Note: This blog entry is outdated and from January, 2020!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.
Well now its May and we are still in Limbo! LOL! I check pretty regular. No update since January is killing us die hard fans! Yes, the series on Starz is good, but nothing as good as the books. I am going to be watching the final episode of Season 5 tonight and droughtland begins again! Ah my heart, it feels like its been forever!
Glad to hear a Book 10 is planned. I know no date has been set yet since its not on this page, so I am not asking. Just putting my 2 cents in that its been a long time since January when my hope had arisen!
Good day!
I’ve read all your books to date and recently started reading them again for the second time.
It’s amazing what you don’t remember after you’ve finished them all (8).
I find your stories a great relief and a ‘get a way’ from all the turmoil that we’re facing these days.
I read outdoors when I can and I read for hours. Yes, your books are that good!
I believe that if you can read and forget the world around you for a time, then you’ve given your heart and body a great reprieve.
I don’t know how you can write such wonderful stories and you’ve kept your readers interested for a least 20 years now.
I thank you and commend you for your talent!
From someone who has a vivid imagination as well!
Roberta C
Hello,
Just wanted to tell you there is absolutely no hurry on books nine and ten, because as long as your writing it isn’t over. That’s all that’s important.
You can really write. I appreciate your skill and knowledge.
Thanks for all the hard work.
Elaine Denault
As a huge fan of the series, having read it through 3 times(so far) I am amazed at some of the comments that I’ve read posted on the website; chiding the author to finish Bees; that she’s taking to long to complete it, even going as far as deciding that they wii not buy the book when it does come out because of the timeframe it’s taken and questioning the authors’ commitment! These, of course, are in the minority by a huge margin and hardly warrant a comment. My question is; is there any other author that endures this type of ‘hounding’ from the masses to complete an upcoming book? I don’t recall it if there was. The creative process is not something that can be put on a timetable, in my experience.(not writing) It’s funny, you hear about even great writers having ‘writers block ’ you never hear about readers getting ‘readers block’. I’m hopeful that when it does come out, the waiting and anticipation will be worth it and we can start hounding for #10.
Hello Dianna, I am new to Outlander books. I started reading them about 2 yrs ago. I have read all 8 books twice now, and watched the tv series. I so enjoy the ongoing stories…I am writing because I read your bio. I am of American Indian decent. My grandmother was born on a reservation in Minnesota and taken from her family to go to school in Kansas, long horrible story short she told me to never tell anyone I was Indian because they would think I was stupid. I never forgot that. So sad she was anything but stupid. I was also born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles. I can identify with having your birthday on the coldest day of the year. We always said on my birthday it was cold and everyone was sick with a bad cold or flu.
I am having a difficult time with the notion you will truly be publishing Bees, when you have started a new completely different series. And it is already available on Amazon.
I think starz has prevented it. The same as when HBO prevented Martin from publishing the last book of game of thrones.
Hi,
Diana has not started a “completely different series” of books. Diana is working on Book 9 of the Outlander series of major novels.
And Starz hasn’t “prevented” anything to do with BEES. Diana’s publisher will determine the release date of the first-edition hardcover, once she has finished writing and researching it. So no worries! All is well.
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
I just wonder how long after the Bees are published that a book on CD will be made….I have listened to the whole series
On CDs and thoroughly enjoy the narrator that has read all of them so far..she has the perfect voice!!
Melodie,
That’s up to the folks who produce and manufacture the audio version of BEES. They set the dates, just like the publishers set the dates for the release of the print version of her books.
They do try to release the audio version as soon as possible after the print version in the U.S. The international scene is more complex.
Stay tuned. The release date for BEES will be posted here on Diana’s website when it has been set by her U.S. publisher.
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
I sense frustration in the tone of your comments, but please take heart, as you undoubtedly know, that so many people, myself included, appreciate your writing talent because through your immersing way of telling a story, you draw the reader into the print, as if life exists there while they read. It’s like reading a score of one of Mozart’s symphonies and hearing the music in your mind and feeling its beauty in the soul. Life, as I am sure you are well aware of, is all about story telling but sadly most stories that people live sometimes seems to fall short of expectations so they enjoy reading other stories even if they are fictional. Let’s face it, you are exceptional at filling that roll by flling in those gaps. And if I may say so personally, I really enjoy your ability to weave moral issues and religious themes in on occasion just to add a bit of spice and giving challenge.
I am sorry that the release was sent out falsely, even though I didn’t see it myself. But like so many, my mouth is watering to taste a little bit of honey…so could you go tell the bees…thanks for your wonderful stories
Thank you for the Outlander series. These books have deeply influenced my life and of course am looking forward to “Bees”. It will get done alt the right time. Most important is that you take cate of yourself. Your shoulder break might have occurred because you needed a break. You have a lyre ends demanding schedule. And your body is trying to tell you something. Please don’t let yourself be pressured. All in good time. I Sam so grateful for this series and the Vedic. What a perfect cast. All the actors are perfect for the roles they play. Because of your Outlander series I took a trip to my ancestoral home of Scottland and was never more at home. It didn’t disappoint. And while in Aubury,England, I had a unique experierience with the stones. And being a holistic nurse, I really relate to Claire. So, thank you again for the authenticity and imagination you bring to your writing. Meg W.
Although this response is late I wanted to let you know how poignant I found your comment and wholeheartedly agree. Ms Gabaldon’s writing ability is deeply moving and rich in visualization that we long to devour so we wait as long as it takes for that next installment.
Im confused, was the last season of Outlander , that started in Sept of 2019, the 5th season? Was episode number 512 the end of that series ? In November when it starts again on Starz, what Season is it that we will see? We all miss it in our lives, its August 2020 that Im writing this
Thank You
Hi, Carole,
The year, or season, is the first number of the episode, so “512″ means the 12th episode of the fifth season of the Outlander TV show.
Season 6 has been approved by Starz, but was delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the 2020 winter holidays, some of the actors said publicly that it may start filming in early 2021. But no release date has been set yet by Starz.
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
I like many others absolutely love your books, I have read all 8 books at least 3 times and love listening to Davina Porter reading them as well (another 2-3 times). I got my wife to read them all and listen to them as well and she is as hooked as I am! I can’t wait to see the pub date on Bees, and must admit it annoys me when I see people asking “when will it be done”. I would love to see an update at some point, letting us know where you are in the final process. I want to start reading the books in order again finishing 8 around the time Bees comes out. I find that after reading/listening to the books 5-6 times I find new aspects every time!
Thank you for hard work at making the Outlander work come alive!
Ugh when is it gonna be published been waiting quite a long time! Getting a bit Impatient and somewhat fed up of waiting. The “oh it’s coming soon has been going on a bit to long.”
Certainly hope it lives up to the extra long wait. We need some good news hear in the USA and your book would go a long way to that.
I was presented with books 1 – 7 from my co-workers when I retired last year, as they all knew I was an avid reader – seriously I tune out the work when I have my nose in a book!!!! I couldn’t wait to run out and purchase MYOB, and am looking forward to the next “Bees”….thank you Diana for these fabulous stories & characters….and for the record I have not watched the series as its always been my experience that the books far exceed the movie/series!!!
from the JANUARY 2020 blog: “…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…)”
It’s been months! How are things going NOW?
(Sorry to be so strident, but haven’t heard any more news in a while)
Dear Marie,
As she says, when Diana finishes writing BEES, it will be announced on her official website and social media accounts. Then it will go through the publishing process, editing, typesetting, etc., which takes months.
When Diana’s publisher decides on a publication date after that, it will be prominently and happily announced on her official website and her official social media accounts! And her U.S. publisher decides the initial, global publication and release date, NOT Diana!
We all need to take a deep breath and let Diana do her work, please. It will be worth the wait, IMHO! As will Book Ten and the other books after that she has planned.
OUTLANDER was first published in April, 1991, I think it was. So it’s taken almost 30 years for her to write these nine major novels, a lot of work and research. Quality takes time.
Sending a big hug.
Happy Holidays!
Loretta M.
Diana’s Webmistress
Do I understand correctly that you have been working on books nine and ten simultaneously of necessity to tie everything together at the end? Does this mean a slightly shorter release date for book ten? Just wondering how this works. Thanks. Melissa
Hi, Melissa,
Diana is working on BEES. And “release dates” of new books, as she has pointed out in multiple blogs and on social media, are chosen by her publishers, not her. This is true of all authors.
For more about her creative process:
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/resources/what-i-do/my-writing-process/
On Diana’s main home page, there are these links to information she has shared about the publishing process:
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/2020/01/brief-explanation-publishing/
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/2015/08/what-finished-means-to-an-author/
As soon as new information is known about BEES, Diana will post it right away here on her webpages.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Loretta
Diana’s Webmistress
Dear Diana,
Have spent the last month rereading all the series finishing this afternoon with MOBY. so because my brain is still up on Fraser’s Ridge I have just spent an enjoyable hour reading all your excerpts from Bees.
It struck me that this year has made several generations realise how dangerous life can be, with no certainty that any of us will see next year. perhaps this is how earlier generations felt as your books reveal. As a baby boomer with a father in the regular army and a mother who had also served in the ATS I know that the cold war of the 50s felt very real and frightening to our generation but the thought of not seeing our grand children grow up is devastating. It makes your books come alive even more. Am off to read Seven stones standing and await BEES publication with bated breath.
Many many thanks for your books
Thank you for these books. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, a friend gifted me the first Outlander book, and they’ve kept me company in this journey ever since. I’m still getting treatment, I just finished Written In My Hearts Own Blood and I don’t know what I’ll do in the meantime!! I don’t know what series could match up to yours for their ability to just escape. Thank you for writing so beautifully, and with such impressive attention to detail. As the wife of a surgeon, I particularly love all the medicinal and surgical descriptions!! Love from Dublin, Ireland. X
Dear Holly,
I am so glad my books have helped you during your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your kind words!
Will keep you in my prayers and hope you get well soon. Many blessings to you and your husband.
Hugs,
Diana
I have established a family Christmas tradition of giving my kids (now adults) a book for a Christmas Eve gift. Christmas 2019 I purchased an advance copy of Bees for my daughter; we are huge fans. With all due respect to the challenges of 2020, is there any information regarding a publish date?
Thank you.
Hi, Beth,
What a nice tradition!
Publication information and updates for BEES is always promptly posted on Diana’s official BEES webpage at:
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/books/outlander-series/book-nine-outlander-series/
as well as her homepage. Please bookmark her BEES and home webpages and check them periodically.
Cheers,
Loretta M.
Diana’s Webmistress
I know a lot of Outlander fans are chomping at the bit for the book to be finished, but as an American I’m ok with the progress so far. Our country has been devastated by poor choices that even people who have saved for years to cover 6 months, even a year of unemployment are starting to lose everything – their cars, their homes, their lives. The release of “Bees” will be a long-awaited celebration for many Outlander fans, one that will hopefully take place after this period of time has passed and people will once again be able to pull themselves up to a safe, comfortable place where they don’t have to make a choice between buying a book or feeding their family for a day.
I could not agree more. I think it sometimes escapes people that Diana is a person with a family and responsibilities, who has given much of herself bringing us books to enjoy. In this trying time, more patience is needed across the globe. I’m much more concerned with George R. R. Martin being able to complete the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, as he’s getting older and I personally wouldn’t blame him for being reluctant seeing what happened in the television version.
Diana, if you ever see this, do whatever you need to do to keep yours healthy and happy. Enjoy life, especially your grandchildren! The majority of us can wait, if I can wait this long for our “new normal” I can certainly devote my patience to this.
Loretta, thanks for all you do.