I can pretty much guess what the hold up is with Brides and Innswich. I hate to be negative and I don't like to down publishers and I'm sure one in particular has gotten a lot of heat from customers over the years, but I'll give them a bit more, anyway. I'm referring to, of course, Cemetery Dance. Don't get me wrong... I love the books they put out, but it gets a bit tiresome waiting for a release 2 years after it's been announced, especially when they keep making excuses such as it's coming soon or it's at the printer now!
Prime example: I preordered In Laymon's Terms(among several other titles) four and one half years ago from Cemetery Dance. What do I have in return so far? Nothing(Not even the other three I preordered with it). I mean seriously, does it take that long to publish a book(s)? They've had my $100(actually more like $250 with the other books included) tied up for that long and so far no dice. If I'd known that I wouldn't have preordered it(or the others). I tried to get my money back but they said they couldn't refund it and didn't give a reason why. Needless to say, I don't preorder books from them any more. Oh, and the earliest we can expect In Laymon's Terms... summer 2010. They're waiting for space to open up at the printer... honestly, does it take that long for space to open up? Inquiring minds want to know...
The problem: Richard Chizmar has way to many irons in the fire, so to speak! Books, movies, writing... what's next video games or maybe bodybuilding equipment and supplements? It's really sad to say, but I wouldn't be expecting Brides of the Impaler or The Innswich Horror from them anytime soon. Shoot for late 2010/early 2011 and you might be in the ball park.
One last gripe I have: I know Stephen King is a great writer(one of my favorite writers of all time) and all and he is a BIG money making machine, but I think Cemetery Dance has gone so completely apeshit over him that they can't focus on any of their other books THAT NEED TO BE PUBLISHED! It seems everytime I get an update from CD it's something about Stephen King. I apologize if all this ranting has pissed anyone off... All this has to be frustrating not just for the readers, but for the authors, as well.
I also know authors like Ed have to be civilized with these publishers(not just CD) even if it is taking a long time to get their work out to the fans because the bottom line is bread and butter(money). One of the best all around publishers I can think of is Leisure. Small press... Delirium and Permuted Press are tops!
Peace,
Travis
