I just found out someone else – in fact, the woman who was my advisor during the writing process – was chosen to write the second PowerPoint 2010 book for the publisher who produced mine.
I got passed over.
That means either they weren’t as happy as they could have been with what I provided them, or they felt they had to find another author for some reason (maybe I whined too much about them “forgetting” to pay me). Whatever the reason, I didn’t get the follow-up book. For those of you who’ve asked I guess we all have our answer now.
I got passed over. And I feel pretty bad about that, doggone it. I’d think they’d say something if they weren’t happy with the product, but … what do I know?
Still, maybe there’s another opportunity out there with this publisher, or with another publisher through the same agent. I’m willing to hope so. But I also might call the agent and see why someone else was chosen to do the follow up book and find out what he says. Then hope he’s honest with me.
Oh well. Have a great holiday weekend.
-jdt-
DarcKnyt 
Who was this advisor? Could they have been a “cheaper option” and that is why you got passed over?
Well, probably not. This person was appointed by the agency to guide me in the writing; she was chosen because she’s done a LOT of books for them. With so much experience, either they offer a flat rate advance or she’s more expensive. But it’s okay; maybe they just wanted to be sure it got done on time and in a tighter deadline or something. Who knows?
Well, poop. That sucks. But I do think you should ask your agent what your chances are of working again. Your agent should tell you why you were passed over, if he knows. It may not have had anything to do with your ability, but something you couldn’t possibly guess, like the publisher loves adverbs, or is having an affair with the advisor, or whatever. You know?
I guess I will, if I get a chance. It’s not anything I stressed about until just yesterday, when I realized what happened. Oh well. I’ll ask. What can it hurt?
I’m so sorry. The only thing I would recommend you are already going to do. I love you and I’m trying to win that Texas lottery for us!
Aw, sweetie! We love you too! I’ll call pretty soon tonight, okay?
I was going to ask you the same thing Bob did.
Is this advisor someone who works for them already? Because if she is, you basically taught her how to write the second book as you work the first one. And that sucks.
She actually taught ME to write for them. She isn’t responsible for pitching the book; the publisher actually does that. As sneaky as I may have made it sound, she didn’t do anything underhanded. 🙂 But thanks for looking out for me. Hope you’re well.
I would ask why. Even if it hurts your feelings, I believe it’s better to know why you were passed over so you can improve rather than not know and not improve.
I’m not worried about getting my feelings hurt. I think if they say something it will be about how much I complained about the slow (VERY SLOW) payments. If they didn’t “forget” to pay me, I wouldn’t bitch, but maybe bitching cost me any future assignments. We’ll see.
Aw, man! That’s such a downer.
It’s definitely a good idea to try to find out why they chose someone else for the second book. There are lots of reasons why that might have happened, half of which have nothing to do with you at all. Ah well, that’s life in Biz-Nass! It’s dog eat dog.
Well, this wasn’t personal unless it was. We’ll see. 🙂
I’m with everyone else on the you-have-to-ask front. It may be the reason you suspect, but it just as well may not. And it may be something you can work out with them another time. They have your name and know what you can do. It sucks to be passed over (how I know that feeling!). You have every right to feel the way you do, but don’t let it get in the way of the next thing. You’ve still written a book that was published! How many people can ever say that?
Thanks, Marta. I needed to hear that today. 🙂
Happy 4th!
To you and yours, too!
So sorry to hear that but hang in there, you are bound (destined?) to find something else since you are too good of a writer.
P.S.
I’m back!
Aw, thanks Delaney! I saw you posted something over on your blog but didn’t get a chance to read it. I’m glad you’re back and I hope you’re doing okay. 🙂