The State of the Wicket – February
Now, we’ve been getting a lot of mail, Facebook comments, tweets, and so on, asking about the status of Book Eight, the short stories, etc. So I thought I’d give you a quick run-down of what-all I’ve been doing, where it all is at the moment, a short peek at everything, and—most importantly [g]—when things will be published.
For starters, I’m very pleased to announce that The Scottish Prisoner was released on November 29th, 2011. This release also includes a “teaser” chunk from Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (aka Book Eight, or MOHB (aka “Moby,” which is how I refer to it for convenience. I don’t _think_ it will be white, but it will certainly be a whale of a book [cough]). The teaser includes several scenes about different characters.
Now, I do normally work on multiple projects at once; it keeps me from getting writer’s block, and makes me generally more productive. I also think it’s entertaining to write the occasional short piece (novella or short story) that fills in a missing part of someone’s story and/or provides more depth to the overall tale.
The most recent of these short pieces to be published was “Lord John and the Plague of Zombies,” which was published last October—and which gratified me extremely by recently being nominated for an Edgar Award (for best mystery short story of the year—though it’s not all that short, really…)—in an anthology titled DOWN THESE STRANGE STREETS. The anthology is edited by George RR Martin and Gardner Dozois. http://tinyurl.com/Plague-Zombies
I’m presently writing a short story for another anthology (this one titled DANGEROUS WOMEN)—the story is called “Virgins,” and is about Jamie and his not-yet-brother-in-law Ian, as very young mercenaries in France. I don’t have a pub date for this anthology yet, but expect it will be out sometime later this year. I do post occasional brief snippets from “Virgins” (as well as other works-in-progress) on my Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/AuthorDianaGabaldon.
OK– on to Book Eight, which is probably what most people want to know about.
1) WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD is the eighth volume in the main Outlander series. (It’s the sequel to AN ECHO IN THE BONE, where allll the cliffhangers will be picked up. [g])
2) I don’t know yet if WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD is the last book in this series!!
3) I am still writing WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD!!!
A) I hasten to say that most of the mail I get is wonderful, and Much Appreciated! However, I do get a small amount of idiotic email accusing me of having already finished the book, but “hiding” it from the readers, or keeping it off the market “just to be mean” or (of all insane notions) “to drive the price up.” (It ain’t pork bellies, people; the cover price is the same whenever it comes out, and I don’t set it.) I don’t mean to be impolite here, but…geez, guys.
i) Look. Books are
a) written in order to be read, and
b) published in order to make money.
ii) Publishers do not make money from books that are not in bookstores. Ergo….
iii) Publishers want to sell books as soon as the books are ready.
iv) So do authors. What do you think I live on, while I’m supposedly keeping a book off the market to be mean? And why do you think I’d want to be mean to the people who read my books? Sheesh.
4) Right. Now, I hope to finish writing the book around the end of this year.
OK, pay close attention now….
5) The book will not—repeat not—REPEAT NOT!!!—be published on December 31st, even if I finish writing it on December 30th. Why not? Well, because…
A) Books don’t go directly from the author to the bookstore.
B) Books go from the author to the Editor, who
i) reads the manuscript
ii) discusses the manuscript with the author, and
iii) suggests minor revisions that may improve the book
C) The book goes back to the author, who
i) re-reads the manuscript
ii) considers the editor’s comments, and
iii) makes whatever revisions, emendments, or clarifications seem right.
D) The book goes back to the editor, who
i) reads it again
ii) asks any questions that seem necessary, and
iii) sends it to
E) The copy-editor. This is a person whose thankless job is to
i) read the manuscript one…word…at…a…time
ii) find typos or errors in grammar, punctuation, or continuity (one heck of a job, considering the size not only of the individual books, but of the overall series), and
iii) write queries to the author regarding anything questionable, whereupon
F) The book comes back to the author—yes, again—who
i) re-reads the manuscript
ii) answers the copy-editor’s queries, and
iii) alters anything that the copy-editor has changed that the author disagrees with. After which, the author sends it back to
G) The editor—yes, again!—who
i) re-re-reads it
ii) checks that all the copy-editor’s queries have been answered, and sends it to
H) The Typesetter, who sets the manuscript in type, according to the format laid out by
I) The Book-Designer, who
i) decides on the layout of the pages (margins, gutters, headers or footers, page number placement)
ii) chooses a suitable and attractive typeface
iii) decides on the size of the font
iv) chooses or commissions any incidental artwork (endpapers, maps, dingbats—these are the little gizmos that divide chunks of text, but that aren’t chapter or section headings)
v) Designs chapter and Section headings, with artwork, and consults with the
J) Cover Artist, who (reasonably enough) designs or draws or paints or Photo-Shops the cover art, which is then sent to
K) The Printer, who prints the dust-jackets–which include not only the cover art and the author’s photograph and bio, but also “flap copy,” which may be written by either the editor or the author, but is then usually messed about with by
L) The Marketing Department, whose thankless task is to try to figure out how best to sell a book that can’t reasonably be described in terms of any known genre [g], to which end, they
i) try to provide seductive and appealing cover copy to the book
ii) compose advertisements for the book
iii) decide where such advertisements might be most effective (periodicals, newspapers, book-review sections, radio, TV, Facebook, Web)
iv) try to think up novel and entertaining means of promotion, such as having the author appear on Second Life to do a virtual reading, or sending copies of the book to the armed troops in Iraq, or booking the author to appear on Martha Stewart or Emiril Lagasse’s cooking show to demonstrate recipes for unusual foods mentioned in the book.
vi) kill a pigeon in Times Square and examine the entrails in order to determine the most advantageous publishing date for the book.
M) OK. The manuscript itself comes back from the typesetter, is looked at (again) by the editor, and sent back to the author (again! As my husband says, “to a writer, ‘finished’ is a relative concept.”), who anxiously proof-reads the galleys (these are the typeset sheets of the book; they look just like the printed book’s pages, but are not bound), because this is the very last chance to change anything. Meanwhile
N) A number of copies of the galley-proofs are bound—in very cheap plain covers—and sent to
O) The Reviewers. i.e., the bound galleys are sent (by the marketing people, the editor, and/or the author) to the book editors of all major newspapers and periodicals, and to any specialty publication to whom this book might possibly appeal, in hopes of getting preliminary reviews, from which cover quotes can be culled, and/or drumming up name recognition and excitement prior to publication. Frankly, they don’t always bother with this step with my books, because they are in a rush to get them into the bookstores, and it takes several months’ lead-time to get reviews sufficiently prior to publication that they can be quoted on the cover.
P) With luck, the author finds 99.99% of all errors in the galleys (you’re never going to find all of them; the process is asymptotic), and returns the corrected manuscript (for the last time, [pant, puff, gasp, wheeze]) to the editor, who sends it to
(1. The ebook coding happens somewhere in here.)
Q) The Printer, who prints lots of copies (“the print-run” means how many copies) of the “guts” of the book—the actual inside text. These are then shipped to
R) The Bindery, where the guts are bound into their covers, equipped with dust-jackets, and shipped to
S) The Distributors. There are a number of companies—Ingram, and Baker and Taylor, are the largest, but there are a number of smaller ones—whose business is shipping, distributing, and warehousing books. The publisher also ships directly to
T) The Bookstores, but bookstores can only house a limited number of books. Therefore, they draw on distributors’ warehouses to resupply a title that’s selling briskly, because it takes much longer to order directly from the publisher. And at this point, [sigh]…the book finally reaches
U) You, the reader.
And we do hope you like it when you get it—because we sure-God went to a lot of trouble to make it for you. [g]
6) As it happens, Random House (who publishes my books in the US and Canada) prefers to publish my titles in the Fall quarter (between September 1 and December 31). That’s because this is traditionally the biggest sales period in the year, what with the run-up to Christmas, and therefore all the publishers normally release their “big” titles in the Fall. I’m flattered to be among them.
However, if I do finish the manuscript around the end of this year, Random House (and the UK publisher, Orion, and the German publisher, Blanvalet) _may_ decide to release the book earlier in 2013. They probably won’t set a pub date until I deliver the manuscript—which I _HOPE_ (no guarantees, mind you. Stuff Happens) to finish by the end of 2012.
(The other foreign editions—I think we’re now up to 29 countries, including Israel, Croatia, Russia, Greece, and Korea, which is pretty cool—will be out whenever their respective editors and translators finish their production processes, but I’m afraid I can’t predict that at all.)
So—that’s why the English and German-speaking readers will almost certainly get Written in My Own Heart’s Blood _sometime_ in 2013.
When I have a specific publication date, rest assured—I’ll tell you. (Webmaster’s note: WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART’S BLOOD has an official publisher release date of June 10, 2014.)
[Amended to add that the photo above is of me sitting down to a well-earned glass of wine at the end of all this...no, really, it's of me at a dinner at Culloden House last summer. Thanks to Judy Lowstuter, who took it!]
I don’t ever want the Outlander series to end. Is that unrealistic, if so, I can’t help it. I read my first one of the series (The Fiery Cross) after purchasing it used. I had never heard of the series before that and was instantly hooked! Of course, I then had to backtrack and start from the beginning. That first book is the only one I have found used, and it’s no wonder as most of your fans could not part with a single one of the books. I too have a Kindle, but I could never be satisfied with the Kindle version of your books, I want the feel of the book in my hands and the physical book in my liabrary. I am axiously awaiting MOBY, and hope, hope, hope that it is not the last of the series! THANK YOU DIANA – YOU ARE BLESSED!
I am probably the only fan who is fine with waiting for MOBY to be published because I don’t want the series to end. The daily lines are fantastic and are perfect to keep me happy while waiting for MOBY. I have heard you speak twice at the Decatur Book Festival and believe you may have said you wanted to write a story (anthology?) about a 50 year marriage. Because of that I am hoping that means MOBY can’t possibly be the last book in the series!
Add to all that, the process of all the writing and research that go into all the rich historical detail of every book, it’s always well worth the wait. Besides, I read so slow now, the next book coming out is always a good push for me to go ahead and finish the previous one. I still haven’t finished Echo In The Bone and The Scottish Prisoner is started. I’m patient.
Jeez Louise it’s a wonder any book ever gets in a reader’s hands…
Danke für die Erläuterung. Was für ein Hin und Her!
Das macht das Warten zwar nicht einfacher – aber was bleibt uns übrig?
Wir warten ungeduldig, aber wir warten – und freuen uns auf Band 8
I understand it’s a long process, but I can’t help but be impatient for #8. Just finished The Scottish Prisoner. (Read it within a 2 week period during my lunch hours) Wishing it was longer.! Thank you for writing such wonderful books, and I hope that the series continues after Written in my Own Hearts Blood.
You know, Diana, your stories are like those kitchen accessories from Joie! — Boily, Whiskey, Slicey and all the rest — once you pick up the first one you have to have all the others! Since way back when a fellow chatter put me onto Outlander I have spread the word every chance I could get. Imagine my surprise years ago when I visited my sisters in Canada and found they both have the collections going! Yours are the only ones I really like to re-read, and yes I await patiently for whatever “bones” you toss our way
Speaking of which, I bet you could make a short story or Novella about Rollo and make it interesting! Keep up the good work — although I do hope it remains a joyful thing to do, for you personally
While reading this I internally say UGH, 2013 but I would much rather you take your time and be happy with it, then rush the story and we be disappointed. We have plenty of time to re-read and remember all that has previously happened (which is a lot) before we can dive into MOBY. Thank you Diana for such a wonderful series. I stumbled upon the Outlander series in 2010 and instantly fell in love!
Diana,
I also have been researching my family and have found out that I actually have quite a bit Scottish blood. I can wait, that is what it is all about the anticipation of a new book. So while I wait patiently I am going to reread the series and of course The Scottish Prisoner. So I just wanted to give you from a non- reader to now a read a BIG heartfilled Thank you. Oh and I hope “MOBY” will not be the last. 
My family would like to thank you. I am not a reader like they are, not at all but your books sparked that bug. They were excited to see me read the Outlander series last year while I was laid off, then when I asked for a book for Christmas (THE SCOTTISH PRISONER) but they are tickled pink that I am so excited to be waiting for the 8th book and I am. For my husband I think he is most excited that I actually started researching history. I am not a history fan at all or at least I wasn’t.
Thank you,
Andena
Dear Andena–
Hooray! [g] I’m always _so_ pleased to get a letter like yours, from someone who really never read, but is now enjoying the wonderful world of books. One of the very best things about writing–thank you!
–Diana
So, what I got out of this long piece, is that:
1) I need to start a book review blog that may concentrate on books of multiple genre. (in hopes of a pre-copy for review purposes of course)
2) A LOT of that process can be avoided and they could release the digital versions way sooner than the actual hard back books
3) Maybe I need to make friends with Davina Porter
4) Thankful either way for the story and the work
Jen <—- who is off to start my blog and find out where Davina Porter takes tea
hi Diana,
I really enjoy reading every word and appreciate how much hard work and dedication it takes on your part to make your wonderful novels a reality. I find it sad that you need to constantly explain yourself and your process to those that are supposed to be your “fans”.
You are so much more accessible to your fans and spend time every day to not just share a line or two of your current work but whole passages. You have a style that is beautiful and at times heart wrenching, heart warming and humorous.
Thank you for bring us into your world of Jamie and Claire and spending the time to be accessible to your fanbase.
I have only been a devotee for a short time, but I assure you that you have me hooked for life.
Michelle
Thanks, Michelle!
It does sometimes seem as thought I’m constantly re-explaining–but in fact, it’s just the effect of having a more or less constant influx of new readers, and I can’t complain about that. [g] (I could wish some of them would take the time to browse through the website before asking me questions, but what the heck…).
–Diana
Patience is not one of my strong suits; however, that’s why I re-read.
Take your time. I know you’ll give us the best story you possibly can. And I do hope it is a whale of a book. Maybe it will take me more than a couple of days to read. 
My mother and I both eagerly await Book 8 and the further adventures of Jamie, Claire, Bree, Roger, Lord John, William, and every other character to which we have become so emotionally attached.
My heart goes out to the author who probably has their own problems remembering, but next in line is the copy editor. How does he/she ever keep it all straight? Kudos to BOTH of you and a big thank you to all involved in the process. I expect your books when they appear, knowing how much you and other put in to them. Best thoughts everyone’s way!
Dear Jean–
The lovely copy-editor who does my books makes informational grids for each one, and keeps the old ones to compare. That’s how she always knows when people were born and what color their eyes are.
–Diana
You should have someone read your mail for you and toss the haters. Your books are very long, very thought out, and we, your loyal readers, wait with baited breath for the MOHB. Write On!!!
To say I love your books is an understatement–I have read all of Outlander series at least 3 times in order and several titles individually out of order. I refer everyone to the series as “my favorite books of all time” and I am waiting (trying to be patient) for MOBY. So long as the end of the world doesn’t happen on 12/21/12, I’ll be thrilled to get MOBY in 2013.
Thanks for the update. I am using the time to reread the rest of the series and am rediscovering details I’d missed the first time around. What fun to pull out the Companion and double check my assumptions! Looking forward to picking up where you last left off, but will remain entertained by the earlier volumes until then.
What with the number of readers waiting for your books to come out, I don’t understand why anyone would be so stupid as to think you are sitting on a completed book. Must be that instant gratification thing working. I admit, I’m chewing my nails over the “Daily Lines” and I can’t wait for the new book (and hoping that it won’t be the last one, by the way) but I continue to reread the series and believe it or not, as many times as I’ve read the books, I still seem to pick up something I missed in a previous read. Thank you, Diana, for all the work and time you are putting in to tell these stories. If simple gratitude and knowledge of the pleasure you are giving all of your readers could be made into $ – you’d be rich beyond your imagination! I’ll be waiting, not always patiently, but I will be waiting.
Like in my child bearing days, when I discovered I was going to have a baby, I was so happy to want to see my child but very impatient waiting. But, once my child came into the world, the long wait and pain was forgotten and you rejoiced in the moment at hand. This my friend is somewhat of that joy we’ll feel when book #8 is released. So, enjoy the ride, it will be worth it in the end.
Just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work – your books have found a place in my heart. I have recommended them to every woman who would listen to me. I have read the series twice so far and I’m sure my well-worn copies will be much more worn in a few year’s time. Your writing is a treat to the eyes and soul. No wonder so many of us are eager to read more of your talent. Take your time – all good things are worth waiting for.
What a process! Thanks for the description!
And… I hope you never stop writing about Jamie and Claire and the rest of them!
Thanks you!