤ ❤
Perhaps it was the best way to start the new year – a new start to a new year – but who knows? I can use those positive vibes though. :] Thank you.
~SAT
Pushing lots and lots forward. ❤