Last week, I signed the contracts granting publishing rights for my Crossfire series to Penguin and on June 12th, the book will be available in stores. I can’t quite believe it, especially since I just turned in galley edits this morning!

When I self-published Bared to You, I had no expectations for it. I’m not known for writing contemporaries and the subject matter is dark. I assumed my existing readers (who don’t usually crossover for me) wouldn’t be interested in the story and new readers might find it difficult to trust a new-to-them author to take them on such a journey. I expected the greatest benefit of releasing the story was that it would make me happy to put it out there. It would also fill a nine month gap in my publication schedule–giving me a reason to send out a newsletter and remind readers I was still writing books–and it would allow me to establish and test the infrastructure needed for future self-published releases in genres I was known for.

I wasn’t at all prepared for the phone call from Cindy Hwang during which she asked me if I’d be open to selling the series. At the time, the book had barely released. I had no idea what would happen over the following weeks. My hope was focused on just recouping the money I’d spent on editorial and production. Luckily, that happened really quickly, but along the way I discovered that getting the paperback in the hands of readers was next to impossible, even while offering a 55% wholesale discount to retailers and accepting returns. In the end, the only way for readers to buy the paperback was online, and that was a major motivating factor in my selling the rights to the series. I don’t want readers to have trouble buying one of my books. Which isn’t to say I won’t be self-publishing in the future, because I definitely will be. Every method of publishing has it drawbacks, but having total control of my work makes up for a lot of self-publishing’s cons.

And so the original self-published version with the pretty blue cover with the sexy couple will become obsolete on Wednesday. If you’d like a copy (either digital or print) you’ll need to buy it before then. Berkley will take over distribution on Thursday, May 24th and they’re releasing the book with a new, understated cover. For those readers in the UK and Australia, you’ll have an edition just for you. I’m not sure what the cover for that is yet, but you won’t have to pay the outrageous prices you’re used to paying for my books. I’m so happy about that!

I hope this decision works out to be best for everyone: me, you, and Penguin. *fingers crossed*

The winner of the MSW book pack I was giving away in my last post (as chosen by random.org) is Sandy Lion. Sandy, email me at sylvia@sylviaday.com with you mailing addy (or email, if you’d prefer either Kindle or Nook versions).

Do you have any special plans for this upcoming weekend (which is Memorial weekend here in the States)? Are you reading something awesome now? Happy Monday!