Note: This blog entry is outdated and from January, 2020! BEES will be published on November 21, 2021 in the U.S.A. and U.K. More information.
Dear All—
Geez. Spend the day in a car driving from California to Arizona, and all Hell breaks loose…
On the Amazon websites (in the U.K. and various other countries!) there is a page purporting to give a release (or publication) date of October 20th, 2020, for GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE (with a rather gloomy-looking cover) and providing a link for pre-orders—
NO, IT ISN’T TRUE!!! (but I’ve certainly been getting a lot of apologetic email from publishers…)
First off:
1. NO, the publication date for BEES of October 20th, 2020, (or the 15th, as another Amazon site had it) is NOT CORRECT!
As I told you, the U.S. publisher (who decides the pub date) tells me they aren’t even going to think about a pub date until they have the whole manuscript in hand. (Which they don’t, though it’s only a matter of weeks now…)
2. While the Amazon page for BEES popped up on amazon.co.uk (Amazon’s website for the U.K.), amazon.fr (Amazon’s website for France) and amazon.de (Amazon’s website for Germany), and probably a few others I don’t know about, all the announcements pertain to the U.K.’s release of what’s called an “English export edition”:
The English (original) version of the book is allowed to be sold in other countries, by the U.K. (or U.S.; I think both Random Houses in the U.S.A. and U.K. get to do export editions, but maybe to different parts of the market—it’s been a long time since I read the small print in the contracts—I do read a contract before signing it, every time, but I don’t normally need to review them). So all of this kerfuffle surrounds the U.K. export edition—not the translation editions into other languages done by the German, French, etc., publishers.
3. Not only is the pub date not correct (it can’t be, because there isn’t one yet), the cover is not the one that will be on the book. This was an early design, which I didn’t really like.
4. Apparently, all the erroneous Amazon pages were posted accidentally—and automatically—by what’s being described as “a systems glitch.” You know how it’s possible to set up tweets and Facebook posts ahead of time, so they’ll post automatically at a set time? It works something like that. It’s common for a publishing company to set up a dummy page for a book and add information as available, then when there IS a pub date <ahem>, set the page to go live for pre-orders. You can see that the erroneous page is missing a few things—like the author’s name….
5. I’m assured that the erroneous pages have all been taken down. So—apologies for the kerfuffle, but I repeat (again…) —
I’LL TELL YOU when the pub date is known. And it’s not been set yet.
Once a publication date is set, it will be immediately posted here on my official web pages, including on my official GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE webpage, (bookmark it, please) and on my official “home” web page. For those who use social media, of course I’ll post the news on my official accounts there right away, as well.
Thanks!
-Diana
This blog entry was also posted by me on my official Facebook page on January 15, 2020.
Getting excited . . . can’t wait . . .
Thank you for this. I do appreciate it, even though I haven’t seen nor heard of the erroneous publication dates until now. It’s good to hear “a matter of weeks.” I’ve been waiting for this publication date ever since reading of Claire and Jamie flying down the hillside …
Thank you for giving us all that you have up til now
So looking forward to your next book,, Bees
Sincerely
Jojo
I think you’re incredible. Thank you for enriching my life with your work. I’ll bee waiting patiently
Can’t wait until seasons 4 & 5 of Outlander are sold to Netflix.
Rewatching season 1 for the 3rd time. Truly magical.
I read somewhere that Jamie can not time travel. Why? It’s not a female ability ( Claire, Gillis, Brianna) since Roger did too. Why not Jaimie?
I am so tired of waiting for any indication of a publication date for BEES, that I will not wait any longer and will not buy the book.
Sorry, Ms. Gabaldon but it seems as though you have had more than enough time to finish the book, if you had concentrated on it. Seems you have many other things that are more important.
Wow ! Rude ! What have you done with your life snooty-patootie!
I agree but I still will buy the book. Seems to me we are just being strung alone. I am 85 and may not have too much time left. Marilyn Bryan.
Hi, Marilyn,
How much time would it take YOU or me to write a novel with 700-plus pages, I wonder? And to do all of the intensive historical research that Diana does for each and every major Outlander series novel? And to have a life?
Probably as long or longer as it takes Diana to do. Just sayin’… <g>
As to age, Diana is 68 years old, and I will be 66 years old soon. We gotta love and enjoy each day as it comes… none of us know how many days we have left.
You also have Book Ten to look forward to, which Diana will write after BEES is released! It will be the final book in the Outlander series of novels featuring Jamie and Claire.
Then Diana has a prequel novel planned about Jamie’s parents, and a book about Master Raymond, and a contemporary mystery novel, and….
Be well and stay safe during this pandemic.
Hugs,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmaster
That is why the books are so great because Mrs Gabaldon is doing great research and puts all her efforts in her books. These books are worth waiting for. I wait as long as it takes. Until then one can always re-read the other books.
Je sui pres ! Just finished my 3rd reading of the epic! It remains incredible! I would go back to join Jamie and Claire if you can erase 50 years from my span.
What a terrible mistake, but I’m really happy to hear that a publication is near.
I was wondering how it goes on with the translations, the books are too hard for me to read in English haha.
Will the Dutch translation be released on the same date or will this take longer? I couldn’t find information about this on your website, if you have posted it I’m sorry for the question.
I hope to get an answer, but thank you anyways.
Suzanne
Hi
I have read all your books from Cross Stitch to In my own hearts blood. Loved them,so after a year or so,read them again. Superb!!
Stayed with my daughter for a few weeks and she had the series as films. Again loads of enjoyment. I don’t usually like films that are based on books,often don’t bear resemblance to my book reading,but this series did the trick. Well acted,bit explicit at times,but on the whole a good interpretation. Sadly I didn’t stay long enough to finish the series.
I am really looking forward to your new book. Roll on publishing day.
Jackie
Hey, Jackie,
Season 5 of the Outlander TV series debuts this Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020!
Thanks,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
I love yours books. I have bought them all in hardcover except Dragonfly in Amber & Written in my own hearts blood. is it possible to get these 2 books in hardcover. I bought the others at Chapters in Ajax, Ontario,Canada.
Thanks for the help. Have a great year & please keep on writing.
I just want to say thankyou for writing such wonderful books. I am currently reading An Echo In The Bone. I have also read all the Lord John books.
You are such an inspiration and i thankyou again from the absoloute bottom of my heart.
Yours Joanne xxx
Well…..at least Outlander will begin in one week on Starz!!! The wait is almost over!
Please Please Help ❤️ My 85 year old mom loves your books , She is going blind and has been waiting for your book. Is there going to be a release date soon ?
Hi, Claudia,
Um, Diana said in the very article you are commenting about:
“I’LL TELL YOU when the pub date is known. And it’s not been set yet.”
Still hasn’t been set yet. Once announced, the publication date will be prominently posted here on Diana’s website. The only way around the wait is to take your Mom through the stones and get sucked into the future.
Tell your Mom hello for me. Maybe you could watch season five of the Outlander TV series on Starz with her? The first episode debuts on STARZ in the U.S.A. on February 16, Sunday.
Or promise your Mom a first-edition copy of BEES autographed by Diana (when it is published and released). For some readers, that is the ultimate Outlander gift! The Poisoned Pen is Diana’s local independent bookstore, and they provide signed copies for folks who want them. You pay the list price of the book and shipping; Diana’s autograph is free, and the Pen ships anywhere in the world. You can order when it’s published, or pre-order BEES from the Pen and reserve an autographed, first-edition hardcover copy now; the Pen will charge your card only when the book is published, signed by Diana and shipped to you.
Click here to visit the Pen’s order webpage to reserve an autographed edition of BEES, or for more information..
Thanks,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
FYI, They will charge you immediately if you use PayPal. I’m not sure about the debit or credit card, but they definitely charge you right away if you preorder using PayPal as your payment method.
Also Audible is an option your mom could enjoy! Davina Porter does an awesome job with Diana’s master pieces!
I am so happy to hear that there will be another book about Jamie and Claire. I am a late comer to your Outlander Series, however, I can honestly tell you have have never read a series of books I have enjoyed more and recommended to so many people. I am so excited for another book about Claire, Jamie, Bree, Roger and the children and all the residence of Fraser Ridge.
You are truly an amazing author. Thank you for continuing the series.
Sincerely, Julie
cant wait for release date but i am sure it will be worth it x
Please advise publication date of ,Go Tel the Bees ,when known.
Thanks.
Lots of people are fretting re publication date. Personally, I can wait. The anticipation is part of the joy of opening the first pahe of Bees. I look forward to it .
I’ve watched the show from the beginning but was hesitant to commit to reading the book series. Well damn, started first Outlander book January 2019, finished all eight by May 2019. Finished second reading of all eight February 16th, 2020. The supernatural, mystery, natural humor and sensual nature of the storytelling are the perfect escape. Claire is the Lucille Ball of Time Travelers and Jamie is the best Ethel ever. Blessings for sharing your gift with the world and all who help you do it S
Dear Madam
writing from south Brittany in France. I discovered Outlander last december and I am just crazy about it. I watched the 4 seasons five times and the first episod of season 5 is just great.
One question : in season 1 what about the highlander Frank saw, staring at Claire’s window, under the rain ?
Shall we know more about him, who is he, did he cross the stone ?
One more thing, I saw the actors in interview talking with american accent. Was it difficult to talk with oxford accent for Claire and scot accent for Jamie and other scotsmen ?
Many years ago, I spent 3 months as an au pair girl in a branch of the Mac Kenzie clan in Edinburg, Inverness et Gairloch and I can tell you they never forgot Culloden and the Bonnie Prince !
Thanks very much for Outlander. I am very grateful to you for tha great story.
Très cordialement
Yvonne OFFREDO HABASQUE
Hi, Yvonne,
Diana has said that the ghost of the Highlander that Frank sees is indeed Jamie. (It’s in one of the FAQs on her website.)
And she’s also said that the mystery of why Frank sees him will be revealed in the last part of the last book of the OUTLANDER series of major novels featuring Jamie and Claire, which will be Book Ten, as yet untitled. Diana will write it after she finishes book nine, GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE.
After book ten, Diana has other projects planned, such as a prequel about Jamie’s parents, a book about Master Raymond, and a contemporary mystery novel (tentatively titled RED ANT’S HEAD) set in Phoenix, Arizona, which has nothing to do with Outlander.
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress