Weeks ago,
I announced that Clarkesworld Books would be closing
it's doors in the months ahead. We've already stopped
stocking new books, so what you see on the website
is what's left. Most of the inventory has been marked
down and the website will remain in place until enough
of it has been sold.
The reason for closing the store was the impending
birth of our third child. Unfortunately, that will
not come to pass. Shortly before St. Patrick's Day,
we lost the baby. If you've emailed or ordered near
that date and haven't heard from me by now, that's
why. I think I've managed to write back by now, but
we're still getting our legs back under us and I
may have missed someone. Please write me if you're
waiting for a reply more than a day or two.
In the seven years I've been running this business,
I never realized how many friends we had made. I
can't thank people enough for all the prayers, thoughts,
emails, and posts offerring us support at this time.
It means a lot to us and I'll never forget it.
The question on some people's minds is "does
this change your plans?" The short answer is
no. My wife and I may still decide to try again and
that would just force me to start the whole process
all over again. I just don't have that in me, especially
after everything else.
I've also received a few emails from customers concerned
that a book they preordered is now listed as out
of stock or not at all on the website. Feel free
to confirm with me, but we will be receiving copies
of all the books that have been preordered by our
customers so we can fill those orders. I will not
be upset if you have to cancel those orders, but
please try to give me some advance warning if you
do.
Clarkesworld Magazine will continue. None of the
reasons for closing the store apply to the magazine.
In fact, the magazine's anthology spurs on the creation
of a new small press which will be called Wyrm Publishing,
which will be publishing signed limited editions
by Charles Stross, Gene Wolfe, and Tobias Buckell.
Running the store has been a personally rewarding
experience. I've met many new friends over the years
and never ceased to be amazed by how good some people
were to us. Thanks to all of you from all of us.
Sincerely,
Neil Clarke |
