Caroline Starr Rose

award-winning picture book and middle-grade author

When Things Don’t Go As Planned

by 61 Comments

As some of you have heard by now, Random House Children’s books has decided to close my imprint, Tricycle Press. Books scheduled through summer 2011 will be printed as Tricycle books.

MAY B. was to be released Fall 2011.

I first heard of Tricycle Press when my boys were younger, during our hitting-the-fifty-book-limit library days. We eagerly read things like THE PICKLE PATCH BATHTUB, TURTLE SPRING, FINKLEHOPPER FROG, and PUMPKIN CIRCLE: THE STORY OF A GARDEN.
The Pickle Patch Bathtub Turtle Spring  Finklehopper Frog  Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
Around that time, I submitted a picture book (or three) to Tricycle, though nothing ever came of it (and thank goodness! My writing has improved since then).

Fast forward to March 2010. When Agent Michelle told me Tricycle was interested in my verse novel, I was thrilled. Nicole Geiger got my character and my book. It was a story she would have loved as a child. I knew MAY would be safe in her hands.

This week has been a painful one for me: my book is in limbo, I’m no longer working with the editor who has taught me so much, and my imprint is closing its doors. The world is losing a wonderful, vibrant contributor to children’s literature. I’m losing my mentor, advocate, and guide.

Thank you, Tricycle, for the past eighteen years.

Nicole, here’s to the next batch of books and writers I know you will touch in whatever new endeavor you might pursue.

And here’s to MAY B.’s future, which I hope will be equally bright.

The next few weeks for me are wait and see. I’m going to take some time and relax, catch up on some reading, and enjoy my family. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I’ll be back Monday, 29 November.

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Comments

  4. Caroline, What a bummer. There are so many odd things that can happen in this business. It’s voilatile and unpredictable and just downright difficult at times. But you have already garnered interest and hopefully will find a new home for May B.

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  7. Caroline, I am so very sorry. This is shocking. It has been a really hard couple of weeks for you, I know. I do think the other commenters are right on. You have a great agent, and I have confidence that your book is wonderful. A veteran friend of mine told me recently: “Projects get dropped by some houses and picked up by other houses all the time.” I will be praying for you and that MAY B will find a good home.

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  9. Yes, I thought of you when I heard the news and wondered what would be the fate of May B. I’m sad about Tricycle, but I have a feeling it’s a door opening for your book… here’s to bright and happy endings! Keep us posted. xo

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  10. Good gravy, that stinks!
    But you have an agent, and a book that was wonderful enough to get picked up by a lovely imprint.
    They aren’t the only smart ones in publishing 😉

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  15. Oh, how scary! But I think you are doing the right thing, by easing up and taking time with family. Things will work out, I truly believe. I’ll keep you and May in my thoughts.

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  16. I did think about you when I heard the news about TriCycle. I have faith that MAY B. will find the perfect publishing home.

    In the meantime, stay in the moment, enjoy your family and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🙂

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  17. So sorry, Caroline. I thought of you as soon as I read PW’s Children’s Bookshelf yesterday. What a shame!

    Sending good thoughts and wishes your way. Couldn’t Random House keep your book for one of their other imprints? If not, shame on them! I’m sure another house will pick it up.

    Hope you have a relaxing holiday.

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  19. I was so sad to hear that Tricyle was shutting down, and I’m so sorry that means your book is in limbo! Sending good vibes your way. It will all work out.

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  22. Caroline,

    I am so sorry. I know how devastated you must be because the same thing happened to me. My debut book was killed shortly before my publishing house announced they were going under in 2008.

    Friends, family, and everyone I’d ever met was anticipating the arrival of my book, was planning to buy it for Christmas. I was beyond excited, elated to have finally become what I’d always wanted to be, an author. To have this taken away from me was devastating.

    So I understand, and want to tell you that you can get through it. You are obviously very tenacious, and this will serve you well. Your book will find it’s way. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Trust that your book will be published, it will just take a little longer. Remember, tales of tenacity are never short stories, and someday you are going to have a good story, a bittersweet tale you’ll be able to share because the ending is happy one.

    Best,

    Jennifer Paisley (paisleywrites@yahoo.com)

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  23. Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that:( But I have faith–I know you wrote an amazing book and it’s going to have a happy ending one way or another! Have a wonderful holiday and keep thinking positively!

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  24. I heard the doors closing. Sorry. I have a manuscript with an editor at Tricycle too. Don’t know where it will end up, probably recycled. Good luck. Sure hope May B finds a home. Cheers, to doors closing and another one opening.

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  25. Followed you here from your comment on my blog…and you must be the friend Weronika Janczuk posted about on her blog. I’m so sorry to hear about this, it’s truely a tragedy when publishing industry crashes happen with children’s books. There is no other magic like that of watching children fall in love with books. I used to own a bookstore, and my daughter lived in the children’s section. It was amazing. I hope your book lands safely in the arms of another editor that will love it as much as you do.

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  29. Wow Caroline!! I’m SO sorry to hear this!! What a blow! It must feel like such a setback after all the hard work was finally finding it’s triumph.

    BUT I’m sure there are GREAT things in store for you and May B. I’ve known other authors that got their books pushed back, lost agents, had their publisher close down, and almost every one to a T has come out better for it. You will too.

    Try not to let this dampen the holidays. Praying you and your family will find much joy in the break!

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  32. Oh Caroline! I read Weronika’s post yesterday and hoped, hoped, hoped May B. wouldn’t be effected. I’m so sorry! I’ll be thinking of you over the next few weeks as you wait to find out what will happen.

    Love to you,
    Amy xoxo

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  34. Caroline, I’m really sorry this is happening to you. I’ve lost an editor I adored, and I know how hard it is. I can’t imagine having the status of your book be up in the air too. I’m thinking good thoughts for you and hoping for the best!!!

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  35. Caroline, that’s a huge blow. I’m working hard just to find an editor to take me on, I can’t imagine having finally found one, only to have something like this happen.

    I hope you can put it behind you for a while over the holidays and really enjoy your family and so many other things you have to be thankful for.

    I pray for you and your book, that this story will still have a happy ending.

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  36. Caroline, We believe in you and your book and we are crossing our fingers that you both will find a good home very very soon. Our acquiring editor left too and it is heartbreaking. But we try to remind ourselves that these things happen for a reason…what else can you do?

    XOXO,
    Your Fellow Orphans

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  38. Its the plight of being a writer things happen in the publishing business that we don’t have control over.

    You have an amazing agent and you WILL get a publishing house that will fall in love with MAY B and I always believe when one door sort of closes the other door opens with many opportunities that will be beyond what you expected.

    You are a lovely person and a awesome writer don’t let this get you down which is easier said than done but you will raise up like a phoenix stronger because of this unexpected circumstance.

    Sending best wishes your way =)

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  39. I’m so sorry to hear MAY B is on hold… I know someone else will pick it up. Such a great unique voice cannot be lost. All best to you as always, Caroline! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs. 🙂

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  40. Ugh, I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences. Along with everyone else who’s commented, I’m hoping this disappointment will turn into an even bigger opportunity. Allow yourself to feel sad for a while, and in the new year things will hopefully look and feel much brighter. Hang in there and keep us updated.

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  41. Oh, what a heartbreak! I am so sorry. It seems like you are moving forward with faith though, and I hope for the best. There were other editors interested in MAY B. right? So maybe some other doors will open again?

    I hope you find some comforts!

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  42. Oh, no! What a loss for children’s lit, as well as for you. I’m sorry your book got caught in the middle, but maintaining hope that it’ll find a new home.

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  43. Sending good karma your way. Eat some turkey, enjoy your family, but then get back to the pages. Don’t give up! This is just a bump in the road (okay, a lousy, rotten bump, but still…). No one can take away everything you’ve learned from writing your book and working with a great editor. Heart is with you and MAY B.

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  45. That’s heartbreaking news. I can’t imagine your level of frustration at the situation.

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed that May B get picked up soon by another publisher.

    Best wishes!

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  46. Oh, man! Caroline, I’m so sorry–both for May B. and for Nicole. When I saw Tricycle was closing its doors I’d forgotten that’s where your book was housed.

    Here’s to a bright though uncertain future indeed!

    *prayers*

    ~ Jackee

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  47. Oh, sadness! I’m so sorry you’ve been touched by the Tricycle wake. 🙁

    My best wishes for the future – for you, your novel-in-verse, and your many talents. Hang in there, sweets!

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  48. Well said, Caroline. Love that you are trying to roll with the punches. I can’t offer anything more than what your awesome readerss already have. Just that I’m hoping for your happy ending.

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  49. Oh, Caroline, I am SO sorry. That is heart-breaking. I sincerely hope and believe that your book will find another home. I have heard of other writers who had to sell their stories twice. Sending virtual hugs!

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  51. MAY is brilliant. It WILL find another home. But ugh, I’m still so, so sad that this happened to you. I hope you’re able to have a restful holiday week with your family.

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  52. I cannot tell you all how much your comments mean. Sitting here reading them all together, I am very, very encouraged.

    The writing community has rallied around me in an amazing way. In looking at these comments, I’ve got my critique partners from Louisiana and on-line supporting me, fellow 2011 debuts, blog readers, and friends. Thank you, all.

    Random House has stated “no decision has been reached yet on what imprints will publish titles currently under contract.” In early December I should know more. Until then, I’m trying to follow my sister’s advice: see this opportunity to do things I might not be able to do otherwise (lots of reading, time with family, and a few household things).

    I have much to be thankful for.

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  53. I’m so sorry you were hit by this. It’s a very sad time to see this imprint close. I hope you and all other authors affected find good homes. Great writing always wins out. 🙂

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  55. I’m so sorry to hear this. You know, I heard this sad news about Tricycle, and now I’m even more sad because of MAY B.

    You’re definitely in good hands with Michelle, and I truly hope your book won’t be in limbo for long.

    I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  56. I didn’t know much about Tricycle, but it sounds like it was a really wonderful imprint. So sorry to hear it won’t be around anymore. I guess it’s the nature of the beast, with editors and agents coming and going, no one know what the future holds. I don’t know what happens in such cases, but I’m pretty sure your contract will have to be kept, and the book released, so there’s no worry about that. Of course, I could see how losing a cherished editor may be painful.

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  57. I’m sorry for the disappointing news because I was looking forward to reading it and now must wait a little longer. You’re handling this with such grace and hope, I feel certain your book will find a new home soon.

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  59. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I never connected Tricycle Press closing and your book! I can’t imagine how hard it is to go through. Hopefully, we’ll hear news in the future about a new press picking it up!!!!!!!

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