Hello everyone,

It is with deep regret that I am writing today to let you know that as of the start of the new year, we will no longer be reviewing books from Dreamspinner Press or hosting guest posts to promote Dreamspinner books. I say deep regret because I had so hoped it would never come to this and that things would get resolved and people would be paid. It is not an exaggeration to say I have agonized over this decision and spent countless hours struggling with the best way to proceed. However, the company still owes countless authors money for unpaid royalties going back many months, along with reports of money owned to contractors as well.

My goal during all of this has been to support the authors as much as possible, while still making clear my anger, frustration, and disappointment at the company and the situation it has created. I realize that there are many authors caught up in a mess not of their own making, and I had hoped by continuing to review their books and host them on the blog, we could do a small part to help. I have tried to walk a line in showing my personal feelings, while still supporting authors the best we can as a blog. However, at this point, I do not feel this is a line we can continue to walk. The situation has become increasingly untenable and, while I wish to support authors as best I can, I no longer think it is possible to continue to review/host Dreamspinner books given the current situation.

I realize this decision has the potential to hurt current authors and those who are waiting for their past payments. As I said, this has been my struggle all along and the reason I agonized over this decision for so long. However, after a lot of thought I have come to this realization. There are companies, organizations, and individuals I do not support for various reasons, whether it is because of where they donate their money, their public statements, or their actions. I know that there are likely innocent people affiliated with these organizations that may be hurt by boycotts and protests. But I can not let that stop me from acting with my conscience. I feel that this situation is no different and I have to act in the way that is most in line with my values and what I hope we can be as a blog.

Please know that I hope nothing more than that things resolve for Dreamspinner, that they are able to pay everyone what they are owed, and hold a place as a voice for LGBTQ romance publishing in the future. I will be monitoring the situation and will be open to reconsidering our stance as things develop further. In the meantime, some housekeeping issues:

  • As of January 1, 2020, we will be halting reviewing of Dreampsinner Press books and our hosting of authors who are specifically promoting Dreamspinner books. Until then, we will honor our commitment to author guest posts and reviews we have scheduled through the remainder of the year.
  • We will continue to review/host hybrid authors who may be published with Dreamspinner if they are promoting a non-Dreamspinner book.
  • If the situation with Dreamspinner changes, we will re-evaluate and potentially change our position at that time.

Thank you all in advance for your understanding in this situation. Please know this is not a decision I made lightly. I am happy to discuss the situation further and feel free to send me an email if you want to talk. Thanks, Jay

P.S. In a bout of unfortunate timing, I am away all day today. However, given our busy holiday schedule during the week, I felt it important to post this today. I will try to respond as quickly as possible to any messages, but it may be Sunday before I can respond to everyone.

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