I’ve been dreading writing this post. So, I’m just going to rip off the bad news quick like a band-aid: the release date for Wicked Bite, the second Night Rebel novel featuring Ian and Veritas, has been pushed back from July 30th to January 28, 2020.
Ouch. Saying that hurt as much as I knew it would.
Short version of why Wicked Bite got pushed back: I’m not done writing it yet, and my publisher (any traditional publisher) requires several months at least to process a book after it’s turned in. It’s not just a matter of releasing Wicked Bite as soon as it’s gone through edits. My publisher has a lot of other books in their queue, so they had to find an opening. This required considerable juggling and I’m very grateful to them. Contractually, Avon could’ve waited until 2021 to release Wicked Bite, so they really hustled to get it into readers’ hands by slotting it in January 2020.
Why aren’t you done writing it yet, Jeaniene?
Another short answer for those who don’t want details: there was something wrong with it.
Long answer for those of you who do want details:
It takes me about nine to eleven months to write a book. Yes, other authors can do it much faster, but I can’t, and I am in continual denial about this. That’s why, after I turned in Shades of Wicked last year, I told my publisher I would have Wicked Bite done in six to eight months. Thus, they scheduled my July 30th release date.
Sigh. It almost worked. It would have been a tight turnaround time revisions-wise, but it was doable. However, as I was writing Wicked Bite, something kept feeling…off. I couldn’t put my finger on what. I kept combing through the pages trying to find the problem, and rewriting when I thought I had found it, but still, that “off” feeling persisted. It was so frustrating. Ever spent several minutes searching your pantry for an item you knew was there, but you just couldn’t seem to see it? That’s what it felt like, multiplied by months.
Eventually – much like when I yell to my husband “Where’s the ketchup? I know it’s in here!” and he comes over to look – I asked for help. In this case, I asked BFF and fellow author Ilona Andrews. I sent her everything I’d written and asked her to please find what was wrong.
Much like when my husband points to the ketchup bottle on the same shelf I’d been repeatedly searching, it didn’t take Ilona long. Also, much like that ketchup bottle, as soon as it was pointed out, I could suddenly see it, too. But unlike the “Here it is!” relief with the ketchup bottle, this wasn’t a quick fix. What was wrong with the book would require an extensive re-write.
Reader, I cried. My “turn in or else” deadline was too close to do that and keep my July 30th release date. I could either keep writing as fast as I could and HOPE I had time to fix it during my quick-turnaround revisions, or I could stop writing to revise it, which meant losing my summer release date, losing the money that came along with it (half my advance is held up until after publication) and disappointing all the readers who already thought July 30th was too far away.
Okay, I might have cried a lot. Poor Ilona. She’d only done what I asked her to do. She’d even stopped working on her own book to do it, and how did I thank her? Hiccup tears.
Anyway, after I hung up with Ilona, I thought about what to do. It didn’t take long. I’ve always told readers I couldn’t promise that they’d like my books, but I could promise that my books represented my best effort. I’m not breaking that promise now. I’d much rather have readers mad at me for a publication delay than mad at me for knowingly giving them a sub-par book.
So, I stopped writing and revised. It took a while, but now, I’m going forward without that horrible “something is wrong” feeling. I can’t tell you what a difference that makes. Please know that I am sorry for the release date being pushed back. I really am. But I’m not sorry that I’m going to give you a better book because of it. After all, I didn’t start writing just to push out books as fast as I could. I did it to share the characters and stories inside me. They deserve my best effort and so do you, readers. Always.
Hugs, apologies, and hugs again,
Jeaniene
A writer’s creative process is such an individual thing that the speed that you write at shouldn’t be a measuring stick. Sure, another writer might be faster, but so what? It’s too bad that there is so much pressure these days to keep turning out new stuff quickly. I’m glad you instead decided to fix what was wrong and produce your best effort instead of continuing to write just to hit a deadline. Good luck with the manuscript. It will be ready when it’s ready.
Hey, for what it’s worth, I think you made the right call. I hate waiting for books. Like, a really whole lot. (Actually, I hate waiting in general, but that’s beside the point. ) Do you know what’s even worse than waiting? Getting partway through a series and then being disappointed because the author felt she had to rush and did a crappy job. Shades of Wicked was amazing. Truly a pleasure to read. I haven’t loved one of your books this much since Eternal Kiss of Darkness. That’s not to say the others weren’t great – they were! Shades of Wicked was just a step above. You set a really, really high bar for Wicked Bite and it would be a huge mistake if you decided to cut corners.
So, thanks for doing it right. And best of luck to you. It’ll be exciting to see what happens next! =o)
I agree on Shades of Wicked!! It’s a masterpiece, imo. 🙂 good point re Wicked Bite!
Oh gosh I love your books, sorry to hear about all your pressures. It was nice to have discovered Bones and Cat rather late in the game so that a wonderful binge lasting several months could be fully enjoyed. Thank you for sharing your gift so generously. Any more on Mencheres??! He is so delicious.
Thanks for letting us know the reasons, Jeaniene, but you don’t *owe* us an explanation. I admit I’ve checked here a few times since getting the email from Amazon this morning, just to find out if it was a mistake or not. But you really, really don’t need to feel guilt over it. You honor your skill and talent and give us great books. That’s worth a lot more than a little wait.
Besides, if you didn’t tell such great stories, we wouldn’t be looking forward to them so fiercely!
Hugs. I’m sure the wait will be worth it
No apologies necessary. Much better to wait and get a better book!
Settle down! I would wager a large bet every single one of your readers will say, OK. I have to wait a little longer. J’s books are worth it. No big. Do we want it? F**K yeah! But, to repeat….it will be worth it. No need to grovel.
So glad all the family news turned out OK.
Hugs to you.
Wont nailed it! I know you’ve had a rough time w family stuff lately. You know I always need your next book like yesterday lol, but I have always admired your views and will wait any amount of time it takes you to get the book to be as you want it.
Hugs,
❤ Much respect for having the courage to stand up for your work life balance and the quality of your book.
I will wait for you to put out the book you want to write. It will be worth the wait. Thank you for always doing your best work for me. It will be worth the wait, always! 😁
No worries. Love your writing and I will wait patiently till you think it is right:)
Dearest Jeaniene,
No apologies are required. You are an amazing writer. Your books are awesome. It will come out when YOU feel it is ready. We the readers are just grateful that you care enough to put out your best every time you write a book.
Sending peace light and love 💕K
I prefer a better book. I’ll still read it. Sigh. Best wishes.
No worries! By the time I plowed through my TBR list I should be ready to read your new book. I am relli looking forward to it.
Thank you for revising, we appreciate it! It’s ok, things in life work out like that. Thank you for your dedication in presenting your best work. Many blessings to you!
we will wait – it is no hardship (well a little cause we are an impatient lot) but we will wait – good luck
Not mad! love you (and Ilona!) for being authors of such integrity. I love Ian and Veritas, and feel you’ve reached or achieved something really special with their story. “Waiting is such sweet sorrow…,” or was it “Parting…” LOL …. but there are lots of wonderful books to re-read to while it away.
Umm – you don’t need to apologize for doing a good job.
I’m not sure when readers decided it was ok to tell authors to write faster. It’s like telling a pregnant woman to hurry up. Seriously, you need to feel free to take as much time as you need.
It will be worth the wait. No worries! We can always reread your backlist while we wait.
Take your time and I cant wait to read it 🙂
I’m a night hunter fun and i love each book and eager to read a new one, but im willing to wait if need to….. Each book is worth waiting for.
Jeaniene,
Sending you a big virtual hug. With a bit of a pat on the back.
Please don’t be upset. i’m of the mind that I would rather wait for the better story than have you push it out. Long term, that would really mess with your head if you were to put out something you know is not up to par. Don’t do that to yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths and let go of the tension.
Do you need me to send you some chocolate? 🙂
Roseann
Relax, take a deep breath and grab a cup of tea (or large pinot). We’d much rather wait to have another of your excellent books than a fast one you are disappointed with. You’ve got a loyal fan base who are just happy for another book at all. (Plus this does fill January blues gap when you’ve read all your new books from Christmas).
I loved Shades of Wicked and can’t wait for Wicked Bite. I don’t mind the wait because I know they book is going to be worth it. Thank you for being honest and I am sorry you had to go through all that.
Personally, I really appreciate your dedication to maintaining a high standard! The market is flooded with titles produced in haste by individuals or groups of ghost writers using spell check as editors. Finding new books now requires wading through an amazing number of titles produced by people that put the majority of their efforts in to cover art and a catchy synopsis. I can’t count of the number of titles that wouldn’t even earn a passing grade as a junior high essay. Because it’s become such a challenge to find books written by talented and passionate authors partnered with skilled editors, I have no complaints when you say you need more time to finish writing a book I can be certain I’ll be thrilled with! I’m very impressed that you not only have enviable talent for writing but you must also spend a lot of time learning and researching about things like weapons and fighting styles. I admire your public demonstration of respect for yourself and your talent by refusing to sacrifice quality for quantity and your dedication to giving us your best work even when it means facing very unpleasant backlash.
While I wish I could continue Ian’s story in July, I would rather have the best book you can give us than one that meets the publication date. I am grateful Ilona was able to help (she is one of my favorites too). Don’t cry. Your loyal reader will patiently wait for your masterpiece!
I love what you do!
Hi, I just wanted to let you know I’ve been reading your books since my eldest sister gave me One Grave At A Time . I fell in love with the whole world instantly, but boy was I mad when I realized it was part of a series but wasn’t book one and this was at least 6 years ago maybe longer … I have searched for your books everywhere and boy were they hard for me to find without the internet. Lol I’ve read almost every book you’ve written and I must say ” I tip my hat to you even though I’m not wearing one.” Your books Are completely addictive , and enticing to me I absolutely LOVE them All and I’ve been gaga for Ian since the beginning he’s my kind of guy…. when I read that you and Ilona are Friends I just laughed BECAUSE you and her are tied for 1st place in the race for being my Favorite Authors Of all time..With great love I Say “Take your time writing, and revising , I know it can be stressful at time. But when It’s done you’ll be just as impressed as the rest of us” lots of love from South Texas we will be reading and rereading soon enough
Your books are always worth the wait!!! Thank you for making sure you give us the best of your work 🙂
Jeaniene,
Just finished shades of wicked and it was amazing!! Then I immediately looked to see when the next one was coming out, it’s ok that we have to wait as long as the book is just as amazing as the rest😁 (in which I have no doubt it will be because you are an amazing writer)
Thanks for letting us know! Writing quality is so much better than writing quickly. You have to do your characters justice. This just gives me a chance to re-read all of the books again!
I’ve always liked Ian, and he and Veritas are favs, so thank you for making sure their next story is right.
I love everything that you write and it will be well worth the wait which isn’t too far away now! Nothing but postitive vibes from me!!
I also would love to read another book about Spade and Denise; just throwing that out there.
Veronica