What a title for this post—out of concern, I read this the second it came in. Julie, this sucks. I'm so sorry this happened to you. But I too thought, immediately—thank god this publisher showed you her cards so early in the game. This would not have gone well. Because I know you. You don't just want "a" book, you want a beautiful, meaningful book, one you can be proud of, and with such unethical behavior on the part of your business partner, you would not have been heading down that road. I see you, I hear you, I'm with you. Many, many hugs.
Hi Julie, it took me a while to read your post. You are very brave for exposing your hurt and disappointment. Although it is no consolation, I had a similar experience with a co-author friend. How much energy it costs us to deal with the publishing world...! After the disappointment, I returned to what really feeds me. And I wrote, I wrote, I wrote. Whether they publish me or not. I keep writing. A heartfelt hug, Julie!
Oh, Julie, I am so sorry this happened to you. But like what others said, thank goodness you found out earlier than being stuck in a situation you couldn't get out of later on. You WILL find a publisher who will foster and dedicate resources and time to really caring about you, the writer, and your book. You're a beautiful writer. It will come, I just know it! Hugs!
I'm really sorry this happened, Julie. It's shocking that someone in a professional setting could behave so unprofessionally, but like you and Kathryn said - you're fortunate they showed you who they were up front. Believe them and walk away grateful they did. There will be better opportunities for you, I'm sure of it. Your writing is so goddamn beautiful. You will find the right fit and they'll treat you with the respect you deserve as the amazing talent you are. Hugs, my friend.
Mar 15·edited Mar 15Liked by Julie Christine Johnson
Well, this isn't the column I wanted to read. In a very few personal and professional situations, I've been "cut off" and hate it. What you're left with is the cold knowledge that you've just been hit-and-run and are now the victim of another party's judgement, unable to penetrate the wall that's been thrown up in your face. Here's the good news: you don't have to communicate with that party anymore. Whatever basis they had for judging you was rendered indefensible when they severed relations and slammed the door. Rest assured that your cause is just, you're on the good side of this, free for the next time a publisher comes calling.
I'm so sorry, Julie. I can only imagine how painful this must be for you. Reaching out to us, your writing community, took courage. I'm glad you did. Be kind to yourself. I like the advice of one podcaster: You know you're getting closer if your rejections are getting better. By that I mean, you were this close! If one offer came your way, then another will surely follow.
Oh Julie--I'm so sorry this happened. Thank you for your courage in sharing. Writing itself is such an act of bravery, and then, on top of that, to send those tender words into the black hole of the world... May we all have your grace.
What a title for this post—out of concern, I read this the second it came in. Julie, this sucks. I'm so sorry this happened to you. But I too thought, immediately—thank god this publisher showed you her cards so early in the game. This would not have gone well. Because I know you. You don't just want "a" book, you want a beautiful, meaningful book, one you can be proud of, and with such unethical behavior on the part of your business partner, you would not have been heading down that road. I see you, I hear you, I'm with you. Many, many hugs.
Hi Julie, it took me a while to read your post. You are very brave for exposing your hurt and disappointment. Although it is no consolation, I had a similar experience with a co-author friend. How much energy it costs us to deal with the publishing world...! After the disappointment, I returned to what really feeds me. And I wrote, I wrote, I wrote. Whether they publish me or not. I keep writing. A heartfelt hug, Julie!
Oh, Julie, I am so sorry this happened to you. But like what others said, thank goodness you found out earlier than being stuck in a situation you couldn't get out of later on. You WILL find a publisher who will foster and dedicate resources and time to really caring about you, the writer, and your book. You're a beautiful writer. It will come, I just know it! Hugs!
I'm really sorry this happened, Julie. It's shocking that someone in a professional setting could behave so unprofessionally, but like you and Kathryn said - you're fortunate they showed you who they were up front. Believe them and walk away grateful they did. There will be better opportunities for you, I'm sure of it. Your writing is so goddamn beautiful. You will find the right fit and they'll treat you with the respect you deserve as the amazing talent you are. Hugs, my friend.
Well, this isn't the column I wanted to read. In a very few personal and professional situations, I've been "cut off" and hate it. What you're left with is the cold knowledge that you've just been hit-and-run and are now the victim of another party's judgement, unable to penetrate the wall that's been thrown up in your face. Here's the good news: you don't have to communicate with that party anymore. Whatever basis they had for judging you was rendered indefensible when they severed relations and slammed the door. Rest assured that your cause is just, you're on the good side of this, free for the next time a publisher comes calling.
---clem
💛
I'm so sorry, Julie. I can only imagine how painful this must be for you. Reaching out to us, your writing community, took courage. I'm glad you did. Be kind to yourself. I like the advice of one podcaster: You know you're getting closer if your rejections are getting better. By that I mean, you were this close! If one offer came your way, then another will surely follow.
Oh Julie--I'm so sorry this happened. Thank you for your courage in sharing. Writing itself is such an act of bravery, and then, on top of that, to send those tender words into the black hole of the world... May we all have your grace.
I just received an agent rejection last night and your post was one I needed this morning...thank you for sharing your experience.