Thank you for speaking so candidly about your publishing journey this last year. In a world where publishing disappointments are largely hidden, I think it's important to show the full picture- the good, the bad, and the ugly- about what being a trad pub is like for many.
the whole american scholastic book fair is so frustrating, but i'm glad the canadians were there for you! makes me proud to be a canadian LMAO the book fair was always my favourite and i hate how expensive books have gotten because it does make it difficult for kids (even for YA as well) to buy these books. it's so unfortunate i wish The Odds was considered more of a success because I love that book so so much. I read it twice in 2023, made my book club read it. I'm going to continue to push it on my channel because I definitely think more people should read and love it
LOL Canadians PULLING THROUGH for the win loooool I'm so, so happy you loved The Odds as much as you did and was so honored to be selected for a book club?! Like, what the heck is LIFE!? You are too sweet, Brittany. Happiest of new years!
Thank you for the real talk about publishing frustrations. Congratulations on your successes! I was on a Lisa Jewell kick in 2023: Watching You, Then She Was Gone, and None of this is True. I don't know how she comes up with all these twisty plots! I was wondering which of hers to read next, so The Night She Disappeared it is. Also, Alchemy of Moonlight with the messy love triangle sounds AMAZE. And I love some legit 20s vibes and the trope of women banding together to fight oppression. Great recs!
As someone who is triple the age of MG demographics, I too want all of my MG books in paperback. I think part of that is because the stuff we grew up reading was all paperback and *gasp* purchased from the scholastic book fair 90% of the time. Your books are some of the very few that I have in hard back and I absolutely treasure them (even when I throw them across the table at you and make you sign them). I'm sorry that you had some publishing woes this year, you should never feel like you can't tell us about the bad things going on (even if just in private). We've got your back! Also, how dare you read one more book than me? I was only at 152 for the year :P Buuuut if you need fresh eyeballs on a YA horror, I do know someone how reads a lot of it . . . and has eyes. Also, also, WHY was None of This Is True SO GOOD?!?! I had the best/worst time reading that book. Like I was horrified, but also loving it?
LOL what are the chances with the 152/153 reading!? It must be something in the Ohio air. XD And same thoughts about the papperback thing. I truly don't understanding publishing. And okay I will hold you to it I don't forget when people offer to read for me moowahahahaha Omg None of this is true was soooo addicting! Like a train wreck you couldn't look away from? Got to discovery the secret crack Jewel puts in her books.
I am always here for the longer videos, your personality totally comes through on camera! I just added 6 of your recommendations to my TBR list for this year, so thank you! And you just made me want to reach back and start the Expanse series...it's been on my list for a while. 'Champagne problems' (haha) aside, I really appreciate your transparency about the publishing world. Your insights help keep me more grounded as I begin the process of pitching to agents and hopefully having a book deal in the future. It's easy to romanticize experiences when you're not in them, and so it can make disappointments that much more devastating when they happen. So in my mind, you're providing an invaluable service to those of us still working to get traditionally published. Wishing you the abso-freaking-lute BEST OF EVERYTHING in 2024!
I have NEVER understood why MG and YA books come out in hardcover first then paperback. Like, LOOK AT YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE! They're kids! In general it doesn't make sense to me. Hardbacks are something I'd buy if I really liked a book, and wanted it on my bookshelves forever. The current system seems bonkers (I know it's because the HB have a higher profit margin) And star ratings... I'm pretty picky about 5 stars too, but if I really like something, despite it having problems, I'll give it 5 stars just because lol Sometimes favourites deserve special treatment haha (As for talking about negative things while being a published author... regardless of your external life situation, sadness and unhappiness don't change. I think you hit the right tone :)
I used to give out five-star reviews like candy on Halloween. Then, halfway through The House in the Cerulean Sea, I realized I had no way to give it a higher rating than those many, many other books, and I literally burst into tears. I’m much stingier with my stars now. I spent the second half of this video with Libby open, adding to my holds and tags. Thanks for the recommendations!
I have never related to a comment more 😂 House in the Cerulean Sea is in a class all its own for me, truly such a phenomenal book! And yeah, also gave me a push to figure out a more standardized personal rating system lol
The Odds is a fantastic book. And so is a Glass Witch. As a disabled (neurodivergent which is in my case a social disability, but I digress) person, I loved every piece of both books. Especially the ODDs which was very well plotted. And you are such a talented writer. Now, I know in my bones that you will build up your readership and people who will love your later books, will reach for your backlist. Keep going! Love, Miranda.
Ah, and I see you with your "champagne problems". Yeah, in the grand scale of things, you are doing well, but I hope you understand that you have every right to negative feelings about things that disapoint you (now speaking to myself more than you I guess). And I totally see the sentiment with not dwelling on negatives, having perspective is helpful.
The reading breakdown was so fun! Thanks for feeding into my nosiness.The Last Tale of the Flower Bride was a perfect summery gothic, atmospheric story! Completely agree with your description.
Thank you for the candid talk about traditional publishing! I think it would make more sense for MG books to be paperback only or come out in paperback first and hardcover later. I still think $19.99 is excessive for a YA hardcover being marketed to teens, so I agree that it should be priced differently for MG too (considering the target audience). I’m also curious for MG, YA, and Adult if the books come out in hardcover first, then what determines which books will get paperbacks (even in YA and Adult since it’s not a guarantee). You accomplished so much in 2023! I hope you’re proud. I’m also SO impressed that you read 153 books in 2023! An incredible achievement. I read 89 books in 2023 and that’s the most I’ve ever read. My breakdown is a bit different than yours, but I can DM it to you since you might find it interesting! I included THE ODDS as one of my reads as well. 🥰📚💜🤗
That explains a lot. I kept looking for your books in B&N throughout the year especially during the hardback sale and would never see them on the shelves! I'm one state over in Pennsylvania. I read The Glass Witch in 2022 but I haven't had the chance to get to The Odds due to college. I also think that it's harsh to call something a failure when you as the author failed. I relate to the 5 stars or favorites and being pickier. I was reflecting on previous year favorites and 5 stars. I chose to have grace and honor my past self and her ratings. OMG I'm so glad you read Vera Wong. Every time I heard about it, I thought of you.
Love this whole conversation, it's hard to be raw sometimes but I'm glad you shared the realities of trad pub with us! Last Tale of the Flower Bride is on my TBR - I wasn't a big fan of her YA series, but I loved her writing so I might move this up on my list now!
The books you recommended sound fire!! I'm sorry that parts of 2023 were tough on you. Fwiw, I had a blast reading both The Glass Witch and The Odds and can't wait to read more books by you :)
Thank you for sharing your journey, Lindsay! Appreciate your honesty around traditional publishing. Major congrats on all your accomplishments in 2023!
I want you to know I bought the Glass Witch while watching this video. Just seeing you hold it in your hand made me finally want to stop putting it in my to buy list and just purchase!
Thank you for being so open about the realities of being traditionally published. So much of publishing is completely out of an author's control and capitalism does suck! I don't think it came off as woe is me at all. I understand the internal struggle of sharing your challenges with publishing while also being conscious of the fact that you're already living someone else's dream. It's better to equip the dreamers with the tools they need to succeed though, and part of that comes from those who are already there being transparent. P.S. I read The Odds and loved it.
Omg I loved this!!!! I love you being so honest and true to your feelings!!!! I’m so sad that you had to go through this being the one in the middle of all the drama with the book world!!!
"Bitter Bones" sounds so good, I wanna read it now :D The whole story with the paperbacks really sucks. Hope your new books are getting it so a lot of kids can read it. About the Audiobooks... I'm asking myself for a while now.... Why do people say they "read" so and so many books when in fact they didn't read at all but listened :P Cannot wrap my mind around that. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and sending you much love and creative vibes
Thank you! And same back atcha!😊 About the audiobook thing-colloquially, “read” has multiple meanings, two of which can mean either “consumed a story” or the traditional “used eyeballs to process text”. The former includes audiobooks, braille, etc… Hope that helps!
@@LindsayPuckett Yes, that helped a lot! Using your fingers to read braille is in my understanding reading as well. But using the ears to read wasn't. Your explanation makes totally sense. Thank you!
My metric for 5 stars is: Do I love it enough to reread it? And not in the "reread Book 1 of the series when Book 2 comes out because I forgot everything" way, but a true desire to reread for the joy of it. Also if the book manages to absorb me and sweep me away. I read so analytically nowadays that I almost never get truly caught up in books anymore, so if one gets me losing track of time and space, it gets 5 stars no matter the flaws!
The Alchemy of Moonlight looks SO good!! Have you read Roshani Chokshi’s middle-grade? I think you would really like it. I binged the Pandava series in 2022 and absolutely adored it, and I’m so excited to start her new MG series.
It is so good! glad you've read it. And yes-I started the first book in the series but haven't picked up the second one yet! I remember it being funny!
Hey Lindsay, do you have any idea where i could purchase The Odds in the UK? It sounds up my alley and love the cover but can't find it anywhere! Also love your videos and series on publishing etc it really keeps me motivated as an aspiring author ❤
Its hard to get in the UK-I'm so sorry! You'd probably have to go through an American bookseller! Though I can always send you one myself if you can't find it!
Thank you for speaking so candidly about your publishing journey this last year. In a world where publishing disappointments are largely hidden, I think it's important to show the full picture- the good, the bad, and the ugly- about what being a trad pub is like for many.
glad you found it helpful!
the whole american scholastic book fair is so frustrating, but i'm glad the canadians were there for you! makes me proud to be a canadian LMAO the book fair was always my favourite and i hate how expensive books have gotten because it does make it difficult for kids (even for YA as well) to buy these books. it's so unfortunate
i wish The Odds was considered more of a success because I love that book so so much. I read it twice in 2023, made my book club read it. I'm going to continue to push it on my channel because I definitely think more people should read and love it
LOL Canadians PULLING THROUGH for the win loooool
I'm so, so happy you loved The Odds as much as you did and was so honored to be selected for a book club?! Like, what the heck is LIFE!?
You are too sweet, Brittany. Happiest of new years!
Thank you for the real talk about publishing frustrations. Congratulations on your successes! I was on a Lisa Jewell kick in 2023: Watching You, Then She Was Gone, and None of this is True. I don't know how she comes up with all these twisty plots! I was wondering which of hers to read next, so The Night She Disappeared it is. Also, Alchemy of Moonlight with the messy love triangle sounds AMAZE. And I love some legit 20s vibes and the trope of women banding together to fight oppression. Great recs!
SHOUT OUT FROM CANADA YEAHHHHH
LOL owe y’all my livelihood 😂😂😂
As someone who is triple the age of MG demographics, I too want all of my MG books in paperback. I think part of that is because the stuff we grew up reading was all paperback and *gasp* purchased from the scholastic book fair 90% of the time. Your books are some of the very few that I have in hard back and I absolutely treasure them (even when I throw them across the table at you and make you sign them). I'm sorry that you had some publishing woes this year, you should never feel like you can't tell us about the bad things going on (even if just in private). We've got your back!
Also, how dare you read one more book than me? I was only at 152 for the year :P Buuuut if you need fresh eyeballs on a YA horror, I do know someone how reads a lot of it . . . and has eyes. Also, also, WHY was None of This Is True SO GOOD?!?! I had the best/worst time reading that book. Like I was horrified, but also loving it?
LOL what are the chances with the 152/153 reading!? It must be something in the Ohio air. XD
And same thoughts about the papperback thing. I truly don't understanding publishing.
And okay I will hold you to it I don't forget when people offer to read for me moowahahahaha
Omg None of this is true was soooo addicting! Like a train wreck you couldn't look away from? Got to discovery the secret crack Jewel puts in her books.
Thank you for the candid talk about traditional publishing. 💜
of course!
I am always here for the longer videos, your personality totally comes through on camera!
I just added 6 of your recommendations to my TBR list for this year, so thank you! And you just made me want to reach back and start the Expanse series...it's been on my list for a while.
'Champagne problems' (haha) aside, I really appreciate your transparency about the publishing world. Your insights help keep me more grounded as I begin the process of pitching to agents and hopefully having a book deal in the future. It's easy to romanticize experiences when you're not in them, and so it can make disappointments that much more devastating when they happen. So in my mind, you're providing an invaluable service to those of us still working to get traditionally published.
Wishing you the abso-freaking-lute BEST OF EVERYTHING in 2024!
omg thank you so much Alyce! Such a good thing to keep in mind
Stop the twelve days of murder sounds so good
IT'S SO GOOD!
I have NEVER understood why MG and YA books come out in hardcover first then paperback. Like, LOOK AT YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE! They're kids!
In general it doesn't make sense to me. Hardbacks are something I'd buy if I really liked a book, and wanted it on my bookshelves forever. The current system seems bonkers (I know it's because the HB have a higher profit margin)
And star ratings... I'm pretty picky about 5 stars too, but if I really like something, despite it having problems, I'll give it 5 stars just because lol Sometimes favourites deserve special treatment haha
(As for talking about negative things while being a published author... regardless of your external life situation, sadness and unhappiness don't change. I think you hit the right tone :)
Agreed! Paperback would make sense first!
And I'm so glad I'm not the only picky 5-starer lol
I used to give out five-star reviews like candy on Halloween. Then, halfway through The House in the Cerulean Sea, I realized I had no way to give it a higher rating than those many, many other books, and I literally burst into tears. I’m much stingier with my stars now. I spent the second half of this video with Libby open, adding to my holds and tags. Thanks for the recommendations!
I have never related to a comment more 😂 House in the Cerulean Sea is in a class all its own for me, truly such a phenomenal book! And yeah, also gave me a push to figure out a more standardized personal rating system lol
@jlfalconbridge and @moonpetrie I love all the cerulean love here! And the sequel comes out this year! My whole body is ready!!!!!
The Odds is a fantastic book. And so is a Glass Witch. As a disabled (neurodivergent which is in my case a social disability, but I digress) person, I loved every piece of both books. Especially the ODDs which was very well plotted. And you are such a talented writer. Now, I know in my bones that you will build up your readership and people who will love your later books, will reach for your backlist. Keep going! Love, Miranda.
Ah, and I see you with your "champagne problems". Yeah, in the grand scale of things, you are doing well, but I hope you understand that you have every right to negative feelings about things that disapoint you (now speaking to myself more than you I guess). And I totally see the sentiment with not dwelling on negatives, having perspective is helpful.
thank you so much for your kind word, miranda! And also the reminder!
The Alchemy of Moonlight is so good
SO GOOD. So underrated. Breaks my heart I want everyone to read it!
The reading breakdown was so fun! Thanks for feeding into my nosiness.The Last Tale of the Flower Bride was a perfect summery gothic, atmospheric story! Completely agree with your description.
ahhh you get it! Such a sleepy, hazy summer vibe!
Thank you for the candid talk about traditional publishing! I think it would make more sense for MG books to be paperback only or come out in paperback first and hardcover later. I still think $19.99 is excessive for a YA hardcover being marketed to teens, so I agree that it should be priced differently for MG too (considering the target audience). I’m also curious for MG, YA, and Adult if the books come out in hardcover first, then what determines which books will get paperbacks (even in YA and Adult since it’s not a guarantee). You accomplished so much in 2023! I hope you’re proud. I’m also SO impressed that you read 153 books in 2023! An incredible achievement. I read 89 books in 2023 and that’s the most I’ve ever read. My breakdown is a bit different than yours, but I can DM it to you since you might find it interesting! I included THE ODDS as one of my reads as well. 🥰📚💜🤗
89 books is amazing! Congrats!
That explains a lot. I kept looking for your books in B&N throughout the year especially during the hardback sale and would never see them on the shelves! I'm one state over in Pennsylvania. I read The Glass Witch in 2022 but I haven't had the chance to get to The Odds due to college. I also think that it's harsh to call something a failure when you as the author failed.
I relate to the 5 stars or favorites and being pickier. I was reflecting on previous year favorites and 5 stars. I chose to have grace and honor my past self and her ratings.
OMG I'm so glad you read Vera Wong. Every time I heard about it, I thought of you.
LOL Vera Wong is such a "me" book! That's so funny you think of me when you heard about it haha
and yeah. The BN thing. **sigh**
Thank you for opening the door and showing us it ain’t all sunshine and rainbows after you get published I hope your next book kicks ass
thank you so much!
Love this whole conversation, it's hard to be raw sometimes but I'm glad you shared the realities of trad pub with us!
Last Tale of the Flower Bride is on my TBR - I wasn't a big fan of her YA series, but I loved her writing so I might move this up on my list now!
glad you found it helpful!
and omg idk if you would like it...but it was perfect for me! Very slow and hazy.
The books you recommended sound fire!! I'm sorry that parts of 2023 were tough on you. Fwiw, I had a blast reading both The Glass Witch and The Odds and can't wait to read more books by you :)
omg! Thank you so much for this comment and making my day!
Thank you for sharing your journey, Lindsay! Appreciate your honesty around traditional publishing. Major congrats on all your accomplishments in 2023!
thank you so much, and hope you found it helpful! :)
Loved the realness, and the 12 days of murder sounds so good! Will have to check it out!
ooh I hope you do and enjoy!
Great video, mate! Love the candidness. Always love the book recs too :) So excited for your thriller projects!
ahhh thank you! Just trying to get where you are with the YA projects! haha
I want you to know I bought the Glass Witch while watching this video. Just seeing you hold it in your hand made me finally want to stop putting it in my to buy list and just purchase!
Omg!!!! Hope you LOVE IT. Thank you so much
Thank you for being so open about the realities of being traditionally published. So much of publishing is completely out of an author's control and capitalism does suck! I don't think it came off as woe is me at all. I understand the internal struggle of sharing your challenges with publishing while also being conscious of the fact that you're already living someone else's dream. It's better to equip the dreamers with the tools they need to succeed though, and part of that comes from those who are already there being transparent.
P.S. I read The Odds and loved it.
thank you so much for the comment
Omg I loved this!!!! I love you being so honest and true to your feelings!!!! I’m so sad that you had to go through this being the one in the middle of all the drama with the book world!!!
haha well, I'm glad I at least got to share so the masses know what's happening haha!
Thanks for sharing! I hope that 2024 is only full of wins for you. 💜💜
same to you, katie!!!
"Bitter Bones" sounds so good, I wanna read it now :D
The whole story with the paperbacks really sucks. Hope your new books are getting it so a lot of kids can read it.
About the Audiobooks... I'm asking myself for a while now.... Why do people say they "read" so and so many books when in fact they didn't read at all but listened :P Cannot wrap my mind around that.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and sending you much love and creative vibes
Thank you! And same back atcha!😊
About the audiobook thing-colloquially, “read” has multiple meanings, two of which can mean either “consumed a story” or the traditional “used eyeballs to process text”. The former includes audiobooks, braille, etc…
Hope that helps!
@@LindsayPuckett Yes, that helped a lot! Using your fingers to read braille is in my understanding reading as well. But using the ears to read wasn't. Your explanation makes totally sense. Thank you!
I love both paper and hardbacks.
same!
My metric for 5 stars is: Do I love it enough to reread it? And not in the "reread Book 1 of the series when Book 2 comes out because I forgot everything" way, but a true desire to reread for the joy of it. Also if the book manages to absorb me and sweep me away. I read so analytically nowadays that I almost never get truly caught up in books anymore, so if one gets me losing track of time and space, it gets 5 stars no matter the flaws!
that's a great metric! Maybe I should adopt that one!
I very much appreciate this, Lindsay.
so glad, kelly!
I loved both books. The Odds was my favorite of the two.
thank you so much!!!
Omg I loved your fav books I added them to my TBR!!!!
YAY!
Omg you I’m rereading books right now!!! And I love reading adult not for me lol
that's amazing!
I love your reading wrap ups!
yay! Glad you like them because they are literally my favorite to film!
My daughter wanted me to tell you she LOVED The Odds and people who don’t just haven’t read it yet. 😘
omg this just made my DAY!
The Alchemy of Moonlight looks SO good!! Have you read Roshani Chokshi’s middle-grade? I think you would really like it. I binged the Pandava series in 2022 and absolutely adored it, and I’m so excited to start her new MG series.
It is so good! glad you've read it.
And yes-I started the first book in the series but haven't picked up the second one yet! I remember it being funny!
Hey Lindsay, do you have any idea where i could purchase The Odds in the UK? It sounds up my alley and love the cover but can't find it anywhere! Also love your videos and series on publishing etc it really keeps me motivated as an aspiring author ❤
Oop nm just found link in your description
Its hard to get in the UK-I'm so sorry! You'd probably have to go through an American bookseller! Though I can always send you one myself if you can't find it!
@@LindsayPuckett had to order it from Amazon boo 👺 but it's on its way now im excited. I'm so pumped for Bitter Bones too it sounds amazing
If it makes you feel a tiny bit better, you just got an extra sale of The Odds from me because one of my cats quite literally devoured mine 😑
Loooool go kitty! ;) XD
@@LindsayPuckett 😂
🫶🫶🫶💗
thanks for the love!