***This entry was one of our April Fool’s Day 2009 posts. We ask that you not take the information in this post literally. It was just in the spirit of having a little fun. Thanks for reading!***
Yes, folks, the time is finally here! We received the manuscript in
secret yesterday, and instead of all that tedious editing and cover
debating and buildup to release with author tours or Comic Con
announcements … We decided to just get the book out as soon as
possible. We heard your cries (and ours) and thought this the best of
all possible worlds. There’s a twist, however. The manuscript is too
long.
(click through to see our brilliant solution that is … almost unique)
Yes the manuscript is too long. But it is so amazing that we don't
want to cut a thing! Instead of breaking it up into two or three
500-800 page novels, we are going to split it up into novelettes.
Or as a serial novel.
Similar to Stephen King's Green Mile series, which was released as 6
novelettes and combined much later as an "omnibus" (which was really
just a normal novel.) George, on the advice of our marketing staff &
his agent, decided a serial novel, which could be written while the
others were already in production, was the best way to proceed.
You can expect roughly 200 pages or less per novelette, or about 4
chapters a book. The expectation is that the omnibus will be compiled
sometime in 2012 with a release of 4 to 8 novelettes (maybe more).
That way there won't be so much waiting, you can enjoy The Song of
Fire & Ice continuously for two more years, and our first installment
will be released immediately!!
Please let us know what you think.
This was just cruel. You have wounded me in ways I cannot express.
This just stinks!!!!!!!!!!!! What is wrong with a long book? We've waited so long. Please reconsider. 4 chapters is not enough at one sitting!
I was pissed off when Stephen King did it. He said that it was a homage to the way that they used to publish books, but what he did was turn an $8.00 book into a $48.00 book. I've been really patient. I've been defending Mr. Martin to all of the rude whiny people out there. Most of us don't mind waiting. I think that this is the wrong way to go and I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm out.
Are people being serious? It was an April Fool's gag.
Well, who needs editing anyway, right? Right! I almost bought it... and then I realized what day it was written on.
good one!
I will not buy it this way. At all period. I will read it at the library and buy it when it comes out as an actual book. I hate this and won't do it. If it never comes out as an actual book I will buy it used instead of new. Then I will have it done my way, with a cover art I like and the whole deal.
I really can't believe this - we've waited for god knows how long for next installment and now you're about to rip us off for the next two year - a disgrace........I'm out too.
this is crap!!!! I will not stand for this any longer. George martin is really pissing me off with this waiting game. he could of had this book done a year ago but yet its still not finished.im starting to believe he wont finish it at all. so im done reading all of his works until he can show me a finished series until then im out too.