DemonGoddess

aw man Melrick that sucks to not have a/c

ugh.  ENTIRELY too hot!

Keep doing what you’re doing, you guys are saving me!

yup, 12 hours yesterday, 17 the day before, no days off for the foreseeable future.  At least until we get our new hires in and trained.

But you have new hires, and hopefully it means an end in sight. And in the meantime, let us know how we can help.

When you can, DG, when you can.
 

I’m just waiting for that countersignature on the Reversion of Rights letter, and then I’m off and running. We’ll see what else shakes out. I’m not owed enough to pull my hair out over that, but I want my hard work back.

That’s pretty shitty. Hope you’re at least able to get your rights back.

So sorry you’re in this mess.

Exactly, which is why the original owners sold the press. They were writers, and there was no real venue for their work, so they started a small press. But they wanted to write full time, and once they’d reached a certain point, where royalties would allow for it, that’s what they did. They’re lovely people, and they’re doing their best to help us all out, but there’s no way they can fix Torquere at this point. It’s dead, and just needs to release our rights and close the doors.
 

Oh, my dear, it’s a big job.
Honestly, I would need to do a bit of research, but at the very least, you need at least two editors who are professionals, a good proofreader for the technical stuff, someone who can do cover art, and you’d need to set up a relationship with the various distribution venues as well as create a website, set up a secure payment system (Paypal and credit cards), do some basic advertising and marketing, create contracts and other legal niceties, and so on.
I’d think you’d need a serious cushion of money to carry you over until you start seeing a steady revenue stream since author royalties are payable no matter what else happens. That’s why a reputable small press does what the original owners of Torquere did. You set aside 50% of all revenue in an escrow account to pay author royalties. The rest pays overhead: editors, proofreaders, cover artists, website hosting fees, advertising, taxes, and finally, owner salaries.

Hugs are always appropriate.
We’re all working on getting our rights back, and I can promise you, once I do, I intend to tidy up a few bits and send the books right back out to a new publisher, or six. In my case, I got the letter, signed it, and am waiting for a countersignature from the publisher, Once I have that, I’m able to ask for my books to be taken off all third party distribution, so I can resubmit everything elsewhere.
There are many terrific publishers out there, and Torquere used to be one of them. It’s unfortunate, since the original owners are also writers, and are owed money as well. They’re heartbroken to see the imprint they built wind up like this.

I’d like to have a normal, 40 hour week.  At least once a month.  hehehehe

I really hope it works out for you, DG. You work way too hard, and have done for ages.. years, even..
 

I’m crossing everything for you!

Oh, my goodness, I know… it’s heartbreaking, how many we’ve lost this year.  

This year needs a do over.  Or something.

It really, really sucks to work 25 hours in a 48 hour time period

This year needs a do over.  Or something.

My mother and I have an agreement – we don’t spend much. I am not about to compete with other people; that way madness lies. You don’t need money for christmas, you’re right – just loved ones

Yes, and whether you have money, or don’t have money, it certainly makes it all worthwhile!

However stressful it ends up being, Christmas is always better with kids around They get excited and stuff.

Yup, having five of my own, it certainly IS a free for all!

Awww… there were only two of us (my brother and I), but my Mom is one of eleven! How my grandparents used to deal with that, I have no idea. Wow… 
I get the impression from hearing her speak of it that it was a bit of a free for all type thing, lol.

Growing up, we were given choices.  Presents on birthday or Christmas.  My poor parents.  Four of the five of us have November and December birthdays.