Kevin's Watch

Has anyone been privy to the behind the scenes wrangling that went on between (I'm sure) Tor, Penguin Putnam, Del Rey, and Bantam (and more?)?

I'm very curious to know how Penguin Putnam came out on top, especially when Mr. Donaldson has been published by the other three mentioned above. And yes, I know he was very unhappy with Del Rey (don't know exactly why, other than he said they mistreated him badly).

I could not tell you. Perhaps Ard, Mouseglove or Romeo know something about this...

I didn't hear the details. I know he was in search of a publisher at WFC in Oct/Nov. But then I didn't hear anything more until the end of December, when he signed with Putnam and Orion.

I'm just happy he's got one

Yeah... I don't care who publishes them as long as they get published.

i was surprised to hear that he was "looking for a publisher". That sort of implies that publication isn't a for sure thing. And, I think, the publication of The Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant is pretty darn sure.

Well, business-wise, I can sort of see it going both ways. I know that the 1st Chrons sold phenomenally well; I have no idea how the 2d Chrons did, but I assume they did pretty well, too. That gives SRD some negotiating clout to find a publisher that will treat him well.

OTOH, the publishing industry has changed a heckuva lot since the 2d Chrons were published. It's a much more star-driven environment now. And I don't think any of his other projects have sold as well as the Covenant books (somebody correct me if I'm wrong). So he was probably also looking for the best deal, money-wise, that he could get. And so it makes sense to me, from both perspectives, that he would want to shop this project around.

speaking of publishing, i wonder what is taking so long to get Runes on the bookstore websites. i know it's on amazon uk but with (hopefully) only 6 months to the release date we should be seeing something soon. perhaps they are waiting to get the cover finalized?