Some News, At Last

Things appear to be reaching a conclusion with regards The Friday Project and Harper Collins as you can see from this trade press report which is based on an official press release. 

Opinions have been varied and vocal about the ongoing situation, and you can understand why.  Reaction to this news is also certain to be mixed.  Many people have been affected by the situation and they have every right to make their feelings felt, if they choose to.  Most haven't actually, or have done so privately.

I usually get a bunch of comments, many anonymous, whenever the subject is mentioned here (and often when it isn't).  I never delete or censor anything anyone posts on the blog, I think everyone is entitled to say what they want.  I personally believe comment or criticism carries more weight when a person puts their name to it, so if you do want to leave a comment it would be good if you would say who you are.

Of course the Bookseller piece allows you to comment as well, and you'd get a much bigger audience there, so perhaps that is the place to go.

Anyway, I said I'd pipe up when I had news and this certainly counts as that.

Comments

[Paul Byrne]

Scott, I had a manuscript, 'Innocence' under contract with TFP. Clare was dealing with it. I have yet to hear of it's fate. Any chance of an e-mail to put me out of my misery?

[DJ Kirkby]

At risk of being lynched I would like to say congratulations to you and everyone who met the grade required to make the move with you. I am glad to read that some resolution has been reached at long last.

[Scott Pack]

Paul, that is simply not on - apologies. I don't know quite what has happened there as we have contacted all authors. I will mail you directly now.

[Andrew Fish]

Not quite sure I appreciate DJ's implication that the rest of us 'didn't make the grade', but I'm glad things have panned out for yourself and Clare.

[Em]

To balance DJ's comment I would like to say commiserations to all the creditors to whom TOFP (The Original Friday Project) owe money. Of course it's the law that a company can go into liquidation, but I know many are feeling aggrieved that a company can seemingly shut down one month with huge debts and appear to start up in a similar guise the next with a clean slate. I do, honestly, believe that Scott will do all in his power to make it up to us. I also think that the understanding tone of this blog post is good, and it wouldn't hurt to see a few more of these from TFP over the next few months. People won't just forget, and a few heartfelt 'sorries', rooted in an empathethic concern for people outside the company which TFP should now make it their business to focus on now that their future is stabilised, would help. If all the industry sees is bold, bright statements about a rosy future now you've finally got enough money (sorry, that bit was sarcastic), it's going to remain angry.

The key thing to emphasise here for my fellow creditors is that I do think Scott will be trying to make it up to us, so whilst we will probably not get our money in full I remain hopeful that we will get something. And to restore our goodwill, TFP, please be honest and open, put yourselves in our shoes, and say sorry.

[Em]

Oh, also, a question: does the backlist come with you to the new incarnation? Or do you start from scratch?

[Paul]

I'm pleased that thirty TFP authors will still have their books published. I wish them every success, but as one of those who will not, I do resent being categorised by inference as "not making the grade."

Everyone knows that it's difficult for a new writer to find a publisher/agent. Surely you might expect that fellow writers who've been through the submissions game and know how very demoralising it can be having to draw on reservoirs of self-belief, when at times that self-belief feels almost like self-delusion, would empathise with those who were not selected.

It's wonderful when someone says, 'I love your book, and I believe many others will enjoy it too.'

It's awful when you realise it's not going to happen and have to pick yourself up again, because there's still hope, a new opportunity. Then the new opportunity comes to nothing, and you're back to square one again having failed to make the grade.

I thought a fellow writer would understand that.

[Clare]

Em - I have spoken to many of the people who have been affected by this whole mess in order to personally apologise. In fact I left a message on your voicemail apologising for how this has affected you and Snowbooks and asking you to call me so I could apologise in person but you never responded so I've been unable to.

[Dave Roberts]

Yes, I agree that a simple personal apology, instead of a standard email, might have shown the TFP people in a better light.

[TJ]

Scott,
Just to say good luck in your new direction and many thanks for all your help last year.

[DJ Kirkby]

I expected some backlash for openly showing my continued support of Scott, however I did not expect that my comment would personally insult some people. I did not intend my comment in this way. I should explain that I have Asperger’s syndrome, a social and communication disorder, a form of Autism. I wanted to give my congratulations, not offend anyone. I would like to apologise to those who felt upset after reading my comment but I steadfastly refuse to renege on my earlier congratulatory comment.

[Paul]

Thanks DJ.

[Scott Pack]

I know that DJ won't have meant anything personal with her comments, just an unfortunate choice of words.

For the record, there are many wonderful books that will not be making the transition to HarperCollins. HC have, understandably, decided to concentrate on more web-orientated books and that, along with other criteria, has influenced the final list.

Some of the authors and books that are not making the move have already found new homes. I would be happy to provide details of others to any publishers who want some further information, there are some real crackers there.

[Andrew]

We still haven't heard any confirmation at all about the status of our book (we're beyond assuming now the missing royalties, that we were assured had already been paid into our accounts before all this broke, never will be).

We have no idea what's going on, and if there are any spare copies we can buy from the warehouse.

When will we get any news at all please?

[Keith]

Dave, I don't know what sort of email you received but mine was personal and apologetic. I am sure other authors received a similar message and I can't pretend I was expecting a hand written letter or anything.

[Scott Pack]

Hello Andrew. I have emailed you direct to discuss. As far as we were concerned you had declined the offer to come to the new HC imprint and the rights for your book had reverted to you, as outlined in a series of emails. Happy to go into more detail by mail.

S

[Martyn]

My royalties were going to go towards a flat deposit and paying off some (a small portion admittedly) of my uni debts. Therefore I am one of the people who was (is) outraged that a company can liquidate whilst owing so much money to so many people and then just start up again, at HC.