max_pierce

Hello Fellow Orphans:

My POV since news of the sale to T& F has been one of ambivalence.  Yes, it sucked that less nine months after TMOS was published Haworth announced their acquisition along well with the news that the fiction division was being 'divested' (a term I know well from a career in retail). In hindsight, any push for marketing or sales was no doubt hampered by the the pending T & F sale.  
On the other hand, I'd produced a book: sold it, and it's successful, so I could whine or move onward, which is what I chose to do. I only had a one book deal, so I and Haworth had no future book obligations to discuss.  While my Haworth publishing experience was not the horror others perceived theirs to be, with a couple of recent developments, I thought it best to get off my duff and ask some questions.

I emailed Bill Cohen last Monday, stating this: there had been no communication from Haworth regarding updates on the fiction division, and a visit to the Haworth Press website revealed that the LGBT link had been disconnected, thus making further sales of TMOS impossible. Therefore, THE MASTER OF SEACLIFF now fell into the 'out of print' clause in my 2005 contract.  As the author, and with a financial interest in my work,  I wished to exercise the contractual agreement and my options regarding:  the copyright (it was already in my name, but the contract language made me feel I needed something more concrete); the out of print clause regarding remainders, production materials and the 'heirs and assigns' clause. I did not attack or act like a spoiled artist:  I presented the facts as I understood them and asked for the appropriate contact name.

Bill wrote back promptly with a cc to Chris Corey who as previously posted, draws up the copyright release letter. I learned the production materials described in my 2005 contract were archaic forms of book publishing, meaning I'm not going to be handed over or offered for purchase the materials that 'were' used,  so no resolution on that at the moment. I'm not sure what I'd do with them anyway.
Since TMOS is not a series ala Neil's MAHU or Jeffrey's P'TOWN, I don't know that another publisher would be interested in a re-print, nor am I particularly keen on re-visiting a book that's out in the world:  I've other books to get out. However, for others, the situation and opportunities may be different.
Bill included in his response that there are 3 distributors 'actively' interested in continuing with the previously printed products, but the inference I took was that' this is the academic stuff and not the fiction. Bill wasn't particularly forthcoming with details as to the future, but my guess is his financial deal with T & F forbids him from talking specifics, and I respect that. 

So, for those authors wondering what the fuck to do about this: I'd recommend getting that release of copyright, if nothing else for personal satisfaction. This is no time to be a creative hot-house flower wringing your hands and crying. Publishing is a  business and your property needs to be respected as such. Don't be afraid to kick some cojones or be a pest if necessary to protect yourself; you'll get respect for it. 
I'd much prefer to spend my energy being non-confrontational, writing well-crafted stories, collecting lovely royalties, chewing on a good cigar and washing it all down with a good scotch (or a good Scotsman), but I'm glad I initiated the dialog, because (light bulb on!) with the prior decision to divest the fiction, no buyers and no point of sale for the remaining stock, the hourglass is emptying and No One is going to be looking out for the authors except ourselves. As of this writing, I've heard nothing(no surprise), so I have a note to follow up in the coming week.

Regarding everything else, review your contract and ask now, before too many key people are gone and it becomes a quest for the Lost Ark. Why? Suppose you attempt to sell a future property or plan to re-publish only to find your books a're still owned by the 'heirs and assigns' of Haworth.
 
Write me with any specific questions: I'm not that well-versed in the nuances of book publishing but I was well-trained to negotiate best case situations for business and worst case scenario merger disasters by the entity formerly known as Federated Department Stores (and its brain trust of 'heirs and assigns'  at Macy's Inc.). Those who have my personal e-mail can contact me there, and MaxPierce.com messages get to me quickly as well. I've given up most internet surfing for Lent, damn it, but I'm always checking my mailbox.
 

Hello,

Could someone who has mailed HPP to get their rights returned post the address that you used for this? I have tried contacting them a number of times, through different people, etc., and no one gets back to me. Could you also include the contact person to whom you sent it?

I would really appreciate it! With the closing of the facility in NY imminent, I want to so this ASAP before my novel falls into an abyss never to be seen again.

Thank you! David

neil_plakcy

The folks at Haworth were kind enough to give me back my rights, and I'm pleased to announce that Alyson Books has agreed to reprint it in Fall 2008. Best of luck to everyone who's in a similar situation!

Neil Plakcy
MAHU SURFER, a new Hawaiian mystery
www.mahubooks.com

storm_grant

My local (Toronto) pal, Jeff Round, is in West Hollywood tonight to do a book signing. Everything that can go wrong, has as well as Haworth totally fucking him over.

He could use all the support he can get. If you can possibly go, he's at A Different Light Bookstore, 8853 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, tonight at 7:30.

Tell him Gina/Stormy sent you.

Thank you kindly.

neil_plakcy

I called Haworth's 1-800 number today to order some copies of MAHU since my stock is running low. I was told that the books were on backorder, and not due until early December. I asked if that really meant "out of print," since I knew the fiction line wasn't moving forward.

The very nice woman called me back a little later and said what I know others have heard-- that my book is on the list of those being shopped around. But if I wanted the rights back, I should call & discuss with Rebecca Browne.

I haven't decided what to do, but I thought I'd pass this info on.

Neil