When we were first working on Kair Toren, we commissioned a map from Becka Moon of Becka Designs Cartography. Becka is a map artist who works with Inkarnate.
To clarify before some misunderstanding might occur: Inkarnate is not generative AI and has never been one. It is illustrative software that is tailored specifically to map making. It doesn’t generate maps, it requires a human artist, and it has been around for years.
Becka created a fantastic map which you can see below. She truly brought our vision to life, which is why we have been recommending her as the map artist.
This map originally appeared on this site but was taken down prior to publication in accordance with Tor’s promotional schedule. Some of you might remember it.
We provided this map to Tor with the original contract. While I love this map with all my heart, a decision was made to replicate it and simplify it for print. Another artist, Jennifer Hanover, was commissioned by Tor to create a hand-drawn version that would work a little better in a black and white format and would reflect minor changes which occurred as the book was edited. Jennifer also created a piece of art, and you can see her version below.
As you can see, the two maps are very similar. Jennifer was credited as the map artist in the book, but Becka was not.
Why did this happen?
Becka and I executed our contract for her map in November of 2023 prior to the series being sold. That contract included a provision which asks for the copyright attribution. This is the image from the executed contract.
It reads:
4. Use. The Artwork as used on the jacket/cover and interior, and as indicated above may also be used and reproduced in advertising, publicity and promotion of the Work on the Author’s website, and in any media, in reproductions or depictions of the jacket/ cover (or any portion thereof when used in connections with the Work) in any media, and in advertising, publicity and promotion in any media of, and in connection with, subsidiary rights in the Work granted by Client. Client shall identify Artist as the copyright holder on all uses of the Artwork as follows:
Copyright © INSERT COPYRIGHT HERE
My guess is that this paragraph is the culprit. Bringing the book to publication requires coordinating many moving parts. This is exactly the kind of thing that seems minor but ends up causing issues, because everyone would pull the proper copyright attribution from this contract.
Whose fault is this?
This is my fault. My deepest apologies to Becka Moon. I am so sorry that I failed to ensure proper attribution.
The initial admin error is joint: Becka didn’t fill out the copyright line and I didn’t check the contract to make sure it was filled out. I verified the address, dates, and signatures and somehow overlooked the copyright line.
I bear more responsibility here, because I should have caught the lack of attribution in the finished book. Instead I was under impression that she was credited and only found out about the issue yesterday, when Becka emailed.
(It went somewhat like this: what do you mean you are not credited, you are credited, they have the contract, let me check…. !!!!! All the emails and phone calls.)
Tor bears no responsibility in this issue because I was the one who was supposed to provide the correct attribution. To their credit, they jumped on this issue immediately, and resolved it the same day, which is lightning speed in publishing. Amazing response here.
With that in mind, we have agreed to treat this contract issue as an oversight in good faith. This is not about technicalities but making things right and ensuring that the artist is credited. Therefore, we will proceed as if the line was properly filled out and treat it as a contract breach.
Here are the steps we are taking to remedy this.
- Tor will edit all future editions of the book to include Becka Moon as the original map artist. The attribution will be as follows: Map art by Jennifer Hanover, based on an original map by Becka Designs Cartography. The changes will appear in the ebook first. There is no way to un-print the existing books, but all future editions will have the proper attribution.
- All future foreign editions will also follow suit and include Map art by Jennifer Hanover, based on an original map by Becka Designs Cartography as attribution. Once again, the changes will appear in the ebook first, with print following.
- A public apology will be offered – which is what I am doing now. I am deeply sorry for failing to ensure the proper attribution.
- A restitution will be paid to the artist in the exact amount of the original contract fee. This has been paid yesterday, and receipt was confirmed.
- Finally, we will prominently display Becka’s map with attribution and all appropriate links once the Maggie’s part of the site goes up. This will happen once book 2 is finished.
I am happy to report that Becka will be returning to Kair Toren for the battle maps relevant to the second book in Maggie the Undying series. With the proper attribution this time.
Also, all future artist contracts will have this line highlighted. I will learn Adobe Acrobat and make sure that it is unskippable.
beautiful maps by both artists.
there are so many parts in the process, it’s impossible to get it all right but hope everyone is satisfied with the fix.
question: I carefully examined the map for Razmur but didn’t find it. Is this Everard’s home base in the city and where is it located in relation to Maggie’s?
+1!! I looked for it on the map as well. I’m sure it will be included in the second book. BTW, I am so excited for the second book! Maggie is the best book I’ve read all year.
I have been a faithful, multiple-times-a-day-blog checker, re-reader of every word, member of the BDH for over a decade and this is the first time I have had the first comment.
I never understood the obsession with being first but I admit I had a giggle of joy over it. At least I accomplished something today.
Official First then 🙂
I usually only certify if the commenter asks for it, as a compromise to people who get very irritated by it, so here it goes: congratulations!
House Andrews is a class act. While I obviously don’t know you personally, your professional ethics never fail to impress me.
Also, I have to add that both maps are incredible. Amazing talent!
+1 well said
+1!
+1
+1.
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1000
+1
+1 👍
+1 Class act indeed!
+1000 and why we vote with our hording consistently!
+1
+1 – Beautiful maps! Wonderful team!
+1
+1. Details are my job. And sometimes stuff gets missed. When it does, I beat myself up for a minute, take a deep breath, and move on as soon as I can. You are diligently taking the prescribed steps to remedy the situation and I applaud you (**encouraging pat on the back**).
+1
Love to both artists and amazing authors. It takes a village!
It does take a village and this village is incredibly talented.
I don’t think I’ve seen the original map before. Nice work by Becka. Looking forward to BATTLE MAPS!
+1
+1
A seemingly piddly issue that actually means a lot and you handled well. So many moving parts to coordinate!!
To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, the only people who don’t make mistakes are the people who don’t do anything. Please keep doing!
+1
I really admire your commitment to transparency and willingness to take responsibility and make things right. Your integrity is very evident in all you do. It does make a difference – thank you!
I wanted to say something like this, but since SoCoMom said it so well, I’ll just hop on with the +1.
It’s also nice to know about Tor’s response as well.
+1
+1
+1
Also, while Jennifer’s map is super helpful (I consulted it for every change of location in the book, lol) the colors in Becka’s are absolutely luscious. I really want that one. Looking forward to the battle maps!
A class act, being public about this and offering both credit and restitution!
Both maps are wonderful and help see the world building. Would there be chances to have prints of both by the artists? We can follow along as characters move about.
Maybe include it as a value at some point (if it doesn’t cause copyright issues)?
Arghhh!! Vellum. Dang auto correct. 🙁
This is such a good idea. I would love a vellum of the color map (or if there isn’t or can’t be an updated version of that one, the black and white one) because flipping back and forth while you’re reading is a bit tedious.
You and Gordon know that I love your work both for itself and because of some complex life stuff that happened around it, about which I reached out and y’all were profoundly, extraordinarily kind.
The level of professional integrity that y’all display is frankly amazing. If I hated your work, I would still buy it, because of your honesty and ethics.
Thank you for being both gifted writers and excellent humans. It’s a privilege to read your work.
Amazing work by both artists! It’d be cool if we could buy poster size versions of either!
+1000
I am so pleased we will get Becka’s original map to pore over on the Maggie pages, for me it’s is far clearer than the black and white version in the ebook. Also Yay! for Becka doing more maps, I do like a good map, and Becka certainly makes them. Finally no one is perfect, a mistake was made , it is being corrected, please don’t beat yourself up about this Ilona!
Kudos to House Andrews and to Tor for jumping on the issue immediately and for the fast and fair response. Things do occasionally fall through the cracks. All anyone can do is apologize and fix as best as possible. Thank you for the clear clean explanation!
Your ethics shine through in everything you do.
So looking forward to Kingdom book 2.
Glad you were able to fix it to everyone’s satisfaction.
I’ve always greatly admired how you both do so much to advocate for and ensure artists are protected and compensated. In an era when so many humans are being displaced by genAI, it’s important to me to see. Especially when things go awry! It happens. The map design by Becka is wonderful, and the artwork by Jennifer is great.
+1
Thank you so much for linking the site – I hope she’s open for commissions. Absolutely in love.
The map created by Becka Moon is truly frame-worthy, beautiful and functional.
+1
I have so many D&D fantasy maps up and would 100% add this one! So good.
very professional
+100 To every one involved.
Thank you for rectifying this so quickly and so well! I genuinely appreciate it and am so happy that I get to participate in your world and vision for Maggie’s adventures!
Thank you for sharing your talents with the world, and to me as a reader. I’m grateful you will continue to work with House Andrews
+1000
Thank you for sharing your talent and being gracious in a hard situation- as some of the other commenters pointed out it is hard to fathom how you felt not seeing the correct attribution for such a beautiful map. I feel nothing but empathy. I now have the chance to better familiarize myself with your designs and truly take a dedicated beat to appreciate your map.
Appreciate you continuing to participate and enhance our ability to enjoy Maggie’s world! Looking forward to the battle maps and other Becka Moon originals that bring to life great writing
As an owner of a hardback copy, I’d be down for paying for a Becka map to have along with the cartography that went to the printer.
+1 !
I too have a hard cover copy and would love an A4 sized copy of the map I can store folded inside the back cover and pull out to orientate myself when I’m rereading Maggie’s adventures.
++1
Love maps and would adore a folded map available for purchase. It could be the size of a four folded map that fits in the back of the books. 🗺️
I have respected House Andrews for many years; their work ethic, business etiquette, and commitment to their fans, cemented my BDH membership. Now they’ve gone and done it, I’m at stalker level love of HA. They need blood I’m there, an organ, welp we’ll see how the next book goes! 😉😂🤣😂.
Absolutely agree… and thanks for the smile Bea.
I love the maps! Thank you for bring so open & upfront about this. I woukd not expect less from you.
Making mistakes make us human. Acknowledging the mistake makes you a decent person. ❤️
Csn’t wait to have the maps to pour over.
Both artists are so talented.
Hi. Segue comment here: was there once on this website a Kair Toren calendar? In a circle with all the months listed? Thanks 😁
I have never seen something like that, sorry.
MODR! You are HUMAN! 😂
For a minute there…
How are the new digs? (Flat).
12 months:
1. Snowdeep – winter
2. Blindwhite – winter
3. Icebreak – spring
4. Planter – spring
5. Redberry -spring
6. Sunbloom – summer
7. Heatrush – summer
8. Winterwheat – summer
9. Harvest – fall
10. Goldenleaf – fall
11. Barebranch – fall
12. Iceglean – winter
• 4 weeks or 32 days per month – no names for individual weeks.
• 8 days per week
Thank you, Ilona, for another reference to add to my TKWNKM folder. Along with Becka’s wonderful map! These types of references expand my reading pleasure.
Thank you!!
Snowdeep, Icebreak, Sunbloom, Barebranch, and all the rest- I love these month names!
Thanks! ❤️❤️❤️
Well said ❤️
Yikes!!
But,
Tor should have went with the original artist to simplify the map.
For Becka – great job on the map you created.
Is it possible to get Becka’s map on vellum? I’d love to move it through the book as I reread.
+1
Yes pls!
+1
Oh yeah, a map that could move through the book! Can I tell you how many times I flopped back to the map to figure out what was going on? No, I can’t, because it was too many to count by a few chapters in.
I love to see this kind of accountability. Ilona & Andrew, thank you for providing this example of doing the right thing, taking responsibility for a mistake, making a public apology, and taking steps to both rectify the mistake and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
This is like a textbook example of how to handle a situation like this, and it really means a lot to me that my favourite authors work so hard at being really good people (in addition to your hard work to be really good writers!).
I want to acknowledge that it must have been a really awful moment for Becka Moon when she first saw that she wasn’t credited for her work. I hope that her work will get even more attention as a result of this blog post – she clearly deserves it! – and that this episode will turn into, if not a totally happy memory, then at least one that is balanced with good and bad parts.
It seems to me like everyone is doing their best here in spite of being flawed human creatures, and it makes me happy to see other people being the kind of change that I hope to see in the world, so to speak!
Absolutely. Becka has been very gracious through this entire process.
So professional, so fair and so amazing.
The same moral compass that is woven through your writings is seen in how you are handling this situation.
Life is messy, there are so many moving parts and accidents of omission will occur by mistake. Taking ownership when these things happen, and doing all that is possible to rectify the issues, is clearly a core value that runs through how you live all aspects of your lives.
We deeply respect this honesty and the willingness to “make it right.”
Both maps are beautiful, and we are very happy to have them.
Battle maps????
Thank you Becka for an outstanding map!
Oops! amazing work by both cartographers!
I love the maps. Great job Becka!
A great future merch idea would be a color copy of the map on vellum so we can look at it throughout the book while reading. Thanks for the maps and the correction!
Yes, I’m sure Ilona and Gordon spend hours every week, trying to come up with more goodies for us instead of writing, because of how needy we are.
(I actually think they are writing. But a color map on vellum would be supercool.)
+1
2nd this
Where do I pre-order? Would love that.
So respectfully and professionally addressed. You guys are awesome.
You are a good person and the best author team. Thank you so much for sharing the artist’s information and recognizing her work. Your transparency and accountability are truly very appreciated and so rarely found anymore.
Becka- thank you for sharing your art in Kair Toren and look forward to the battle maps 🙂
The maps are amazing and really help to set things in my mind. A GREAT addition!
And that, Gentlebeings, is how an apology is done.
Wow! I love this map by Becka! I printed a copy of Jennifer’s adaptation of Becka’s map for my TKWNKM folder and had added all the location’s on Becka’s original as they occurred. I’d be thrilled if both maps are included in your planned companion publication (on my To Be Purchased list!). You guys are the absolute best, at keeping it honest and real, as well as storytelling!
that’s such a cool idea
Hey, Becka, the BDH love your map. We are so glad that your vision made it to the books. We are glad that profound apologies have been made. We are also delighted that you will be doing the battle maps! Welcome to the Hord!!!
I know this may stir trouble and I don’t mean it to, but, would it ever be possible to buy a colored map? Maybe from the artist?
It’s a shame this happened but as soon as you found out, you corrected it. This is what makes you so great and another reason, I believe, why you are so loved by BDH. I don’t know how you keep up with all you have going on in your work, your lives, satisfying the BDH, etc. You are amazing! Plus, love both maps!
This is a class act in apology.
Spell out the wrong. Own your part in it. Apologize for the problem. Explain how it will be remedied. Take action on that remedy.
I’m going to put a sticky with attribution in my hardback. Easy enough to do and then it will always go with the book when I loan it out.
Kudos to both map artists but especially to Becka Moon. The color map is gorgeous and easier to read and distinguish- “Beauty and utility in a single form.” TKWNKM, Ch 24, pg 254).
One question- can you confirm where Bluestone Square is? I had a few possibilities on the black and white map; with the color map, there is one that seems most likely, however it would be nice to get confirmation.
Also, if Becka’s color map is used for future books (yessss, please!), double check the legend’s spelling of the Taryz Tea House (vs. Targyz, perhaps an original spelling?).
And thank you for the inset map of Rellas, that was helpful, too.
Thank you most of to Ilona and Andrew, for the amazing books you write and for showing us how a class act handles messes with grace and integrity.
Becka’s map contains spellings from pre-publisher edits 🙂
You are so kind, you warm my heart. Thank you.
I absolutely love your rock solid ethics.
I love how quickly you solve problems! A lesson to is all in handling this issue! Love y’all and thanks for your amazing books and finding wonderful artists.
“Also, all future artist contracts will have this line highlighted. I will learn …app… and make sure that it is unskippable.”
As someone who works in the world of business contracts for my work, I cannot count the times I’ve had to highlight, underline, bold, italicize, or all of the above to make sure my customers or managers do not miss an important area that must be reviewed, approved and/or updated. And yet, somehow, something is missed at least once each year. Its a annoyance that continues to bother me.
We all miss things. Its how we make up for it, or fix it when possible, that matters. Thanks Ilona for the update and new beautiful map. (Also, the mention of a entire Maggie website area makes me so happy!!)
Hope Ms. Becka is able to feel comfortable with the decisions and looking forward to seeing more of her beautiful art. All the love to a well drawn map.
I love to see the accountability and the restitution, and I love to hear that Becka has been gracious and wise in how she’s managed this as well.
Becka’s map is wonderful and must have been a delight for Jennifer to use for her version. I look forward to poring over them both when I next reread.
Most of all however I LOVE the casual mention of BATTLE MAPS.
You know what that means, BDH, it means BATTLES!!!!
I shall prepare my battlefieldside seating now…. Anyone wanna go in on some snacks and drinks? Make it a picnic?
What a beautiful map. Mistakes are made because we are human. House Andrews owns theirs and makes it right. I’m so glad Tor supported a speedy resolution.
This was an honest mistake and it was handled with all the integrity and delicacy that anyone could want. Great response, House Andrews!
The thing I loved the most about this post is how everyone involved showed such absolutely pure and genuine ethics.
Mistakes will always happen…but they don’t always have to turn into a big deal. I loved seeing how HA accepted responsibility, Becka graciously accepted that this was a genuine mistake, and Tor was immediately on board for the resolution.
No miss, no fuss….and an excellent example of how I wish all people and companies would act.
The world would be a much better place.
This might seem like overkill to some but I really appreciated that you took the time and gave this the attention it deserved. Good on you! 🙂 Also the map is amazing! Go Becka Moon!
I’m sorry this happened. Thank you for making it right.
The map is absolutely beautiful! I’m so sorry this error occurred but the way you are handling it is absolutely amazing and wonderful. I am kind of glad that this made me able to see the original map that Becka designed because now I want to commission her to make a map for me.
I love her original map! It’s much easier for me to read, to navigate, visually. I’m a map lover – I have books of historical maps, and a large framed poster of the ancient mosaic of the city of Jerusalem. I’m glad she will be back for Maggie 2
Among all the many reasons I read, re-read, and listen to all of your books is the unmistakable positive values your characters display in all kinds of challenging situations. Thank you for adding such good to this world of ours.
First: full props for sharing the behind the scenes “legalese” and writing biz challenges! My eyes are crossed just thinking about all this:) Great job on all y’all:)
Anyway I loved looking at the map as Maggie & co moved around the city! Would it be possible in digital version to have the gorgeous version by Becka (of course edits cause issues) available? I love the extras!
Becka’s map is the best! I want it! The other map is nice but black and white is boring. And I feel Becka’s map is more complete. How can we get a copy that we can print out. I referred to it constantly in my reading of the book (all five times).
Wow, I am amazed at both maps attentionto detail. I am very happy that this information was made.
I am a visual learner so these maps are very important to me and help me see into your worlds. Becka’s map is incredible. It makes the world so much more immersive for me.
Isn’t it wonderful when people are understanding of honest mistakes and response in kind. No litigation, just agreements met for correction. It is for this reason I will seek out more of Becka Moon’s work.
Anyone who knows you will understand that this was not intentional and you have the highest ethical standards. The wonderful peeks into your lives make this very clear to the BDH.
QUESTION, For those that are Cartophiles, Can? Does? Will Becka’s Map be available as say a print? or possibly on a Mug or desk mat? I personally prefer the color version to the black and white, tho I completely understand why the black and white is useful for book print. Yes I have a tapestry of Middle earth and a print, not to mention some lovely Narnia maps hand drawn by a friend and and and, some of us are just Map Nuts. ArcGIS, not just for the dark overlords! Thank You for all you do to feed the Horde, barsa barsa barsa.
ooooh, an XL desk mat would be so fun >_< I also like someone else's idea of a vellum
Classy Post and beautiful map. I am so glad to have recommended House Andrews to everyone looking for fabulous reads. Thank you for making sure Becka Moon got credit and paid.
Just saw a reel from some guy who has just discovered HA’s books, he is pushing people to read “The Inheritance.”
No I don’t know who he was or anything other than it was an ad or blogger pushing book; since it was a short reel I am not even sure just where since I had multple tabs open and was bouncing between while being told by dog “it is time to take me out!”
Probably Jaysen Headley, he recently reviewed the Inheritance 🙂
The BDH tried to share it about 50 times in the Fb group since yesterday hehe. We know absolutely 0 chill.
I appreciate you sharing this post. The complexities of authorship and contracts are not always apparent to readers. As a diehard BDHer, who has worked with contracts for much of my career, I sympathize and will try to w*ait more p*tiently for all the details to be ironed out [retracted emotional outburst: ‘before begging for the next book NOW’].
Well, BDH, we have a new member. My daughter is now hooked by reading THIS KINGGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME! Bahahaha, my plan is working!
Rejoice! The Horde expands!
People make mistakes. It’s how you handle it once you realize the mistake that matters. This was well done, good on you.
I love your books, all of them. I also love the way you treat people and the fairness you show to everyone, including your readers. you dont have to be a good human being to write good books, but you are and I appreciate tht I can buy and read your books knowing that.
Beautiful maps by both. Very classy remedy for an inadvertent mistake. We all make them.
I can not say enough AMAZING things about the way this was handled by all parties. Humans make mistakes. We like humans. We like when humans build and create and write amazing things. This means we will have mistakes. Standing up once a mistake is made to correct this is called INTEGRITY. No contract is perfect. No contract language is perfect. Any contract is only as good as the people who sign it. This was clearly signed by amazing people with good intentions. BRAVO and faith in humanity is restored.
Thank you for being such great living breathing role models for our times. It’s wonderful to witness in real time the values and ethics portrayed in literary art I greatly admire simultaneously being the bedrock of those same artists’ professional lives.
BRB, gonna add Becca’s credits in pencil to my print book! She totally deserves this!
Class act of House Andrews as always.
Love how you guys handled this! Mistakes happen, but owning up to them is major, and especially the way it was done here. Kudos to you
You must be a joy to work with, Ilona. All credit for working to make it right and paying promptly, without squirming to avoid accepting blame. And ditto to your team at Tor for doing the same.
If only all those in the book business were as forthright!
As an attorney familiar with copyright issues, all I can say is good for you, Ilona, for acting in good faith and setting things right as best you can.
Love how you guys handled this! Class act of House Andrews as always :))
Becka’s work is happy for us because she nailed it. Tip of the hat for the recognition even if it was the opps! kind. Perhaps the sticker recognition idea can work. Perhaps included with any purchase from store.
I am so proud to be a new addition to the BDH. I’m amazed at how amazing you are with the fans and handling everything with grace. It feels good to love a book, and love the creators just as much. Can’t wait for Maggie 2!
So many things can happen, wow. I thank both artists for both maps. Maps can really bring a place ti life in our minds eyes. Thank you for your integrity HA. That map would sure look good on a shirt or mug. Lol.
You are an ethical person, which is one of the reasons the BDH loves you and other artists like working with you. This had to be such a PITA and you immediately did the honorable albeit difficult thing. I love and respect you guys so much
I love the original map. I find it more easy to understand. I struggled with the book version. Any way we can get that map in higher quality.
Bigger/higher res art prints are usually the remit of the artist. I will confirm with Ilona whether Becka is interested in having that format on sale on her own website.
House Andrews will have vellum and include the map in the companion book.
I purchased my audio version of the Maggie when the audible pre-order info was dropped.
I, for some unknown reason, have not bought a hard copy for a bookcase trophy.
Is there some way to find out when the next editions get printed? I would love to own a copy of the book that has the updated attributions.