Shhh, Don't Tell Anyone

 

Terry here, with the question of the week: 

I see a lot of writers post vague messages about news they “can’t talk about yet”. What are your rules about what and when to release info on upcoming releases, big contract news, exciting things on the horizon? Do you decide what and when to reveal, or is it coming from agents, publishers, etc? 

Rules? Rules? I’ve got no rules. When the contract is signed, I shout about it. No hesitation. And no, I usually don’t post “teasers.” If I’m going to be showing up at a bookstore or some event, I let people know. No teasers. If I finish writing a book and send it off to my agent, I tell everyone. No teasers. 

I see all these things on social media that people “can’t talk about yet.” Vague-booking they call it on Facebook. I suppose it’s designed to titillate and to garner excitement. But mostly it just irritates me. Maybe it’s jealousy because I don’t have anything to keep secret. 

But here are some things I’d like “not be able to talk about yet.” 

A letter saying, “Hi, we finally tracked you down. Remember that funny little stock you bought fifty years ago? Well guess what…?” 

An email saying, “We have to swear you to secrecy, but this is to let you know that Tom Hanks has just read all your books and wants to play Samuel Craddock in a TV series.” 

A knock on the door and it’s somebody saying a long-lost relative has bequeathed me a zillion bucks. 

A phone call from someone who says “Molly Gordon read Deep Dive and is determined to play Jessie Madison in your series.” 

My former publisher writing to tell me he’s finally releasing my backlist to me. 

My agent telling me my current publisher is doubling my advance. (Not sure I'd ever mention this)

I can pretty much guarantee that none of those things is likely to happen, but you can be sure if they do, I’ll be all over social media, hinting like crazy! So much for not posting teasers. 

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An addendum to this week’s post. I just got back from Bouchercon, and it was wonderful this year. Too many friends I would like to have seen didn’t make it, and I was sorry to miss them. But I had some good meals, some good laughs, excellent talks with friends both old and new, and went to interesting panels. The Debut Author Breakfast was even better than usual, with Michael Connelly lending his emcee skills, a beautiful brochure, and what sounded like some outstanding new authors. 

I didn’t get Covid or a cold, didn’t faint from the heat (yes it was hot, but there was usually a breeze, and it was not bad), didn’t eat or drink too much, and didn’t go crazy buying weird New Orleans tourist gifts. 

Added bonus: the hotel was close to the exceptional World War II museum, where the opening ceremonies were held after a celebratory march, New Orleans style with a brass band to accompany us. Next year, Calgary!

And here are some photos from Bouchercon:

                                    The Opening Ceremonies parade: 

With fellow 7 Criminal Minds author Poppy Gee

    

                                        With two rogues, Marjorie McCown and Smita Jain:

    

                                          With the incomparable Georgia Jeffries