It’s been exactly one year since the publication of Going Dark, which completed the Red Trilogy.

Saga Press engaged in some creative experimentation in the release of the trilogy. First, all three books came out within a very short span of time, with just six months between book 1 and book 3. More revolutionary, the books were released simultaneously in hardcover, mass-market paperback, and ebook editions. I’m sure this wasn’t the first time this happened in traditional publishing, but I’d never heard of it being done before.

The usual tactic is to first release the hardcover along with an expensive ebook edition, and then to follow with lower ebook prices and a less expensive paperback a year later. I was thrilled when I learned that Saga planned to do hardcover and mass market at the same time, with the added benefit of putting a reasonable price on the ebook. This allowed libraries and collectors to acquire the expensive hardcover edition, while regular readers who’d heard of the book through reviews and recommendations could grab a copy at a good price.

Of course there is a downside to this strategy: A year later I don’t get a second shot at publicity when the paperback comes out. Ah, well! I can reminisce on my blog instead.

This was an important series for me on many levels. It marked my return to writing science fiction after a hiatus of many years. It persuaded me that the near future was fertile ground in which to grow stories that felt relevant to me, in our rapidly evolving world. And it allowed me to write the sort of story I love to read: one that includes high-energy adventure with extrapolations of real-world science and technology, and (I hope!) engaging characters who give a damn about one another and the world.

So one year out it seems appropriate to say THANK YOU! to the readers and reviewers who’ve supported the books. It’s easy for a work to get lost in the vast sea of novels that reach publication each year. It’s your interest and support and word-of-mouth recommendations that have kept the Red trilogy visible — and that is truly appreciated. I hope you’ll continue to recommend the trilogy to friends who might enjoy it. The last big publicity push was over long ago, so it’s up to you now!

If you read this blog regularly than you know I’ve got a new novel on the way. I look forward to telling you more about that in the coming months. If you haven’t done so already, do use the form in the righthand column to sign up for my newsletter. It’s another way to get in touch, and to let you know when the new novel is available.

Thank you!

Posted on: Thursday, November 3rd, 2016 at 6:00 am
Categories: My Books.
Tags: The Red Trilogy