So it’s the after-release day and you will get a glimpse into Ilona author angst. Fair warning. This is nothing but whining and navel-gazing.
STEEL’S EDGE is kicking butt. Last I checked, we were in the top 100 in both Kindle and Nook stores with strong mass market numbers as well. I am so relieved. I have to tell you, I almost self-destructed yesterday, because for a while BN mass market rank showed 27,000, which was kind of horrible for one of our releases. I couldn’t figure it out. The reviews are glowing, people seem to like it, why in the world is the sales rank so bad? When stuff like this happens, you feel helpless. It is out of your hands. The fear is that something happened down the supply line and the books are not available in stores. Fortunately, the glitch fixed itself before I could send an email to our editor asking her if we’re just not on the shelves at BN. Ace takes queries of this sort seriously, so a number of people would have to check into it and I would have wasted everybody’s time.
Yesterday was not a good day. Because of time constraints, we were completely hands off on publicity this time around. It turned out that our publisher mostly arranged giveaways with very few ads purchased. Also, for some reason, ending a series had a really depressing effect on me. I don’t know why. I guess because looking back at it, I wish it was more awesome than it turned out. The sales are consistently strong, the reviews are good, people enjoy it, publisher wants more and here we are, walking away from a successful series for what can only be described as business and creative reasons, none of which can really be explained to the general public. A small part of me is yelling in the background, “What is wrong with you?”
So add that to agonizing over if we should have done publicity instead of writing, and BN, and a vampire scene in Magic Rises that just was not working, and the personal trainer getting fired over personality conflict with the owner of the gym, and I was so bummed out. Then we went to see Kid 2′s performance. She was spectacular in it, but the dress for the second play didn’t quite fit her and when she saw pictures of herself, she dissolved into tears. Kid 1 topped it off with some teenage friend drama. I finally crawled into bed around eleven and not even Joe Kenda, who usually keeps me glued to the screen, could keep me awake.
This morning brought updated sales numbers, the kids are no longer crying, and I feel better. So Jill, if you are reading this, you were right, I was wrong.
Unlike me, Gordon was completely unfazed by it all. He described me as being grumpy and very quiet, which caused him to be concerned. Apparently, I “resisted his attempts at levity.” (This is his fancy author speak for making crude jokes and not getting any reaction from me.)
In the past I might have binged on food. This might be worse: I binged on Knitpicks yarn sale. I now have palette yarn in every shade of blue. Be afraid. Pictures of random items in the shades of blue will be coming your way.
A quick note: we received a ton of beta emails. Thank you for your support. Unfortunately we can’t take advantage of every offer, and we don’t want to hurt your feelings. So thank you so much and if we pulled you out of a hat, you will get an email at the end of the day.
Finished Steel’s Edge last night. Skipped my swimming lesson ’cause the “just 1 more sentence” turned into the rest of the book.
It was my favorite “Edge” book and I really enjoyed how you managed to work all the various characters from the series into the novel.
I’m adding my voice to the chorus: if you ever decide to write anything more about these characters, I would definitely buy it. I have to agree with Artangel: the characters I want to know more about are the teenagers, especially Lark, as we seemed to get pulled farther into her POV in this novel.
Hope today turned out to be a better day for you,. If not, find a place to hide and glory in that wonderful stash of yarn….. (I’m envisioning a dragon sitting on it’s hoard of gold MINE, ALL MINE!!!)
I second that!!
I read the book in one go and I loved it – just as I love all your books, which is why preorder them, so I will get them as soon as possible
As I finished the book, I felt that the storylines of the “grown-ups” are pretty much all wrapped up nice and neat, but I’m still so curious whats going to happen to George, Jack and Lark. I secretly hope(d), that Lark would end up with one of the brothers some day in the future, and was looking very much forward reading a book about that
But I can also understand your point of view and in Germany we say if it can’t get any better, you should stop (man sollte aufhören wenn es am schönsten ist)…
Anyway I hope you feel better today
I loved Steel’s Edge, didn’t mind the quick romance at all, when there was so much action and scheming going on. Healer’s powers were truly awesome and well thought out. I only have one question – Did Spider die? I couldn’t tell. Please, somebody answer me.
Personally I wouldn’t bet on it.
Awesome. Thanks for the reply!
Yay! I had to read that scene three times before I decided Spider was just not definitely dead. I’m so pleased, because I’ll live in hope that at some point in the future you’ll want to finish Spider off with the conclusions of George, Jack, and Sophie’s stories. There’s just too much back story invested in those three for me not to hope to see an adult payoff.
Where would the world be without writer’s angst?
You are entitled to anticlimax as you just gave literary birth. Can’t wait to delve into the book and I’m sad the series is being shelved.
On the bright side, the book is doing better than you thought and girlfriend you got to go splurge.at Knitpicks!!!
I am anxiously waiting for my copy to arrive
I know it has been despatched.
You are a great writing team – I can understand the angst – but we have faith in you and so should you
I was thrilled to see Gunmetal Magic displayed prominently in our local library as well
Just as an FYI, my local BN did not have Steel’s Edge when I went last night and they had no idea when it would be in. I’m going to have to order it from Amazon now.
*sighs* And they wonder why Amazon is taking so much of their business…
Anaquana recently posted..Tuesday Ten
I am very sad to see the edge series end. I loved the setting, the world and the characters. I bought the entire series and greedily read a book a day. I have to wait for Christmas to begin the Kate Daniels series
meanwhile this series will be shelved with the rest of my favorites, and I will have to stay off of amazon to keep from buying my Christmas present early.
You guys are awesome. Just throwing some unconditional props your way. Ethical, creative, artistic integrity, and funny! Loving steel’s edge.
At least a yarn binge can result in something(s) positive down the line!
Just finished and Steel’s Edge will be re-read so many times that I’m afraid the print on my Nook will fade. You’ve given birth to a wonderful series filled with such beautifully written people and places; I have no doubt that there will be more stories, whether novel, novella or short. Thank you for letting your readers into your world and letting us let go of our lives for a while and live out the lives you’ve written.
I LOVED Steele’s Edge!! I will miss this series for sure, and go back for re-reads! Charlotte is a great character…. But wait! I agree with above — what happened to Spider?! Sophie had him, but he wasn’t dead yet, the jerk, and then all those monsters showed up… did he vanish? Why didn’t Richard see him when he came to Charlotte’s rescue?? Agh! Maybe I will go read it again for enlightenment…..
Crap, I just realized that maybe I spoilered a bit in my comment. I’m sorry! If you need to delete me, I understand.
Thank you for a fantastic new Edge novel! Charlotte may be my favorite female Edge character (no one can beat, Kate of course). And despite your fears, this reader found it better than any of the preceding stories, as unlikely as that seem since all of those were as good as anyone could write. I’m sure this means another NY Times Bestseller for you guys. Congrats to you and your family!!!
I know you said this is the end of the series, but Jack? George? Sophie? I love them so. Knitpicks, several years ago I bought the pallette sampler for the fair isle cardigan , it is still half knit. but I love the colors. it is tedious to work with. gorgeous but tedious.
In my neck of the woods, our Barnes and Nobles was “out of stock” even on the first day (checked online to see if they had it), and also on the second (went in to the store itself). Because I did not see any place on the shelves for it, I will assume they had not received their stock of the book. I checked new paperbacks in two of the displays, I checked the fantasy and romance areas. I did find the book at an independent book store across town from that BN, and they had two copies on the shelf… OK 1 copy, after I ran away gleefully with mine. I was surprised that it was not given a spot at one of the new paperback book displays. I haven’t actually started it yet just because I’m trying to finish When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James, and then I have to finish another book and read the one after that in the series so I can return a borrowed book. THEN I will get to read this book, which I am sure is magnificent considering how much I enjoyed the previews you have given on your site.
I’m sorry about family drama, personal trainer drama, and kitty drama
. I hope things get better soon 
/hugs
So excited to read it! I am (not so patiently) waiting for the e-book to appear in the UK
.
Non Illigitimatum Carborundum.
Love your work, keep on maintaining your standards.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing to end a series. While it’s not true of your books, some series just drag on and on and get stale or need a freaking chart to figure out all the action. There are many series that I think should be put to bed. I always appreciate new ideas from my favorite authors and I can’t wait to see what you have for us next!!
I finished steel’s edge last night and it rocked my socks! i am super sad that the series is ending!! I want more George Jack and Lark!! I just love them and I want to see what happens to them. I loved loved loved the scene with George telling his dad that George succeeded in every aspect of life without any of his father’s help. It was such an awesome smack down I jumped up and down a little bit =p I can’t wait to see what series takes The Edge’s place because i’m 100% sure I’ll read it and love it. don’t get down on yourself for ratings or numbers. The fans love your work, and that’s all that really matters. Keep up the awesome work!
I tried to get Steel’s Edge at my local B&N, but they didnt have any in stock
Now I am impatiently waiting for it to be shipped.
Can’t wait to find a copy. In rural nowhereville here it’s not surprising that I can’t find one. Question though: Does anyone know when the Audible copy will be up?
Cinnamon recently posted..HARD BITTEN Review – Chloe Neill
Oh dear – umm, I didn’t see that it would pull my review up here. I also don’t seem to be able to delete it.
Ack!
Hey Cinnamon, it’s just a plug in that picks up your blog posts.
I haven’t purchased Steel’s Edge yet. Waitin on payday. I’m really excited to read it though and also kinda sad the series is at an end.
I’m glad today is better for you. Yarn and chocolate make most things better
At least you were able to take advantage of one.
Just finished Steel’s Edge at lunch today. I almost missed my bus stop this morning since I was so into the book (only had one chapter to go). I’ll start re-reading it on the way home tonight. As another reader noted, I’d have to say that this was my favorite Edge book. All of the “major” characters’ stories were well tied up and it left us wanting more of the younger generation. I really loved Richard and Charlotte. Congrats on another really great book. Now I’m counting the days until Magic Rises. I’ll be purchasing it the day it goes on pre-order.
ok i give when dose the audio book come out PLEAS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND LITTLE GREEN APPLES TELL ME
also thanks you soooooo much for creating good book i love them .. lol with and unholy love
I need you two to know: your books are totally my crack. I held off for an extra….. two? hours after my kindle showed that your book had downloaded. And that was hard. There might have been shakes involved. This may be my favorite of the Edge series, which is saying something, but I’ll re-read all of them a couple of times, to confirm my relative preferences
Thank you so much for creating this and sharing it with your readers. Here’s one more vote for more edge-based stories, and congratulations on another fantastic book!
Just finished Steel’s Edge. Very satisfying. Well done and you should be proud of yourselves.
When will Steel’s Edge be out on audio? I have loved listening to the three previous Edge books.
Dear Ilona,
Thank you for the Kate excerpt, except darn you, now I will be yearning for the book.
You and Gordon rock. Ya’ll could make a laundry list hysterical. (Now I am thinking about Kate and Jack’s laundry list and how the various stains and rips came about. Heh.)
I am so glad to hear that you are not entirely happy about ending about The Edge series. One day, when life settles down, perhaps when the girls are older, you are not exhausted from the moves, two series, etc. – you and Gordon just might go back to the Edge. Maybe there will be a story or two that absolutely demands to be told.
I love the Edge, and I am going to consider this a hiatus. Just a suggestion – you could write little novellas, self published. I’d buy them! I am really curious about what happens with to the boy who came from the family that lived in the swamp. There are just so many stories left to tell.
Pam
I have just finished Steele’s Edge, received early Dec 12.
Not for the lack for interest but the Christmas break has kept me very busy.
This is the best Edge book ever. I have loved very page of it and was so happy that Richard and Charlotte survived and could live together with all the family.
What a fantastic series, only second to Kate because to series is more established and a brilliant read too!!
I shall miss all the Mar’s exciting adventures and was very upset when we lost Memere, I was in tears!!
I just want to say thanks to both of you for writing such wonderful books.