A pre-order page for THE SOLAR GRID hardback has been created.
After being strung along by a handful literary agents, editors, and publishers for the better part of the year, it seems that the punk-rock self-publishing route is all I've got. Agents cannot seem to bring themselves to represent the work, and mainstream publishers cower at the thought of putting it on paper. I understand; it's transgressive and hard-hitting and the publishing landscape is not what it was in the days of Metal Hurlant or early Vertigo (who I fully blame for my irreversible corruption).
Despite the fair degree of praise THE SOLAR GRID has received thus far, it just doesn't quite check any of the boxes drawn out by publishers these days. It is neither a biography, memoir, or piece of graphic journalism—seemingly the only forms of graphic noveling deemed literary by the big boys. And it is way too complex and textured for publishers who peddle in genre. So I understand, I get how it doesn't quite fit within the norms of the current publishing landscape.
On the other hand, it is so often praised by readers, authors, reviewers, and media outlets. It's even won a couple awards!
Earlier in Dresden, seeing scholars beam excerpts from THE SOLAR GRID on a big screen as they dissected the work with intellectual scalpels was quite surreal. I recall Imre Szeman starting his presentation with something along the lines of: “The Solar Grid is one of the greatest works of fiction I've ever read.”
I almost cried.
That and being approached by professors who say they plan on including THE SOLAR GRID in their syllabi—along with the press and reviews (not to mention getting funding to turn it into a videogame)—really makes you wonder how on Earth this thing isn't being coveted by publishers.
It's fine though, everyone has their own measure of considerations. Rather than dwell, I move forward. I've devoted 10 years of my life to this 488-page tome, so I kind of don't have a choice.
I've spoken to the printers and fulfillment center at length, and it looks like we should be able to ship by May 21, 2027 if the printers get the final order by January. The catch is, we need to secure at least 750 orders (in addition to the almost 300 from the original kickstarter I ran way back when). That's the only way to make the numbers work, and securing 750 orders in indie publishing is apparently no small feat.
Best I can do is bang the drums wherever I can. I'd honestly rather not have to do the social-media song-and-dance thing, I'm just not cut out for it. But a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do I guess.
If you're reading this, have something of a social media presence and like what you see, do consider spreading the word. Here's the pre-order link again.
The book will break your heart and blow your mind. I promise you.
