Quartet Press has closed.
Let’s just get that out of the way for anyone who hasn’t been around for in the past 24 hours. I can’t write about the details of the why it happened, partly because I’m still a little puzzled and confused about the choice made and wasn’t involved in any part of that decision, but also because I’m still under 48 hours of finding out myself, rather abruptly and without warning, so I’m still processing. Plus, I’m not willing to say anything about it if I can’t be honest, so instead, I can only talk about my personal experience and feelings, I’m sorry.
To say I’m sick, and sad, and shocked (and other “s” words you can think of that might be appropriate) and, yep, angry might be putting it a little mildly. Who would have expected this? But as with my joining of Quartet Press, it’s abrupt closure has caused a lot of speculation, some general nastiness and lots of disappointment, and I know people are looking for some sort of answers that I’m very sorry I can’t give publicly. At the same time, the offers of support and well-wishes have been more overwhelming than anything. Thank you.
Publishing is a business, and like any other business, the chances we take and the choices we make aren’t always going to work out how we planned. Though I didn’t leap into the decision to join Quartet, and spent weeks negotiating with them, agonizing over my decision, long conversations with my husband, and working out contract details, it only shows that even the most carefully thought out decisions and plans can still crumble. It happens. I made a business decision, a choice, and I own that, if anyone expected me to say differently, you haven’t been paying attention to who I am. So, in looking back and Monday morning quarterbacking my decision…I know that I was careful, I didn’t make a precipitous, foolish or sudden decision and I can’t say I’m sure I would have done it differently. And if the opportunity comes in the future for me to work with Kirk and Kassia again, I would be eager to take it, because they’re two of the smartest people I know and I only wish osmosis worked so I could soak up some of that and share the brilliance and ingenuity.
The difficult part of this now is moving on. Moving on to something new and different. Moving on from the speculative comments suggesting I was secretly working for Quartet for months while working for Samhain (I wasn’t, my official start date at Quartet was mid-August and came only shortly after we finalized negotiations. There is no unofficial start date), that I did something unethical or horrendously wrong in making a business decision for myself and my family, or that I somehow got what I deserved for daring to do try to do something different with my career. Moving on from the guilt that I feel towards my husband and daughter, and the people, both friends and strangers, who supported and believed in the project, the authors and editorial candidates that committed time and energy. Moving on to continue to prove that digital publishing IS viable, despite this happening because what happened had nothing to do with the viability of digital publishing. Nothing. And, yes, moving on to the next project I believe in. Because, in the end, I believed in Quartet Press and I still do think it could have succeeded and been an asset to the digital community. That it came to this still has me reeling in shock because, truthfully, the plans were in place, deals were made and we were well on our way to launching and becoming profitable. I’m just so disappointed, you can’t possibly imagine.
So, moving on. Of course it’s not always easy, it’s not always fun but it’s what we do and I’m going to throw myself into that because I’m not the type to be content to sit around. That’s how I ended up in digital publishing in the first place, because I love to work. What am I going to do? I don’t know yet. I believe I have a lot to offer, both in my skills as an editor and in my knowledge of digital publishing. Hopefully some smart publisher out there will recognize that and call immediately 
In the meantime, I’ll look at this as an opportunity to make new plans, do some reading and get some sewing done. When you go from tremendously, overwhelmingly busy to…not so much…you realize all the things you’ve been putting off “until you have time”. I guess that’s now!
I have to say that I’ve heard nothing from you that wasn’t done in a professional way, including this post which must have been beyond difficult to write. I’ve heard from many many authors that you were the best editor they ever worked with (and these are authors with NY prints). You’re talented, smart, professional…Anyone with any business smarts will snap you up in a micro-second. Good Luck. And keep letting us know what’s happening with you. You have a huge base of cyber-friends.
Got my own Twitter username wrong. Fine editor I’d have made
Best of luck! I know you’ll land on your feet.
Hugs Angie. I just had to laugh at any speculation that you’d been secretly working for QP while still at SP. That just showed the poster didn’t understand you or that you had helped with a presentation for RWA not turned into some sort of industrial spy. LOL I can relate to being shocked and going from flat out full speed to a grinding halt. I was laid off June 1 rather unexpectedly. It sucks. And my cabinets are still not organized, although the house is cleaner than anytime since I had gone back to the corporate grind! So sew and enjoy your projects. lol Hey – I remember you from back when we anxiously awaited .5 and Samhain was not even a twinkle in Chrissy’s mind. What an amazing road you’ve travelled! And I’m sure the best is yet to come.
^5 kiddo. Onward and upward! XO
Patrice
CP57
I wish you only the best Angie and I hope something comes up for you soon.
After reading this post, I can assure you, Angela, you will be just fine. I know you are disappointed and certainly shocked, but this is where your strength comes through. And also, your honor.
What a lovely example in times such as these.
I can only imagine how unsettling this has been for you. Keep your chin up and have faith that the next great opportunity could very well be just around the corner for you and your family.
I can only reiterate what so many have already voiced and I apologize for sounding like an echo among the comments here but I wanted to let you know that I’m grateful to you for your contributions to the digital publishing medium. Someone once said that you were the face of Samhain Publishing but to me, you’ve really been the face of digital publishing and that doesn’t go away with the publisher name attached to our CV. I was disheartened to hear of QP’s closing but I know that real talent doesn’t sit idle for long. My best to you and your family and thanks again, for sharing your awesomeness with us.
Life is all about taking chances. I wish you the best and hope everything turns out okay for you and your family.
Can you sew me a sweater since I can’t even sew on a button?
I’m so sorry for this but once again with this post you have shown that you are always the consummate professional. I know that you will land on top. I truly wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about your future plans, what you’re reading and your fab sewing updates. Stay strong and much love to you and your family.
This door has closed, so watch for that open window. You reputation is too good for you not to be snapped up, and you might find yourself landing something bigger and better. (Ask me about my move back home to CA by way of Idaho. Funny how the path is clear and the destination is foggy.)
I’m so sorry this happened. I’m sure you’ll land on your feet. See you soon.
I’m so sorry this has happened. I’ll echo everyone’s condolences and add my hopes that you land on your feet.
I was so sorry to hear this. Like everyone else, I’m sure you’ll land on your feet, but I regret the disappointment.
I wish you the best of luck and like you, I hope some publisher decides to snatch you up and put your skills and knowledge to good use.
You’re going to totally kick ass at whatever comes next for you.
And as for the morons in the crowd: fuck them.
Angie,
Thanks for sharing. I’m so sorry about what happened to you. It makes me angry that QP led people to believe that it’s a viable company with great plans, etc. It damaged eight innocent people (including you) who had nothing to do with the mgmt or their decisions. *hugs*
You will turn this into a positive, because that’s the kind of person you are. Good luck…though I sincerely believe you make your own. Can’t wait to see where this leads you. {{{Hugs}}}
Hang in there, lady. You have a great attitude and everyone is rooting for you!
You’re good people, Angie. I cannot say how much I hope this opens an amazing new door for you — or, you know, just a solid one.
I’m very certain that you’ll bounce right back in no time because you’re amazingly talented, smart and savvy. Good luck! And take some time now to enjoy some little things and relax
You rock. That hasn’t changed. You’ll be fine and wherever you wind up, they’ll be thrilled and fortunate to have you. Enjoy your unplanned B time.
Sending you good luck vibes and wishing you all the best.
So sorry to hear of this. I wish you all the best of luck. (Candace, blogging as Beth Fish Reads)
Angela—
You really are one of the main reasons I was thinking about going to Samhain and then Quartet. I’m sorry to see this happen, and now your displacement, but I have a feeling that you won’t have a chance to get comfy at home for long.
Wait…do I hear a phone ringing right now?
Good luck to you and please keep us updated.
You are a remarkable lady, good things will come to you. Your knowledge and perspective on digital publishing are priceless. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this, but I believe only good can come from it. Hugs.
Angela,
Adding my best wishes. I truly hope you stay within the digital publishing industry and continue “the good fight.”
We (all of us in this industry) need you around to help us prove to readers and authors that e-publishing is a viable business model when peopled with intelligent professionals.
And PS. Just in case you missed it, I sent you a private email, as well.
I’m so sorry this didn’t work out, Angela. All I can say is I have nothing but admiration for the style and graced with which you’re handling it. I have no doubt there are wonderful opportunities waiting just around the corner for you.
When I heard the news I was so shocked and dissapointed for you. I was dissapointed for me too – I had submitted after you joined – but what I was dissapointed most about that was the lost chance to possibly work with YOU, not a particular press. We’ve met twice at conferences, and I have read many of your articles. I can’t imagine the mindset of the naysayers out there, but it is clear to me that I will be darn lucky if I get the chance to work with you, where ever you land. You are a talented editor and clearly a classy person in all aspects.
I think you will find another home, and soon, so don’t get too comfy with your needle and thread. Big hugs and best of luck,
Lilly
Wow–what a shock to get so close to launch. Your attitude is commendable, and as successful as you’ve been in your business decisions I second everyone in saying you’ll land on your feet. Another opportunity is just around the corner, and I know you’ll recognize it when it comes along. Good luck and enjoy your “down” time with all those rainy-day projects!
Angela, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. You are a smart woman and I know the future holds great opportunities for you.
Jumped over here from Jaci’s FB. It has probably been said in flood of comments above, but I want to reiterate my support and respect for you. Having followed your editing career silently for years via the authors you’ve worked with, I have to point out that you are one of, if not THE most, respected editors in the industry. I have no doubt whatever direction you take next, you’ll be successful with it.
Chiming in here to say that EVERY single time something bad has happened to me during my 26 years in this rollercoaster business, when I look back, it turned out to be a good thing.
It’s maybe be a cliche, but windows truly do open when doors close. You’ll bounce back to an even better place.
Meanwhile, yes, definitely move on past that guilt, because it’s useless and I’m sure your husband doesn’t want you to be feeling it. (And I say this as someone brought up Irish Catholic, whose mother was the West Coast distributor of guilt.)
Most importantly, indulge in some special pampering. You deserve it.
Hugs, Angela. But yes, the real answer is that these things happen. It has no bigger meaning, though I understand your frustration. I went through a similar thing when I left a stable company for a startup in computers. It was a good decision, but the economy tanked the company (we were bought out). It doesn’t change that it was the right decision for me at the time.
You can’t see into the future. Better you leave yourself open to these kind of things happening than that you dig yourself a hole and pull the dirt in after you so you can’t be disturbed.
You’ll find a new and different way to change the digital landscape. I don’t know whether that’s faith, or just inevitability based on the person I’ve met with following you on Twitter and your blog
.
Hugs, and good luck with your next plan.
{{{hugs}}} Angie!
I wish you nothing but the best!
Believe it or not, Angela, I truly understand how you’re feeling. Been through something similar myself, so I tip my hat to you that you’re moving on and focusing on you and what you want to do with your life and your obvious talents. Kudos to you, lady, and I wish you much success in your endeavors!
Angie, I’ve been where you are right now (actually more than once!) and I can tell you that each time it happened I moved on to something better. You’re still talented and have a stellar reputation, so don’t expect to be sewing for long.
I don’t know you, but I’ve popped here a coupleof times. When a friend told me what had happened, the first thing out of my mouth was, “Oh, poor Angela!” like I knew you personally. This is the magic touch you have. Not many have that trait, to come across as a caring individual who is friends with all.
I wish you well, I really do.
Angie – I’ve said it elsewhere, but I believe in you and your abilities and I know that you will be snapped up quickly. As others have said, as soon as I heard the news my shock was for you. I had a Diva guest here when it happened who announced to me and my first reaction was “But…Angie….Oh, no, poor Angie…” I felt so bad because you had told us all how much you agonized over the decision to leave SP.
I thank you for posting your feelings and letting us know how you are doing. While many of us are disappointed in the loss of QP, I think more of us were worried about you.
I know it won’t be long until we hear good news from you. I send you best wishes and lots of prayers for new and even better success!
Hang in there Angie! You may have landed in a pile of shit, but you’ll come out smelling like a rose! Good luck.
Sending good vibes to you, Angie.
I’ve started a small business before…and had it fail. It’s unhappy and upsetting all the way around, and I didn’t even have any employees left high and dry when it went under. On the other hand, every time I’ve had something awful happen in my life a few years later it turned out to be a very good thing.
I think the universe has plans for you that are bigger than Quartet/Quench (my humble opinion). Rock on, and continue to be excellent.
Best wishes, Angela. When one door shuts, a window will open. Hang in there.
Sorry, Angie. And good luck, honey!
Hugs
I have no interest in learning anything private about what happened, and I wouldn’t ask you to share such information. It is not simple curiosity, however, to wonder what stopped your train in its tracks, inasmuch as others are trying to do the same thing in the same rapidly-evolving market.
Should you be able to speak in that context in the future, I for one would find it useful.
Angie, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know better and bigger things are headed your way.
Angela–Kudos for taking risks and good luck! I have no doubt you will land on your feet. Publishers start. Publishers are bought out. Publishers disappear. Publishers start. Rinse. Repeat. Once I left a small publisher to join “the big leagues” because I thought the new publisher would be more stable. After six months corporate came in and announced they were shutting us down. I was the only happy person in the room because I hated it there. I immediately got on the phone and had a job offer at a better publisher within two weeks. I’m convinced things happen for a reason, and you will end up in a better place.
I agree with everyone that bigger and better things are ahead for you. We’ll be toasting your further successes for years to come.
My first thought when I heard this news, was “Oh no! This is so unfair to Angie. To woo her away like that and then close down? Very uncool.
But like everyone else posting, I do believe you’ll land just were you’re supposed to be. . . and with that in mind– have you given any thought to trying on the agents hat? With your contacts and class and publishing knowledge I think you’d kick ass in that department. From the outpouring of support and respect, I think you’d find alot of people following you in that direction too.
This was a shock and a disappointment. Hopefully something unexpected and wonderful will come from it. Best of luck to you and your family.
Onward and upward. This is just a way-station! Good luck in future endeavors