That was the message I received a few days ago regarding the fate of my new cozy mystery series. Certainly not what any writer wants to hear, no matter how kindly the words are strung together.
Death on Dickens Island, the first book in my Books on the Beach series, had been released in October, 2025 in four formats: e-book, hardcover, paperback and audio. The Large Print edition came out this past week. I had high hopes for my new series set on an island I'd created in the middle of the Long Island Sound. I enjoyed writing about my new characters--their adventures, their relationships--and murder and mayhem.
Readers liked the book, judging by the many five-star reviews it received on BookBub. Though I could see by the book's Amazon ratings that sales weren't great, I remained optimistic and started writing the second book in the series.
Learning that my publisher will not be continuing my new series has left me very sad. My first reaction was maybe it was time I stopped writing books and enjoyed a life of leisure. That didn't last long. I began to wonder: should I finish the book I'm writing and find a home for it? Should I start a new series? Too many possibilities, which led me to believe I needed to take a break from writing and writing decisions. For a week or more.
To my relief, this latest development hasn't made me doubt my writing abilities. I've written too many books for that. When I posted about my series' cancelation on Facebook, I was touched by the many who had written to tell me they loved reading Death on Dickens Island. And by the wonderful support I received from many of my fellow authors. So many suggested that I self-publish the series, but I don't have the time or the energy to do that. Eventually, I'll come up with the right decision regarding what's next in my writing career.
Rejections and cancelations are a part of the publishing industry. It can happen to any author. After all, it's not as though we're ever given tenure to keep on writing books until we retire. We write books because that's what we love to do, and we want to get our books out to as many readers as we can.
I am so sorry to hear about your series, but I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Writing is a crazy business.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've taken a week to think about my future plans for my series and another possible series.
DeleteI'm a firm believer of the one-door-closes-a-new-door-opens philosophy. I can't wait to see what your new door will be..
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jim. I appreciate your positive approach.
DeleteWrite Something New! Those were the words I was told when I was devastated when my publisher went out of business, orphaning my first book that was selling well. My writing friends got me over the hump of despair and I wrote my second book. The same words were said when my second publisher decided to phase out its mystery line (but the book was selling so I didn't get rights back for several years). My third attempt at writing a novel, heeding these words, worked... at least for five books before the series was canceled. Tears, for sure, but this time I know the secret - Write Something New. Marilyn, you can do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. This week I'm stepping back to think and take a much-needed break. I do have a possible idea for a new series, but I do want to continue the one I just began. I put so much work into creating the setting and the characters, and I'm heartened to have heard from many readers who have read DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND and love it and want the series to continue.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I was so sorry to hear about this cancellation. Publishing really is a crazy business, isn’t it? But we are writers, and writing is what we do. You have so many readers who enjoy your work.I hope you’ll publish that second book for the folks who read the first.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shari. I do want to publish the second book, and I've ideas for the third . . .
DeleteDevastating news, but you have a loyal band of readers. Write something new. I just finished a novella set in 1972 as a trial run for a standalone historical mystery.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret. Good liuck with your new project.
DeleteAs a reader, who did read Dickens Island, I was very sad to see it cancelled. I was looking forward to getting to know more about the characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for letting me know. I was touched by how many readers have read the book and enjoyed it. I love the characters in the series and want to write more about them.
Deleteread twice as I forgot I read when first available! PLEASE continue the second book and to try another publisher! thanks and prayers
DeleteThe publishing business is so funky. Glad you've decided to keep writing, though. Your books make the world a brighter place.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori. Writing a cozy series involves creating a world where, though a few characters are murdered, coziness and friendships reign.
DeleteSince you have already started the second book and you have had positive feedback on the first you probably have a sense of what you want to do with the series.
ReplyDeleteI think you should at least finish the second one. There is obviously a market for it, you just have to find it.
I happen to have the first one right in front of me but haven’t read it yet. I took it out of the library based on having read and enjoyed other books you have written.
Is there anything readers can do to either persuade the publisher to change their mind or find a new home for it?
Thank you for even thinking that perhaps readers might change a publisher's mind re a cancellation of a series. Publishers consider the bottom line. DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND came out in 4 versions at the same time. The hard cover had to do well but those sales weren't that great.
DeleteI’m so sorry, Marilyn, that your publisher made that decision. So often it has nothing to do with the quality of your book but just comes down to the market. I’m glad you’ve already got ideas for another series, so go for it. Also, don’t shelve the idea of self publishing your second book. There are so many writers who are willing to give you guidance and help on getting it out.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I have gotten detailed information from an author who, upon her series' cancellation, went the self publishing route. I would rather find a publisher who would take on the series because I think publishing it myself—and I did that once with a book that's now out with a publisher—would prove to be too much work for me.
ReplyDeleteSo frustrating that publishers push out a book and then don't do anything to promote it. I guess they think the elves are coming in the night to do that. I have had a few author friends with series I thought were great, and then their publisher dropped the series. It's a puzzle So sorry this happened to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terry. It's a shock to the system when it happens. I would imagine the decision is based on how many copies are selling.
DeleteMy response to your publisher who cancelled the series, to quote Julia Roberts in PRETTY WOMAN is, "Mistake. Big mistake." Cozy series take a while to catch on, and their premature error is unfortunate. It may turn out to be to your advantage, though.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! I do want to continue the series, and I'll get back to writing the second book next week.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear this!! I had recently purchased it on one of Kindle one-day sales, but hadn't yet had a chance to read it. Since I loved your earlier series and still miss new escapades with Carrie and Evelyn! Whatever you decide to do, I hope to read more of your delightful, yet challenging to solve, cozy mysteries!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was overwhelmed by how many readers have already read DEATH ON DICKENS ISLAND and loved it. I plan to finish the next book and publish it one way or another.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear this, Marilyn. I've had three series not renewed over the years - it's never fun! But I have every confidence you'll find a new home for your marvelous words. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Edith. You are my inspiration!
DeleteWhat a crazy business we're in! But you are so talented, Marilyn. I love your work and look forward to many more books by you! I'm so sorry this happened to you. But I know this setback will end up being a temporary blip!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words. I am beginning to feel better about the situation and to view my options.
DeleteOuch, Marilyn. So sorry to hear your hopes, dreams, expectations, and plans have been dashed by this cancellation. As one who has not yet experienced the joy of having a book published (yet), I'm wondering...?
ReplyDeleteWould you say that this is an example of it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all?
Pam, I've been through so many difficult times in my writing career—rejections, small pub houses closing, etc. We all have our own path toward publication. Go for it! It's so well worth it to have your books out in the world of readers.
DeleteGreat that you know it's not about your writing because it's not. It's just a thing that's part of the normal industry/business vortex. Still it sinks. Will you consider independent publishing?
ReplyDeleteI'd rather find another publisher because self-publishing involves too many steps I'd rather not be responsible for. That said, I know many authors who have gone the self-publishing route after being traditionally published and like it better.
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