A reader posted a comment on Facebook that started out:
Why is it that you not writing very many new books but publishing older books under a different title. This should be called fraud. When your fans think they are buying a new book and start to read it and find they just bought a book they had already read…
Nora saw the comment and took the time to answer a little more fully:
Though I’ve addressed this issue before, it’s been some time. I realize there are many, many readers who don’t know how copyrights work, and when there are so many reprints, repackaged, with title changes, the confusion and annoyance leads those who don’t know to assume I’m doing it.
I get that, but . . .
As long as a publisher keeps a book in print–somewhere–they retain the rights. A book must be out of print for a certain number of years, contractually, before the writer can ask for the rights back. I don’t have the rights to the books Silhouette repackages, reprints, re-titles. I have no control, at all, over the reprints. Changes in copyright laws mean that–I think it’s 33 years after initial publication, whether or not the book is in print– the author can request, during a certain window and in writing, for the rights back.
At this point, I’m simply not in control of the rights or the publication of the Silhouette titles. We do everything we can to let the readers know what’s new. The new titles are listed on my website. The new titles have the NR logo in the corner of every book. I also encourage readers to check the copyright page, see when the book was published.
I understand, absolutely, the upset of thinking you’re buying a brand new story, then realizing you brought a reprint, repackaged with a new umbrella title. I hope you’ll understand I can’t do anything about it.
It’s great for a brand new reader to discover an author through a reprint. Not so great to feel you got stung, as a long-time reader, because the cover and title changed on you. Please, look for the NR logo, check noraroberts.com for the list and schedule of new releases, and flip to the copyright page if you’re just not sure.
Believe me, I value readers, and don’t want any to feel I’m taking advantage of them.
Nora
Nora, you are a class act….but I already knew that. Thanks for sharing.
It is wash to keep track if you follow your lists on your website but thanks for info for those who don’t.
Thank you, Nora for this info. I was unaware of this and often wondered why it was being done. I love your books both old and new as well as the J.D.Robb series. I live in Kansas now but was born and raised in Baltimore. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas ans Happy, healthy New Year.
I think that old or new I will enjoy reading anything written by Nora Roberts. As a matter of fact, I have read and reread several or J.D. Robb and Nora Roberts books at least two or three times. Thank you Nora Roberts for being such a great writer.
Thanks I realized a long time ago to check the original print date after it happened to me a few times. But I never blamed you. Love your books!
Reprint, new release you are my favorite author out there. No one compares to your stories. I enjoy all your books. I really enjoy Roarke! I like Eve too, but oh Roarke! Thank you for helping me escape into a world that has flair!
I only had this happen twice and I gave the books to a friend that was having trouble buying books! So it was no problem for me. I would like to ask though if there is any way they could reprint your book called Promise Me Tomorrow? I read the one written by Nora Powers. I have all of your other books except that one. I love your books. I’m reading Whiskey Beach now. Thank you for signing it for me. Have a good evening! Rosie
It’s not Nora’s fault that her old publisher still puts out her old stories. This happens to all Authors at some point. Nora and her team do a great job of letting her readers know what’s new and what’s a reprint. If your a new fan of Nora’s you should take the time to get to know her Library of work. Keep up the great job Nora!!! (:
I love reprints and I would never be misled by a new title because when I buy a book I always check the story (synopsis?! not sure about the word now) and characters and no way I wouldn’t recognise it. On both accounts…
To suggest Nora would be behind this… 🙁 …why the L for?
It’s weird to think that you like Nora’s work – or any other writer, for this matter – and wouldn’t follow, wait, for the trail of her books.
This note of Nora goes head-to-head with the previous one 😀 what a wonderful life Nora has 🙂
…why the L for
what does the L stand for ??
I’ve read so many Nora Roberts books that before I buy a book, I check the date. If it’s not 2013, I probably read it already.
Wow… I didn’t realize all of that ! Lol. I just peruse the synopsis on the back of the book to see if I’ve read it before. Honestly I believe I’ve read everything you’ve written but sometimes it’s a book I haven’t read in years so I don’t mind the refresher. You can do no wrong in my book Nora Roberts! : )
I Always Check The Copyright Date At The Front Of The Book. I Have Been Reading Your Books For Years And Love Them All.
I understand all the above i do wish nora would write more of the fairy books or that the ones shes written to be made into tv movies they are wonderfully irish
I always look for the NR symbol on the new books and also check the publication date. I wish other authors would take to marking their new versus reprints in this way. Thank you Nora
Ditto! Check those pub dates. And I think Nora’s plots get better and better. You can practically tell if it is an early work by reading the synopsis, IMO. The later the work the better!
Thank you for caring enough to make it clear to those who did not know! You rock!!!
This has happened to me too, more times than I can care to count. But now I try to keep an Excel sheet handy with what titles I already have of yours. It’s so sad that it has to come down to that since I know the publishers are doing that to generate business. While great for new readers, sometimes terrible for your longtime followers like me! I guess one good thing that came out of this: I got some friends hooked on your books by giving them my duplicates of yours and even got to donate some. (: Anyway, I just wanted to say I appreciate your releasing this statement so quickly. Shows that you’re actually listening out for us and our comments! Love your writing!
Thanks for this information. I find it interesting that what was once yours technically is taken from you and can be changed without your approval. I too have bought books that I thought were new only to find out I already own it. I now check copyright date and read the jacket to double check the story line. Look forward to your new books.
I know it’s not you, Nora and thanks for the note. Silhouette really makes things confusing, though and that’s not right. Almost to the point where one gives up on the older stuff.
They know they can sell anything with your name on it and shame on them, for using that repackaging to try and sell a few more. Anything for a buck, I guess. Thanks for caring enough to give us the info and like the others previously, I check your website AND the copyright date, since I very likely have an earlier copy of any reprint at home. Thanks most of all for the quality of writing that makes your books what they are – pure enjoyment.
Great information ! I like the suggestion that the reader look at the copyright date. That is one of the first things I look for in all books. I guess it is just one of my “things”! Thanks for writing such good stuff for all of us!
Any faithful Nora reader knows this is a publisher issue, and not Nora’s doing. And i have a similar issue with the price of ebooks on iTunes & Kindle, etc. I have almost all of her books in paperback, but now that I’m having some major eye issues, I have to read books on my iPad. I’d love to be able to reread her books on my iPad, but the ebook price now is as high as the original paperback version. Doesn’t seem fair to me. So Nora, just keep writing those new ones and I’m more than happy to download them. Love your work. Thank you!!!
I do all my reading on a Kindle these days so I really appreciate the old series being published in the e-book format. I didn’t “discover” you until about 2008 and I read like crazy in a different e-book format not knowing exactly how many books you had written. So, I for one, am very thankful for the old series being published. Just wish these people could manage to get them in the correct order. How difficult is that to do? (Just finished reading Night Tales in which Book #5 was actually #3. 🙂
I have quite a collection of Nora Roberts books, before I buy one I look on the back to see if its a compilation of stories or like others have said look at the copyright page. I also have a book list where I check of all of the Nora Roberts/JD Robb books I own. I love her In Death series, Eve and Roark sure have come a long ways from where they started.
I love your books..even though I’m not one to re read any book. And these reissues do have a sub print at the bottom stating will novellas they have put under the umbrella title.
I sincerely hope this lady who accused you of something you haven’t done will make as publicly an apology to you as she did of accusing you.
Thank you so much, Nora, for your caring. Its nice to know you are so aware of your readers wishes. I have no problems with reprints because I know I’ve read everything (multiples times 🙂 ) but it’s also good to know that if I need a replacement (yes, I do wear out some of them LOL) I can always get it. And I like having multiple copies of some (they are at work, at my daughter’s home, in my car… well, you get the idea). But it is so cool that you care so much that you address the issue to all of us. Blessed be!
Nora is not the only author this happens to, I, as a voracious reader, nearly always check the Library of Congress page in the front of the book. The information there advises if the book is a re-print, often times notes if there is a title change. I give the book to the library if I forget and purchase another copy, or as some stated, I may have worn the original out. I had one book (not even Roberts) book for over 30 years, purchased in college and rubber banded together. I gave in a copy of years of ago and bought another copy. I often have many years of memories with a particular book copy. I, too, wish there were more new books but understand there is a creative process and the books don’t just pop out the author’s head, completed, as we readers desire. Savor what you have, re-read and discover other authors and remain faithful to your favorite writers. : )
I have been burnt so may times. Getting the book home and then finding I already have it that I never buy one of Nora “s books without checking the copyright date first.
Nora,
First, you are a class act as another reader stated.
Next, I had no idea how publishing and copyright works, thanks for explaining it to us. (If the publisher owns the rights, does that mean you don’t get paid for reprints?)
Finally, I’ve found some unknown gems through the repackaging!
I absolutely get paid for reprints. They have to pay me, they just don’t have to consult me or get my approval for reprinting or repackaging.
Nora,
Thank you for explaining this. Have noticed it before but as other readers have said I usually read the synopsis of the book before buying. On the other hand there have been times that I have re-purchased a reprint when in a rush. I have never blamed you though my mistake for not checking it out. It wouldn’t really matter though since re-read your books all the time. I am presently reading Dark Witch again after just rereading The 3 Sisters series.
Signed,
A Loyal Nora Roberts Fran!
Nora thanks so much for the comments and clarification….I have almost all your books -both Nora and JD Robb and LOVE them all. You are the most gifted writer I have ever read and I love your books. I check out everyone that I see with your name…..might find one I don’t have or need a replacement for one I have worn out re-reading……Keep the stories coming!!!
I keep a list and update it every time I get a new book! Still, I check your FB pages just to be sure when the next new book is coming out. I own every single book you’ve written and NEVER, NEVER do I get tired of reading them. I just finished the Quinn saga for the umpteenth time. You’re my hero, Nora. You are truly a one of a kind author. May your well never run dry!
I’m so sorry that readers feel this way. I usually check the copyright page of books, especially authors that have been around a while. I tell others to check copyright pages especially to see if books are reprinted. I hope that others will see this and realize this is the publisher, not the author.
Interesting… Thirty-three years, huh? Seems a rather arbitrary number 😉 Thank you for that little piece of information.
I am incredibly surprised to know that someone would be that upset over accidentally re-buying a book by her favorite author. While this has never happened to me (I always read the blurb), the only thought that would cross my mind would be where to store it.
Check copyright date and then you’ll know if book is new or a reprint.
I have taken to keeping a list of Nora’s books in my wallet. If I’m unsure if I have read it or not I just check my list. I put a check mark by the ones I’ve read.
Thank you for the note. I am truly a fan if all your writing but the In Death series is my fav! I always check the copyright date before buying a new book after repurchasing a few books. Keep writing! I look forward to Eve and Roake’s adventures! Thank you.
I really don’t understand why readers insist on blaming the author when this happens; or when the publisher decides not to continue publishing a series (Linda Howard’s collaboration with Linda Jones comes to mind). They’re a business; and Nora is a cash cow for Silhouette. If I’m disappointed about anything, it’s that you, Nora, weren’t able to retain the rights, or get back the rights to the MacGregors, because I so, so, SO wanted Amelia’s story, as well as the other Campbell twins.
And since I know that you no longer write for Silhouette, I know automatically that any books that come from them are going to be reprints. But like others have said, I always, ALWAYS, read the synopsis; Then again, I’ve got every single book by you, yes, even that ‘one that shall not be named’ so I only look forward to your new ones.
Looking forward to seeing you at your December signing!
It’s sad to find that publishers can do this, but when it comes to your books I would not mind if I found that the new book I’ve bought is one I’ve read before. I have read so many of your books, which have all been wonderful and I read them over and over again… No Problem! When we lived in the UK for 10 years I built myself quite a library of your books, but sadly when we left to return to South Africa, I had to leave them behind. I have already started collecting again… every time I go to a market I look at the book sellers just for your books, and will continue to do so until I have replaced my collection and increased it. Please go on writing new stories as every one I have read has been delightful and inspiring. Thank you for your proficiency as a writer and may it continue for many years to come. xxx
THANK YOU and keep up your WONDERFUL writing.
I agree it is heartbreaking to think you are starting a NEW NR book only to learn you have already read it.
BUT, I LOVE re-reading your books.
In fact, your ‘In Death’ series is such a favorite of mine that I have them also in audio form and I have listened to them MORE than once…we can easily say at least 3 times!!
Love YOUR style…writing and YOU the person!
Sarah
I have read everything that Nora has published and keep a list on my computer, thereby, resolving the issue of buying books under a new title. I just wish that she could pump them out faster!!!!!
I love the reprints. I love the new covers and I collect the reprints as well as all new releases. I know it may sound crazy to have multiple copies of a book, but when you are a fan of such a fantastic writer, I want to collect everything that she/publisher puts out. When I reread a book I will then read the one with the new cover. Love your books Nora and collect each and every one that is released no matter if I have it or not if the cover is different.