Dragon Prophecy 3: The Art of War. An update you won't like.

[merlinscribe]

Dear Friends:

This is not an email I wanted to write. But I have always promised I would keep you "in the loop", as it were, and not simply retreat into a mystifying silence when things happened.

So.

About a month ago, around the time I was expecting my revision letter for The Art of War, what I got instead was an email from my agent that Tor was rejecting the book. This is a fairly rare occurrence, especially for the ninth book in a series. They said they required major changes before they would consider accepting the book.

Since they would not specify what these changes should be, aside from "a better ending", there is a bit of a scramble going on, especially when working within the constraints of eight previous books of lore and canon.

I have one in mind, and it should certainly work, since Ancaladar told Vestakia about it all the way back in the first trilogy, but right now you know as much as I do about the state of play. Negotiations, as they say, are ongoing.

I am currently, and off my own bat, revising the manuscript so that I can add on the sort of ending Tor may be thinking of. As it stands right now, The Art of War is more like a book report on the book I actually wanted to write—and I have to find room for another rather large chunk of story. Somehow.

I am very sorry. I did not expect anything like this to happen, and I apologize.

TL;DR: The Art of War will not be out this year because editor.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Will you be able to put up the original ending in some form or another somewhere?

[(Anonymous)]

Any way us fans can pressure the editor/ publisher to let you write it the way you envisioned? Hate when they do this!

[chichiri]

Did you change the name of the book again? I thought it was Wings of Fate.

Anyway, thanks for the update, but no need to apologize for the bad news. As you said this is very rare and I hope you don't struggle to figure out a new ending that works for the editor too much.

[(Anonymous)]

Chains That Bind. A play on how the unicorn throne was mentioned to bear chains binding the craved unicorns. And how duty bound the elves to their Houses.

[(Anonymous)]

This is why I am starting to wish the series was self-published. Tor is a trash company and has been for some time.

[(Anonymous)]

That sucks. I'll read it whenever it comes, and I'll read the version you wanted to publish as well!

[fragglerock61]

Man. That stinks. Obviously we are disappointed, but I can't imagine how frustrated you must be.

Just remember we love your work and are eager to read the story in whatever form it ends up.

And seriously, publishers stink.

[lusional]

I'm so sorry to hear that - it's got to be rough getting that reaction to any work, but I imagine it requires a particularly large mental/emotional/time investment with a book at the end of a series of this type.

Hang in there - your works have a special kind of flavor to them that makes them unique, and I have always enjoyed them immensely.

Book name

[(Anonymous)]

How about Dragons Riddled: Destinies Course

[(Anonymous)]

This is disappointing, but nothing you can control. May I suggest, if M. Doesn’t like the title Art of War, maybe try Shield of Destiny. Hopefully you will have some good news soon. Thank you for keeping us updated.

[megan_may_poetry]

I'm sorry about this... I hope you can stay true to your vision and ending and still get it published with Tor. If not, I suggest self publishing! I will buy it and tell all my book friends to read it too. I hope that helps. I self published a book on Amazon Kindle and it was very easy. Best of luck and I will for sure buy the next book in paperback when it comes out. You will figure it out, don't lose faith. :)

Megan May

Don’t change the best version of the book!!

[(Anonymous)]

I’ll donate to a Kickstarter! I LOVE this series and I want the best book possible, not the one the the publisher wants. The title is less important to me than the content. I know you need a paycheck, but please let us help!

Any progress?

[(Anonymous)]

Is there any news on Dragon Prophecy 3?

Publishing Issues

[(Anonymous)]

Have you ever considered self publishing these books? it seems to me that this universe is mostly you, so why not self publish any further works?

Thanks

[(Anonymous)]

I just wanted to add my support to the comments above. I’m sure it’s hard to get the kind of feedback you’ve received from both M and Tor, but your books have been my favorite since I was a young reader. I first picked up the Obsidian Trilogy in middle school (c. 2005) and remember clearly my excitement the day that my local library got “When Darkness Falls”. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for 17 years of joy.

Here’s to many more!

[(Anonymous)]

Any updates for this year? It’s hard to be patient after so long. I hope you’re going well and enjoying other works. I’d like to toss my hat in the ring for titles. I think the Throne of Redemption might work. I think it has the potential to tie into whatever tragedy Amrethion perpetuated after Pelashia’s death. It could also allude to Rune and Vielle’s journey to prove their worth to their peoples after failures.