Advice needed - suspect I am being dropped by publisher

[ScullyD]

After being shortlisted for a prize I received an offer from a publisher (not a big 5 but reputable with books in all main bookshops etc). I accepted and have been editing this book for the last year.

In particular I’ve worked closely with one editor on a regular basis with another senior editor overseeing. We completed all line edits a few months ago and the final sticking point has been the ending (compromise on what they want it to be vs the level of changes I’m happy making). In the first week of June, the editor said she’d be in touch to have a meeting to resolve this last bit. Not heard since.

Last week, the publisher announced a new acquisition they are really excited about in the same genre as me. They said their book would be released summer 2027 - the thing that worries me is I still have no release schedule, I’ve never been posted about like this on their socials and they’ve now gone quiet. I have a bad gut feeling. I followed up one week ago - usually editor is responsive.

I’m seeking advice on what to say and the types of clarification to ask for in my next follow up. I feel my dream is hanging by a thread sadly.

Have you signed a contract with them? What does it specify?
Do you have an agent who can clarify this on your behalf? If not, contact society of authors who can give out small amounts of legal advice.

Do you mind if I ask what the sticking point is, regarding the ending?

I’ll need to check the contract later and come back.

the ending - they wanted me to cut the number of characters in the final chapters and even suggested a setting change. The setting is integral to the ending and this a family story where so many members need to be present for a reconciling moment.

That said, I tried to take some of this on board so I halved the characters present, but the complete change of setting felt inauthentic and not right, so this is the sticking point. It’s hard to explain clearly without going into plot.

I worry I’ll regret not just accepting all changes to be published but this particular change really did not sit right on a gut level. I was still open to talking through - the editor agreed and said we’d have a call to sort through it. But that hasn’t happened and I last had comms from her in June.

I don’t have an agent but sought advice from SoC already.

Everything depends on what's in the contract.
Have you been paid anything at all in advance?

No advice, but keeping everything crossed for you.

Honestly, OP, this is why people have agents, and why it’s pretty unusual for reputable publishers to deal with unagented work. As others have said, your contact is key here.

OP, I know it feels like an eternity, but 5 weeks really isn't a very long time in publishing. For context, I delivered the first draft of the second novel of a trilogy the first week of May, and still haven't received any editorial feedback (yes, I'm climbing the walls!). People are often away on holiday over the summer months, slowing everything down.

Your gut might be right, but before you panic too hard, I'd write to your editor again and ask if you can schedule a time for that chat. Breathe! Publishing is honestly a ridiculous business and the simplest things can take ages. The waiting game is probably one of the hardest things to cope with.

Have you tried to get an agent? If you haven't, you might consider it. You're in a good position to attract one, and I agree with pp that it's situations like this where an agent really earns their keep.

Good luck, OP. Keep us updated.

Also, huge congrats on what you've accomplished so far! Regardless of what happens this time around (and like I said, it might just be that they're taking forever because...Publishing), it's so impressive that you've reached this stage and says a lot about you as an author.

I agree, have a look at your contract.