Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Standing in line at the complaint department...

I've been hearing from numerous people who are frustrated about not having received their Dead Duck orders yet. Obviously it frustrates me as well, since I want to put the books in the public's hands, particularly those who so kindly pre-ordered Dead Duck and helped me get my sales up.

Since finding out in late November that there would be a hold up on Dead Duck's release, I have taken it upon myself to keep everyone as updated as possible, and I have apologized profusely, since I know what a bummer this is for all of you. But the fact of the matter is, this delay is not my fault.

I created the Dead Duck graphic novel in its entirety, and handed it off to Ape Entertainment back in March of '09. Once that happened, the book was out of my hands. I know that Ape took the steps to get it to the printer. The fact that there was a problem at the printer, which ultimately caused the book's delay, is not for me to lay blame, nor is it for me to accept blame. I wasn't there, I wasn't a part of that process, and I was only told that the problem was fixed, but the book would be delayed. Two to three weeks delay on orders through Previews was what I was originally told, longer on orders through Amazon and bookstores. As those who haven't received their books must have noticed by now, that information was obviously wrong. This isn't how I wanted it to happen. But it is how it's happening. And again, this is not my fault.

I will certainly continue to inform people about Dead Duck's impending release as that information comes to me. But I'm just the messenger. For a more direct response, I am encouraging you to contact my publisher, Ape Entertainment. They are the ones who talk to the sales reps at Diamond (comic book shop distributor of Dead Duck). They have the connections to the bookseller that will stock Dead Duck in standard bookstores, they have the connections to Amazon.com. And lastly, they are the ones who you should talk to if you ordered Dead Duck directly through Ape's website. They have the answers for all of this, and I have none of that. So please, from this point on, direct all questions about Dead Duck's release to:

http://www.apecomics.com or the store page http://www.apecomics.com/store.htm

This is my final apology for what has happened with dead Duck's release. I've suffered continuous headaches, literal and figurative, trying to compensate for this setback. But it's out of my hands. I hope you all still enjoy Dead Duck when it gets to you. If, heaven forbid, your copies don't get to you by late January, then please, contact David Hedgecock. I have no other answers to give for now.

--Jay

10 comments:

ebd said...

Fortunately, it's not your job to be behind the counter at the complaint dept. :-)

Hedgecock said...

Diamond, the distribution company handling the distribution of the books out to all the retailers (amazon, barnes & noble, etc.) has had the books for a couple of weeks. They normally process and ship the books within the first few days of receiving them. For reasons that have yet to be explained, Diamond has delayed the processing and shipping of the books. Any further inquiries can be made to the email address provided by Jay in his post.

The book is complete, printed, and has been at the distributor for some time. Everyone on this side has done everything they were supposed to do. Especially Jay.

Thanks to everyone for their interest in the book. We are doing what we can to get the books in your hands.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Gregory James said...

The time and effort you put in to making Dead Duck, it will be worth the wait. Can't wait to read it.

Happy Holidays Jay :)

Rickey said...

Hey, man, I just stumbled onto your book on accident at MidTown Comics in NYC yesterday and LOVED it. I searched for some more info and found this blog post, so I hope it brings a little peace of mind to know that you at least recruited me as a new reader.

Have a happy holiday, man.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jake said...

I just picked up my copy at the bookstore I ordered through. I made it through the first few pages during lunch. It looks great!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Odd said...

Ahh yes the speed of business is often a snail's pace. I love my copy and hope to get it sign ;-)

I want to help get the word out there.