In Excess of Dark will be unavailable for a short time.
After speaking with several authors affected by the book’s publisher, DarkLit Press, and learning about issues regarding royalties, handling of accounts, treatment of authors, and the unstable financial future of the press, I came to the very difficult decision several days ago to request a termination of contract for my novella, In Excess of Dark.
I entered into contract with DLP with cautious optimism back in February 2023, and as the press took on more & more, I held my breath hoping I wasn’t right about my original suspicions they’d become overwhelmed. I’ve been silent and kept an outward positive attitude about several issues leading up to and after the release of my book, but with all that had come to light recently, I opted to leave, and the publisher has reverted all rights back to me. This was not a decision made lightly, and neither was my decision to sign with them. I always read my contracts thoroughly, and the publisher even worked with me when I had asked for changes to some questionable clauses.
There were definitely positives in working with DarkLit. My book was announced on Publisher’s Marketplace, and it was placed on NetGalley which is an incredibly helpful marketing bump. Unfortunately, I believe the press was overwhelmed with too many projects to give all those works the time, effort, and funding required for the same level of success as some of their earlier releases. I do wish the DarkLit team the very best in their effort to get the press back on track. I can’t imagine it’s been an easy task since they’ve taken over.
I’m really proud of this little horror novella. Even prior to release, it garnered over 100 reviews on Goodreads. It was featured in a full-page review in Rue Morgue Magazine. And it has broken the hearts and minds of many readers.
So, what now?
I will be releasing In Excess of Dark through my own imprint under Death Knell Press, but it will take some time to get it back up and running. Currently, I’m in the trenches of hardcore editing of my next book, Bloodstains by Gaslight, so that is taking up a significant amount of my time.
So, hold tight. In Excess of Dark will be back and better than ever soon.
Very sorry to hear that. I haven’t been able to get my own copy yet, I was hoping to pick one up from you personally at monster fest this year as I do every year.
I enjoyed speaking with you last time. Thank you for being so kind.
As they say, “💩 happens” and all you can do is roll with it. Really sucks though.
I’m no stranger to that element of life either.
Looking forward to the re-release.
Good luck with everything and best wishes, E. Mercy.
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Thank you! I should have copies available by Monsterfest! 🙂