Okay, so every designer's dream is to have a book published. This has been my dream and last year, my dream came true with a "go ahead, let's do this" by a big publishing company. I worked my butt off for 4 months, it was a hard time for my family because I was cramped down with deadlines and I was so stressed out. Stressed out Mama means stressed out family. So, I finally got everything done - I felt so excited and relieved that I could send out my projects and be done and just wait for that book to arrive in the mail.
Well, the time came that the book was to come out, my editor was not getting back to me. I just wanted to see my cover and be able to share with you, my readers that it was actually happening. This happened for months and my original release date had passed by, I finally got someone to respond to me and turns out my editor was no longer with the company, but my book was coming out in July. With a promise of preview pictures I kept waiting. Well, I got an email yesterday saying that the VP of Editorial would like to have a phone conversation. In my gut I knew what was going to happen, then all day yesterday she never called. This morning she got a hold of me and told me that they decided not to publish my book. Wow, shock, sadness - and I was just listening thinking, really? So, no one ever bothered to tell me months ago? All I could think about was how hard I worked, how everyone around the blog world has a book, and it just seems like it would be my turn. Then, the reasoning - apparently my quilting was "too good" - okay? So, I should have just not put as much effort into my work and maybe it would have worked out? I guess their readers are beginners and their buyers didn't want it. I understand that publishers are out to make money, and I guess I can wrap my head around the fact that maybe I wouldn't have sold enough for them, but I just can't wrap my head around the fact that my projects were too good. I pour my heart into every project I do and my book was no different. I feel like if I share my talents, then it will encourage everyone in the quilting world to do their best and go after their own goals.
So, perspective - maybe things will work out better than before... Maybe I can publish it myself? Or maybe another publisher wants to take it on. Then, I think about it and realize, what publisher is going to take on a "axed" project? It's all just so disheartening, I have been bawling for the last couple hours and I wasn't going to say anything about it. Then I thought that maybe if I just get it all out in the open, and let you know that I don't have a book coming out then I just might feel a sense of closure...is that the right word? Maybe the Lord just wants to keep me humble so that I remember and realize that quilting isn't everything and that I have a husband and children that I care for more than a book. Anyway, I will just cry for a little bit, take a day off quilting and hold my head up high and start again tomorrow...
228 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 228 of 228I am so sorry that your literary journey did not end well. I know I would have been interested in a book with your quilting.
Judi, I'm so sorry it didn't get published. You know I'd buy it for sure. Too advanced? Really? You are inspiration for everyone! Look at Karen McTavish at http://www.onwordboundbooks.com/books.html
I would think any publisher would jump at the chance to sign you on! We love you and admire your work. Hugs!
So sorry to hear. I would have loved your book. Don't give up. There is something special waiting for you around the corner. We all love you. Chin up.
WOW!!! Do not give up!!! Your work is wonderful and inspires me to try new things. There are many other publishers and there is one out there for you. Whoever this company is, they are making a huge mistake!!! God has other plans for your book, it will happen. I will be purchasing your book when it comes out and will be spreading the word. I tell other quilters about your site all the time.
Take care and God Bless and thank-you for all you do for the quilting world :^)
Hugs-Martha
Judi - i too am very sorry for the hurt & disappointment you are going through. Go searching for another publisher, don't give up! Your work is profection and absolutely should be published and shared with the world. Your work is art and pure inspiration!
Jude, don't give up the dream...there have been plenty of "axed" projects that have been published. Know that I think you are amazing and talented no matter what....chin up friend!
So Sorry! Don't give up though. Many wonderful books have been turned down by multiple publishers before the right one decides to take it on. I would buy one of your books in a heartbeat! Your quilting is beautiful and very inspiring to me. When the time is right, God will show you to the door you are supposed to go through! I know it wouldn't be professional of you to tell us the name of the publisher that did this to you, but I would make it a point if I knew to contact them and let them know that a book from Green Fairy would make a lot of quilters very happy! There are many of us that REALLY APPRECIATE great quilting! Their loss!
Sorry about your disappointment. Especially after you worked so hard. There is a reason it happened this way and I would look into self publishing or another company which may be the better way to go. Good luck with your project. Love your quilting and site.
Judi, I'm so sorry for your disappointment! If that publisher could see all of us posting (and we are just a FRACTION of your readers who would purchase a book) they would know how popular it would be. I would suggest contacting Judy Laquirada(www.patchworktimes.com). She has published a couple of quilt books. Maybe her publisher would be interested. Keep us informed so we know where we CAN buy it when it IS published!
Beth in AZ
If is that good than their loss and I would want it! I say look for another publisher just because you were turned down doesn't mean to stop trying! My friend was turned down years ago by XXXXX she was so heart broken. I encouraged her to send to another and guess what? She was immediately picked up AND now has three books out with a fourth in the works. AND it gets better...she teaches on cruises and travels AND she has just been picked up for teaching video shows. Do not get discouraged!!
Judi: Your work is the must beatiful I have ever seen. I sure hope they returned your quilts to you. Kepp persuing your dream.
You do amazing work! Don't give up. That publishing company and it's representatives should be thoroughly ashamed of what they did to you. I urge you to get moving and find a new publisher and get your book out. Can you find out what happened to the previous rep that wanted to publish you and ask that person for guidance on which other companies would be interested in your work?
I can't offer any words of wisdom but I am sending cyber {{{{hugs}}}}
Well that sucks! Ummmm, is it too personal to ask if there was a contract? Breach?
The good news is the work is already done. I'd shop it around a bit, then self publish if you think it is worth your while time and dollar-wise.
So sorry to hear they hung you out to dry and for so long. What company is it?
Do these editors ever figure out that there are people that do get beyond basic stuff and want something a little more challenging!!!
That is the basic reason I don't take classes. Seems to always be aimed at the
beginner or 'confident' beginner.
K.
Lots of authors have been turned down, only to be picked up by someone else. That's what happened to J.K. Rowling and you know how that turned out. Harry Potter was born!!! So, have faith and write my name on a waiting list for your book. I know it will come to fruition!!!
Oh, my; was my first thought when I read your story.
Keep this set back in perspective to the blessings of the rest of your life. Feel the disappointment for awhile, but then embrace the skills and all that you learned during this process.
Your energy will return. Your type of creativity can't be stifled. Your excellence is why I keep reading your blog. I love the comments you have received and I can only say ditto, to most of the sentiments.
Keep up the good work.
Don't give up. Good things can take time! It will happen. This publisher was obviously not the right one for you
Please send it to another publisher, I would totally love to buy your book. Your quilting is amazing. I would just love to sit with your book and enjoy your lovely quilts and patterns.
How disappointing. But be proud of the effort you put into it, I think it is awful that you were told it was too good... aren't we supposed to do our best anymore? Are we supposed to aim for mediochre on our lives? What does that say to our kids?? They should be ashamed at themselves. You are so very talented and have every right to love what you do. Don't stop putting your heart into your work... it is so gorgeous to see.
Do not give up on your vision! The world needs people like you that are passionate about what you do and ability to share it. I just sent you an email with a link to someone I think might be able to help. All the best, Daniel
I am so so sorry to hear your news. I would have bought your book in a heartbeat, just to read your story of how you got started with your business and to hear how you developed your awesome talents. Don't despair, another door will open for you. One thing was true--you are too good, and that is something out of the ordinary and inspiring that the rest of us would like to know more about. Chin up dear.
Judi
I am sorry I didn't know about this! Diana just asked me how you were doing and I was clueless. With youth conference and crazy life I haven't done much blog reading. I am sorry we didn't even mention or talk about it when you were down for the funeral. I feel awful!!! I am sorry for that devastating news. I know something good will come of it. You are amazingly talented and I am sure every publisher will want you soon!! Your work for the book was amazing--keep your head up high, you are talented and so blessed ;) We love ya!!
I think that stinks, letting you go through doing all that work and not getting back to you in a timely manner. I as a fairly new longarm quilter quilter would love to have a reference book of designs to strive to learn to quilt.
That's a huge bummer to have happen! I'm sure you could self publish or pitch it to another company. Your work is amazing and I'd love to own a book of "too good".
~jen
Oh, Judi! Of course you cried, and shame on them for flaking out on you!
I am a novice longarmer who aspires to quilt like you do, although I don't have your talent, so it won't happen, but I can dream, right, and I was waiting for your book! I was wondering why I hadn't heard anything! So, please, find a way to get it into print, and I'll be first in line to order a copy!
Hi Judi.
Dont put yourself down because they would not publish your book.they are the ones that will be sorry when they see how many people will buy your book when it is published by someone else.it will be their loss and your gain.I love your work to me you are the best quilter ever.
Big hugs to you Mary.xx
I sure hope you try other publishing companies. What you do with thread is uncomparable and is so amazing that I get goosebumps. I stare at your work with amazement. I feel sad for you that you were so disappointed. Please try other companies, you are too good to not be published!!!
Post a Comment