Sorry to say: Arizona a no-go

The e-book idea sounded simple and attractive when first presented to me, but it turned out not to be.
In the end, negotiations over fees, rights, percentages etc. proved much more complicated than I’d expected,
and we just ran out of time.

Sorry about that: I was looking forward to meeting many readers. Maybe I’ll see you in September when THE ROGUE is published.

40 Responses to “Sorry to say: Arizona a no-go”

  • Lisabeth:

    Oh that is disappointing! Sorry it didn’t work out for you either.
    You know the heat here is just terrible. I wouldn’t be here if I had an option.
    Betsy or anyone else, if you got your ticket, and still want to go, let me know and I would meet you.
    Joe, I hope you can come out here as part of your book tour or after. Maybe the offer will be sweeter if she does run.
    I’m sad about missing the dinner and not meeting you! I was looking forward to that!
    Also when you get a chance, I’d be curious on your thoughts re the Newsweek article and photoshoot.

  • Are you going to keep going with your blog after the book comes out? As long as that woman keeps stomping around in our national politics? I like what you do here.

  • CariboBarbie Palin:

    I am hoping you will make Tampa part of your book tour. If you do, I’ll be the first in line!
    Barbie

  • AKRNHSNC:

    Still have my fingers crossed for the Raleigh, NC area! From what you’ve indicated so far, it sounds like the roll-out for “The Rogue” is going to be somewhat different than previous Palin books. If this blog is part of it, you’re definitely headed in the right direction and I’m hoping you’ll continue with it after the book release.

    Congratulations on your “Thriller” award, well-deserved recognition for you, Joe.

    Kate

  • ella:

    CNN has reported that “Sarah Palin is going to throw her hat in the ring soon.” Greta put up an article today agreeing that she will run. Even her running will only serve to further divide this Country, pitting our citizens against each other. I am sick if it is true. Yes – most will laugh at her, and she cannot win, but she can create a lot of hatred and violence with her nasty, vile rhetoric.

  • Ottoline:

    Me too — VERY curious about your thoughts on the Newsweek piece.

  • Bretta:

    It was a great idea – so sorry you ran out of time.

    My bet is $arah Palin won’t run and I think it is because she is trying to wait out the publication of The Rogue. She wants to see if it will just make ripples as did The Lies of Sarah Palin and Blind Allegiance, or if it creates a tsunami.

  • lee:

    If you do go to Tampa I will visit my daughter, who lives in Safety Harbor, and be second in line. Right behind CariboBarbiePalin.

  • newmeximan:

    I must say that if you don’t have to travel to the desert in the summer – don’t. Even though it’s a dry heat, with the monsoon season, the humidity is up. By noon, it’s just to hot to be outside, if even to be moving from nuilding to building, or car to building.

    I decided to stay in southern NM this summer instead of my usual summering north of Taos, and was quickly reminded why summer is better spent elsewhere.

    Best wishes on the book tour!

  • The Gibsons:

    We all hope you’re coming to Seattle!

  • Persephone:

    Please tell me that Boston or some other Massachusetts location is on the tour!

  • Joe:

    Please contact Annsley Rosner at Crown Publishing arosner@randomhouse.com

    As of now, nothing scheduled for Boston. For others who see this reply, at this point I’ll be in New York, Washington, Toronto, Anchorage, Wasilla/Palmer, Seattle, LA,
    but for TV/Radio only. No bookstore appearances or signing planned. This is not my decision. My publisher feels there is not enough interest to arrange any personal
    appearances. If you disagree, please let Ms. Rosner know. She is terrific, very smart, and a very smart manager of Crown’s publicity budget. Look at it this way: why
    should they send me to a city at a travel & lodging cost of maybe $1,000 for an appearance at which I might sell one hundred books?

  • Joe:

    Seattle, probably, but only for TV/radio.

    Check with Annsley Rosner, publicity director of Crown Publishing arosner@randomhouse.com

    For others who see this reply: at this point, it looks as if I’ll be in New York, Washington, Toronto, Anchorage, Wasilla/Palmer, Seattle, LA,
    but for TV/Radio only. No bookstore appearances or signings planned. This is not my decision. My publisher feels there is not enough interest to arrange any personal
    appearances. If you disagree, please let Ms. Rosner know. She is terrific, very smart, and a very smart manager of Crown’s publicity budget. Look at it this way: why
    should they send me to a city at a travel & lodging cost of maybe $1,000 for an appearance at which I might sell one hundred books?

  • Joe:

    Tampa very unlikely. If you would like to help arrange an appearance, please contact Annsley Rosner, publicity director of Crown Publishing.

    arosner@randomhouse.com

    For others who see this reply: at this point, it looks like I’ll be in New York, Washington, Toronto, Anchorage, Wasilla/Palmer, Seattle, LA,
    but for TV/Radio only. No bookstore appearances or signings planned. This is not my decision. My publisher feels there is not enough interest to arrange any personal
    appearances. If you disagree, please let Ms. Rosner know. She is terrific, very smart, and a very smart manager of Crown’s publicity budget. Look at it this way: why
    should they send me to a city at a travel & lodging cost of maybe $1,000 for an appearance at which I might sell one hundred books? I am not a celebrity, so I don’t draw crowds.

  • Joe:

    I’ve got such great friends in Raleigh, there’s no place I’d rather go.

    If you would like to help arrange an appearance, please contact Annsley Rosner, publicity director of Crown Publishing.

    arosner@randomhouse.com

    For others who see this reply: at this point, it looks like I’ll be in New York, Washington, Toronto, Anchorage, Wasilla/Palmer, Seattle, LA,
    but for TV/Radio only. No bookstore appearances or signings planned. This is not my decision. My publisher feels there is not enough interest to arrange any personal
    appearances. If you disagree, please let Ms. Rosner know. She is terrific, very smart, and a very smart manager of Crown’s publicity budget. Look at it this way: why
    should they send me to a city at a travel & lodging cost of maybe $1,000 for an appearance at which I might sell one hundred books? I am not a celebrity, so I don’t draw crowds.

  • Joe:

    Tampa not likely. It’s not my choice.

    If you would like to help arrange an appearance, please contact Annsley Rosner, publicity director of Crown Publishing.

    arosner@randomhouse.com

    For others who see this reply: at this point, it looks like I’ll be in New York, Washington, Toronto, Anchorage, Wasilla/Palmer, Seattle, LA,
    but for TV/Radio only. No bookstore appearances or signings planned. This is not my decision. My publisher feels there is not enough interest to arrange any personal
    appearances. If you disagree, please let Ms. Rosner know. She is terrific, very smart, and a very smart manager of Crown’s publicity budget. Look at it this way: why
    should they send me to a city at a travel & lodging cost of maybe $1,000 for an appearance at which I might sell one hundred books? I am not a celebrity, so I don’t draw crowds.

  • clf:

    I’m looking forward to your book and I was really looking forward to the Kindle Single. I’m going to be blunt: I don’t like your publisher. Using that line of reasoning: Why should you travel at all to promote the book?

    Why in the world would you need to travel anywhere for a radio interview? You can do those from the comfort of your own home. You can even do television interviews from your home too. (Something nifty called “satellite.” Whatever station/network that wants to interview can just send a freelance crew to your house.) The only reason to travel somewhere these days is to meet with your readers in the flesh. You don’t have to be a celebrity to do a book signing.

    Chronicle books isn’t a huge house, and they can afford to send this writer on a book signing tour. http://decor8blog.com/2011/05/25/book-tour-update/

    Dorothy Wickenden isn’t a celebrity, but she’s signing books in Los Angeles. http://www.vromansbookstore.com/event

    There are also many ways to finance your kindle single travel expenses that don’t involve your publisher. (and no, a single would not steal away any of your book’s thunder, only generate more interest) You could raise money on your blog or turn to the many financing options offered online.

    http://onlinejournalismblog.com/2007/10/31/investigative-journalism-and-blogs-fundraising/

    http://dowser.org/top-ten-crowdsourced-funding-platforms/

    We gotta build you a bridge to the 21st century, Joe!

  • Kathleen:

    lol Joe!

    What about Scotland? You can stay at my family house overlooking the Forth Road Rail and Road Bridges. The guest bedroom overlooks them — it is truly breath taking. South Queensferry is quaint and has literary connections to Robert Louis Stevenson.

  • CariboBarbie Palin:

    Joe,
    Thanks for your reply. I’ll be contacting Ms Rosner today and will let her know that in Tampa, many of us see you as an excellent writer AND a celebrity!

    Barbie

  • carollt:

    Being a person who will do anything to avoid any crowd (30 or more people), I will not be contacting Annsley Rosner about your appearing somewhere near me. But it is too bad about Phoenix because I could tell that you were excited to go.

    Enjoy your summer Joe. Summer is too short and the days are already getting shorter.

  • Felix:

    If your publisher is paying for your travel to New York, Toronto, Seattle, etc., how much more would it cost to arrange book signings in those cities? Once you’ve driven up local interest on radio and TV, wouldn’t there then be locals who want to meet you and buy the book asap?
    What about C-Span’s Book TV, which broadcasts authors’ talks all weekend?
    What will Sarah Palin be doing in the second and third weeks of September? She’ll either instantly be very busy and very vocal, deflecting attention from you and your book, or she’ll be hiding out in her lair, waiting to tweet something snarky at an opportune time. Your book will be newsworthy, both nationally and locally. She won’t be able to help herself.
    Plus, as I’ve noted before, she was working as your publicist last fall when she complained about you on her tv show. Her allegations have had a long life. When you show up in public and don’t look or act like Satan’s brother, reporters will be primed to make connections.
    I hope your publicist reads your blog.

  • mistah charley, ph.d.:

    Joe, if you’re going to be in DC anyway, why not speak & sign books at Politics & Prose on Connecticut Ave? I think you’d find interested readers there.

  • Lisabeth:

    Joe, if she ends up running from a base in Arizona, I hope you will come out. Maybe it will help that negotiation. I think a sequel or short kindle book about the election would be very interesting. I disagree with your publisher that you are not a “celebrity.” You are a well known author and many people who read know your name right away. Look Bristol Palin had TV and in person appearances. What a joke that is. She didn’t even write the book. I think they should book you on Letterman and Bill Maher definitely!! They have both had run ins with Sarah and I’m sure they would want you as a guest.
    I realize we may not have the best perspective though so I’m glad you think highly of the publisher and I hope they do the right amount of publicity.

  • Hey Joe (can I call you Joe?) –

    Can we order autographed copies of The Rogue? Or should we contact the publisher for that?

    Thanks!

  • GhostbusterTX:

    Let me just throw this idea at you: Texas Book Festival. It’s in October, which would be timing for your book, not to mention it’s usually beautiful weather at that time in Austin. (You know how Alaskan’s feel about spring? That’s about how we feel about October.) There’s a big interest in political subjects, multiple opportunities for authors to be on panels and so on. Think about it…

    Last year James Fallows, Karl Rove, P.J. O’Rourke, just off the top of my head. I think you’d be a big draw based on your previous works, as well as the Palin one.

    Laura Bush founded the festival when she was First Lady of Texas, one of the very few good things that came out of Bush’s stint as Governor here.

  • Peggy Shoemaker:

    In m eyes, you are a celebrity. How exciting you are coming to Palmer/Wasilla. Joe, I will be the first one in line. I have never met Sarah personally but have shaken her hand a few times in parades, etc. This is a heavy red state as you know so most of my friends were really Sarah lovers at one time. I’m not sure how they feel now, we don’t talk about it because we want to stay friends. Sad, huh?

  • Joe:

    All dates being arranged by Annsley Rosner, director of publicity at Crown. arosner@randomhouse.com

    –Joe

  • Joe:

    You’d have to arrange that through the publisher.

    You can contact Annsley Rosner, director of publicity at Crown. arosner@randomhouse.com

    –Joe

  • Joe:

    I love that store, but all dates being arranged by Annsley Rosner, director of publicity at Crown. arosner@randomhouse.com

    –Joe

  • Flying Pig Ranch:

    Joe, I would enjoy seeing you sitting on the couch between Barbara and Joy on The View. Bill Maher, you, & HBO would be more than fine. Chris Matthews, Cobert, Stewart….Obermann and on and on. There’s NPR before the Repubs shut it down. So many ways to meet us all and find new readers without getting up close and personal. Cost effective and clean.

    I really enjoy the blog and the comments. The one good thing is I am finally getting a Kindle. My pre-ordered copy of The Rogue will been to be changed from “paper to plastic.”

  • Tom:

    I am getting a bad feeling about all this…..and Remember I questioned if your publisher was committed to this book way back when…

    I feel they waited much to long to get this book out!….but more to point is why is this deranged woman still considered a viable candidate for the presidency??

    my feeling is IF she pretends to run its because shehas cut a deal to slow down bachmanns momentum.
    palin has no intention of doing any “work” to actually become a real player…but I did take your point that she would do something to keep the flying monkey on her side(should bachmann run) serious.

    of course it will be a total sham but that’s what our media enables best…does It not?

  • mQ:

    Someone should send your reply to Bristol and Sarah Palin’s publishers! I wonder how much that Mall of America signing cost (thousands, I’m sure, esp with all the security) and how many books they actually sold. Even if the highest estimates were accurate (which I doubt), that was surely a big money drain for the publishers. And BP’s pub has continued to pump money into appearances, etc., even though every time she goes out in public, her sales sink lower.

  • mary b:

    Damn Joe, I was really looking forward to a Book signing somewhere close by.
    I’m shocked that your Editor doesn’t think your book isn’t a big deal!?!
    Every one I know cannot wait for the book to be released!!
    Is it possible if your book sells better than they anticipate that they would start a book tour?? I would travel within reasonable distance.
    I live in Nashville, one of the two Democratic Cities in the State. Nashville & Memphis are the Democratic Stronghold. Memphis is about 225 miles away, but I would go there for a book signing. Or even Louisville, KY.
    If anything happens to change regarding this, will you please let us know??
    I’ll also too be mailing an email to your Editor.
    I would love to meet you, even if only for a few minutes!! You are one of my favourite Author’s!! Fatal Vision is a Classic already and has been for some time now!!

    OT- If you want to write a True Crime book, I have got a whopper for you!! It has so many different twists and turns, I don’t understand why a writer of your caliber has not picked up on it yet!!
    If you are interested, you have my email. I don’t think you will be disappointed. I can already envision this one to be a HUGE Bestseller!!

  • JJ:

    Hi Joe,

    I wrote to Ms Rosner requesting she schedule a book signing for you in Atlanta. I think the area around Emory University is perfect, and you are welcome to stay in our carriage house!

    In fact, I think your blog readers should organize a true grassroots tour for you… there are many of us who feel like your friends and would happily welcome you into our homes, and then help with transport to the next location!

  • carrieoki:

    May I call you Joe? I asked my local library system to order your book. Thus far, two copies have been ordered. Am also Tweeting occasionally about your forthcoming book, usually including an oldie but goodie title to jog folks’ memories about your work. Will include mentions of your forthcoming book as appropriate in comment sections of Internet media and blogs. My best.

  • Joe:

    Feel free to share your thoughts with Annsley Rosner, director of publicity at Crown

    arosner@randomhouse.com

  • Joe:

    Please don’t get the wrong idea: Crown does think THE ROGUE is a big deal. It’s their #1 title for the fall, receiving the bulk of their advertising and promotion money. Many big things are planned, just not a multi-city bookstore/signing tour. I’ll do national TV from New York and Washington, then spend a day doing Canadian media in Toronto, then spend three or four days in Alaska, then a day in Seattle for media, then to LA for more national shows. That’s two full weeks on the road. After that, we’ll see. Travel and lodging costs have gotten so high and it’s so much easier now to reach readers through TV and internet that the old-fashioned signing tour is obsolete except in the cases of movie stars, etc. and genre writers with their own cult following. I have been thrilled by everything Crown has done so far and am very excited about what they have planned for September and October.

    –Joe

  • SusanC:

    Nowadays, as a rule, publishers are far more interested in arranging bookstore signings for non-writers than they are for real, actual writers. And the preferred venues are big box stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and WalMart. Part of this has to do with the death of the independent bookstore. But most of this has to do with the fact that publishers prefer to put all their promotional money into non-books by non-writers to sell them to non-readers.

  • AKRNHSNC:

    You may not consider yourself a celebrity and with that being a label often applied to Palin, I don’t know if I’d want to be associated with it, either. However, you are one hell of a good writer who knows how to tell a story. If this book of yours about Palin turns out to be as big as I and many others think it will be, you’ll not only be known as an exceptional author but as the hero (at least to many of us here and at other blogs) who helped to take Palin down.

    I’ll be writing another letter to Annsley this week.

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