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