** If you came here from the Writers’ Beware post, please keep in mind I am a DSP author and probably will remain one until I decide not to, hell freezes over or my cat finally picks up all of his toys. Here is a link to all of the DSP Author Updates that were sent by the company to every author, something I don’t think was included in the WB post.
I wanted to start off this post by saying thank you to everyone who has emailed or DMed me assuring me they support my writing and my books. And will continue to purchase my books.
Because here’s the thing in all of this, any author still with Dreamspinner is still an author trying to sell their books. Now, some people in the industry has weaponized the situation and advocated boycotting DSP authors or even in a lot of cases, turned DSP authors into the bad guys because they’ve stayed.
People leaving or staying is their choice. I keep saying that and it still remains true. The fact of the matter is leaving or staying doesn’t make the situation go away for anyone. We’re still all in the same boat of trying to be funded and in some cases, now have to learn how to self-pub and regroup.
I’ve lost a few people who I considered a friend. People I have supported during their hard times, including the tragedy of a loved one suffering a catastrophic illness and the deaths in the family. It has been a very soul-crushing time for a lot of people as suddenly authors are being made out to be complicit criminals with agendas or goose-stepping puppets of an evil empire.
Which is hilarious because who really has time for all of that? Ever try to write a book? It consumes so much of your life your cat has to come and turn off your laptop so you go to bed at night.
To say I am disappointed in people is an understatement but it is with the support and words from others that make things okay.
All authors are just trying to do their best and write the best book they can. That’s our job. If someone has an agenda to influence the masses, trust me, it’s not the person trying to get by and hit their deadline. We really don’t have time to rile up the masses and spend hours on social media stirring shit up. That’s a lot of words and energy that can go into a book so agenda spreading isn’t really on a real author’s schedule. Not that every sperm is sacred but every minute certainly is (I’m feeling guilty writing this instead of blog posts, to be honest).
Quite a few of us have deferred our payments so others who need theirs can be paid in full. I have done this myself because I feel this is the best way I can support my fellow authors. I stand by this decision, even though some could have demanded we be paid because we’re “top-earners” (true or not). That’s not how a decent human being is. It’s a shitty time and a lot of us are doing the best we can to help everyone in our “stable” out. We just all hope it evens out soon.
Also the idea of being a “top-earner” is kind of funny because in my head, I’ve got like seven readers and I worry about each book. Regardless of where anyone is on the payment scale, there are those who badly need their money to survive and I appreciate everyone who has continued to support us, especially during these trying times.
If you have a review blog and still supporting all authors in the genre, thank you. We appreciate it. We hope our books and our tours brings you readers and I know I hope to continue to have a good relationship with all of the blogs I interact with. It’s key to reach out to people, especially when there’s a new book coming out and I know I speak for every author in saying thank you for giving us the chance to reach out to your audience. It’s a critical piece of exposure I am forever grateful for.
If you are a reader and have continued to purchase books from authors regardless of how and where they are published, thank you as well. There has been a lot of emotional terrorism (and yeah I know it’s a strong word but I’m going to use it) regarding this situation and the bottom line is, we won’t get paid if books aren’t purchased. Thank you for understanding the authors are still authors and we’re just trying to make a living and go forward.
I’m including the link to the DSP author updates because none of this is confidential and there appears to be a bunch of people who are not getting the newsletter or haven’t signed up for it. These are updated every Tues night and if you as a reader or author have any questions, there is a contact form there on the site or you can reach someone at the DSP office like always: https://dreamspinner.press/category/author-updates/
The rest of the site is in progress but the updates and contact form are active.
I actually wrote a long bit here about what I was angry about and what hurt the most from other authors and bloggers. Then common sense took over and I deleted it because honestly, it adds nothing to the narrative. Yes, I am disappointed in people and have been hurt deeply by former friends in this industry. Can I let that change who I am? I can’t. Not when I’ve worked so hard to become who I am now.
So I am going to end this as I started this… by saying thank you to everyone who continues to support me and all of their favourite authors. This is something we have to ride out and see where it goes. Hopefully it will turn out well regardless of what happens…and isn’t that what we are supposed to wish for anyway?
Much love.
I agree with you. I buy my books based on author no matter where their books are. So many LGBT book publisher or even ebook publisher have gone under in the last few years. Some better than others. I believe all writers should be paid for their work because it is their livehood even if they have other jobs or careers. I have been buying books from DSP for over 10 years. They have published many great authors. I hope the situation can be resolved and people respect the rights of others. Or as we can say: Let’s agree to disagree and remain friends.
I just wanna write books 😀
I read who I like, their business is their business, as are their choices. People need to mind their own business. I will never stop reading your books x
smooches 😀
I love your books and I’ll buy them wherever I can get them. Your choice of publisher is nobody’s business but your own. Much success!
Love,
Petra
thank you love.
I read who I like, their business is their business, as are their choices. People need to stop being so judgemental. I will never stop reading your books x
Thank you! Hugs.
Rhys, I will continue to read any all books that you write. I heard a little bit about what’s going on but not too much. I will continue to support you and others. Thank you for all the years of enjoyment you’ve provided me! I just started the Sinner’s Gin series again but in audiobook form since I spend a lot of time in the car nowadays! Best wishes to you!
awww smooches
❤️*Hugs* Love you Rhys & your integrity in trying to always speak from as fair a point of view as you can. I am sorry that this situation has broken so much…😕
Losing friends sucks.
Nothing that has happened would stop me from buying & reading the stories you & other authors I love create.
You always try to speak all sides in a situation & have been upfront with your thoughts & what your choices are.You have never tried to tell folks what they should do…I am just sad at how some have chosen to conduct themselves.
I always try to be reasonable and honest. And it’s not like I won’t change my mind if I’m given new info because stuff changes!
And again, thank you for your support!
Seeing all of this going down as a reader is frustrating because I have authors I really love in both camps and, no matter where they fall, I want them all to get paid what they deserve and what they are owed. I understand the frustration and the anger, again on both sides. I also want to ensure that both sides get the support they need to keep doing what we all love, which is write all those really awesome books. Everyone has to do what works for them. No one else can walk in their shoes for them. It is personal as much as it is business. It sucks that this situation is tearing apart the community. I’ll keep doing my job as a reader and keep picking up and reading what gets written when it comes out.
Thank you. I’m mostly angry at authors being attacked for no reason. And well, now some readers are being as well so this is a bit much. Thank you for continuing to purchase books. We all appreciate it so much! <3
Honestly, I haven’t been truly following the situation because I felt that you as authors have enough to worry about, and my three cents should be limited to sharing the absolute joy and love I have when reading the books by my favorite (and newly discovered) authors. I’m floored that ANYONE would be slammed, or shamed, for being loyal to a company, readers, and authors who have been their support.
I will continue to support every author I can, because I know personally how emotionally, psychologically and financially difficult it is to get ONE book off the ground and published, let alone multiple books and series. (Have several books that I’ve been working up the nerve to finish and publish for more than a decade.)
Much love to everyone trying to work this out rationally, hope for better insight and less anger to those who aren’t, and a sharp word (or three) to those just stirring the sh*t pot.
Hugs to you for trying to be a sane voice in a crazy world. I fail to understand why folks try to drum up support one way or another for their particular perspective. Only you authors who are experiencing this can know what is truly happening. I still value DSP because of all of the beautiful exposure it gives/gave to a host of voices who would not otherwise have been heard. I hope things work out. If you ever need to have more blogs to help promote titles, please add me to your list and I will work you in when I can. I’m not on FB, so I don’t always see requests for hosts. Take care,
ELF http://thereadingaddict-elf.blogspot.com/ http://musingsbyelf.wordpress.com/
Thank you very much, love. I’m not sure why there is a caustic agenda battle thing going on because really it solves nothing for anyone. We’ve all gotta make our own choices 😀 And Yeah, I really hope it works out soon. xoxo
You are a great author! I don’t understand why anyone who reads your books wouldn’t support you! All I care about is enjoying your books. I have found in life that some folks have to be stupidly dramatic! There are a lot of books about emotional blackmail having such a negative effect on folks. Best to take a long vacation from emotional terrorists. I appreciate your books and will always read them. I think I own most if not all of them.
Awww thank you, love!
I had to go back some posts to find out what was happening. I’m not on social media, so I didn’t notice there was a problem.
Here are my five cents…If someone is down, isn’t it better to throw them a life line instead of making them drown?
Also, from what I understand it was wonky software plus companies being late in making their payments. Something like that can happen to anyone. It’s just an unfortunate series of events. I hope DSP will make it through.
Rhys, I love your books. Your stories make me happy and I’m continuing to buy your books and ebooks and audiobooks for as long as you write them.
I’m sorry you lost friends about this.
Thank you sweetie! I hope it works out soon too! xoxo
I guess I’m out of the loop because I have no idea what the controversy is all about. I’ll buy the book of my favourite author through any site, except for Amazon. I have a Kobo and I’m not buying a Kindle despite some of my favourite writers going the Amazon proprietary way. I’ve heard from some of those authors that their novels should be in wide release soon so that’s great news for me.
I usually get updates from Goodreads every month letting me know favourite authors have a new release. And I get recommendations from like minded readers and writers to give X writer I try.
So I’ll buy from DSP, Kobo, directly from the author, whatever. I’m going on a months vacation soon and would love to fill my Kobo with ooodles of books.
That totally makes sense! Heh. And thank you love!
Thank you for your books. I Will continue to read your stories, and love them so much that not only do I have them on Kindle and audible I am in the process of getting each book in print. My theory is that if I love an author bULlshit on all politics. I am going to read who I love and everyrhing else be damned! You are a loved author and I will continue to support your works in all forms..KEEP WRITING!!
Oh thank you so so much, honey!
I love your books. That’s all that needs to matter to a reader. Your business decisions can and should be personal. Be well.
Smooches 😀
Love your books! I have to say the whole publisher/author drama really put me off but I have to show my love & support for you! Can’t wait for Hellion to be out because I already miss the guys dearly. Take a break if you must but don’t ever stop writing, we love you <3
I love you all too! And I’m on Kai right now! Right after I do Ivo Blog Tour Posts! xoxo
Dear Rhys,
I am only one person and I’m not on any social media so nothing to influence for me , but you have my full support!
I have bought and will keep on buying all of your books, wether you publish them by DSP, yourself, your cat or who the hell else. That’s your business and no one else. It sounds like a lot of bullying is going on and that’s a nasty business. So take care and keep year head up high! Finding a new book by your hand (especially Ramen Assassin) is always the highlight of my day and that will never change.
Love El
Oh thank you sweetie. ANd the cat DOES have a vested interest in making sure my books sell because she likes very expensive food! I am so glad you liked Ramen! xoxo
Hi, Just wanted to let know that I love your writing and I will buy your books regardless of who the publisher is. To be honest I’ve never really paid much attention to anything but the author when buying books. I will continue to support the authors I love because the entertain me and allow me to escape for a few hours each day so thank you and keep up the good work. Looking forward to Hellion.🤗🤗😞
Shirley
Sent from my iPhone
>
Thank you sweetie! <3
Well said. I can’t say I like what is happening but as a reader I’m not going to boycott just because someone else tells me to. Authors are people and in a way are freelance workers you have to go where you have to go. If authors have to leave or choose to stay then so be it. If you’re a fan, you’ll stick with your author no matter where they go. There’s always going to be some negatives with the positives.
Smooches and yeah, we’re just trying to do our best! xoxo
Thank you for this. It’s how so many of us feel, but haven’t been able to put it into the right words.
I am just trying to be rational and level-headed about stuff 😀
I’m reading all of my fav authors, regardless of where located. I try to buy from DSP when possible. What’s the ulterior motive? DSP has been solid for years, now there are issues after bringing in an onslaught of authors from other closing or shaky websites?
Thank you so much! *hugs* I know all of us authors appreciate your support!
Mishiko Shinsei
Honestly, I haven’t been truly following the situation because I felt that you as authors have enough to worry about, and my three cents should be limited to sharing the absolute joy and love I have when reading the books by my favorite (and newly discovered) authors. I’m floored that ANYONE would be slammed, or shamed, for being loyal to a company, readers, and authors who have been their support.
I will continue to support every author I can, because I know personally how emotionally, psychologically and financially difficult it is to get ONE book off the ground and published, let alone multiple books and series. (Have several books that I’ve been working up the nerve to finish and publish for more than a decade.)
Much love to everyone trying to work this out rationally, hope for better insight and less anger to those who aren’t, and a sharp word (or three) to those just stirring the sh*t pot.
Awwww smooches. 😀 Mostly I really think people should follow what their guts tell them to do. *hugs* I just wanna write a good book!