*headdesk*

[rolanni]

From the Romantic SF website in re Lee and Miller's Crystal Dragon, we have the following reader comment:

I'm a Miller & Lee fan but did not buy their latest because I was annoyed. I think this book should have come out *before* their last book (Sword of Orion?). When authors write trilogies or duologies, IMO the books should come out one after another as soon as possible. To have a nonrelated book come between is an insult to fans who wanted the next book ASAP. I realize Miller & Lee might not be to blame and perhaps I'm "punishing" the wrong entity, but I felt the need to make a statement, albeit a very tiny insignificant one.

I tried to answer reasonably. I probably shouldn't have bothered.

papersky -- it's the pollen count, absolutely. All the little spore thingies are getting into people's brains and clogging up the higher functions.

Comments

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

A reasonable answer never hurts. Even if the reviewer is too busy having a hissy to listen, others may learn something. We tend to forget that very few people outside of publishing have any idea how it works.

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

And here I thought you were just torturing us because you already had EVERY Liaden book written already.

Don't mind people some of them don't think.

[mindslv.livejournal.com]

:::whistling::::
I'll just sit here quietly and wait for the sequel to The Tomorrow Log.

[papersky.livejournal.com]

They really want to believe that you're a Big Meanie, and you do it All On Purpose. And I hope they're not reading Steve Brust's Vlad series, because he publishes an unrelated book in between every series book.

[elbales]

Interesting. If you haven't checked, she didn't really apologize, but she did thank you for responding politely. Another win for good manners!

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

No I hadn't checked -- thanks for pointing it out.

Reasonably done -- and I do forget that a lot of readers don't pay any mind to publishers.

That was your good manners I meant, by the way.

[elbales]

You're welcome.

Actually, it was a welcome bit of information for me as well. I know a little about publishing, but I hadn't known about the scheduling bit. (My, that was articulate.)

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

An insult to fans? Does that mean I'm not a real fan since I neglected to feel in the least bit insulted? I've been wanting the next book ASAP or sooner since nineteen-eighty-whatever when I read the first one and I can't say that feeling insulted by the authors for that would ever occur to me. I'll admit to being angry at certain publishers at times though.

Not buying a book because it wasn't available quickly enough seems like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

I just don't understand where people come up with these ideas.

[origamilady.livejournal.com]

Hell, Im just glad that books are coming out *grin*
I have no knowledge of the publishing industry *shrug* (tho I probably will have a better one after reading your response). What I care about is that I like X authors and X authors books are getting Published. That being said, I mentioned it in my journal, but if you can bear a fangirl *squee* I had a great time at PenguiCon meeting and talking to ye and the other FoL folk.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

I had a great time at PenguiCon meeting and talking to ye and the other FoL folk.

Penguicon was a blast. It was good to see you and to have some time to hang out with the gathered FoL. The blue dragon and the frog are sitting on top of my computer -- thank you!

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

You were very polite and educated the child. Sounds like she's gonna buy books now. That's a win-win for a little effort.