We’re thrilled to finally share more details about the upcoming re-release of A Thousand Li with Ace, an imprint of Penguin Random House!
Whether you're a long-time fan of Wu Ying's cultivation journey or a new reader discovering the series for the first time, here’s everything you need to know from Tao about this exciting next chapter.
When will The First Step be released?
The Ace version of The First Step comes out on March 10, 2026.
Will the new covers match the indie sizes?
Yes. The new hardcovers will still be 6 x 9 inches, same as the indie versions.
Will the books still be in Kindle Unlimited?
Yes. I’ve kept the eBook rights, so nothing is changing there.
What territories does this affect?
This covers World English rights.
Will this affect the audiobooks?
The deal with Ace doesn’t affect the audiobooks, but I’ve licensed the full A Thousand Li series to Audible Studios in a separate agreement.
This might mean you’ll lose access to the audiobooks in your Audible library. You should still be able to listen to them, though.
What do I do if I’ve lost the audiobooks?
First, email Audible and let them know you’re missing audiobooks you previously purchased. Be sure to include your receipts.
If that doesn’t work, email my team at publishing@starlitpublishing.com with the email you used to purchase the books and any details you have. We’ll do our best to get Audible to restore access.
Will there be any changes to the story?
The Ace edition includes light copyedits and a bonus short story, but the main story is the same.
Will signed copies still be available in your Shop?
Signed copies of Books 4-12 will still be available, but we won’t be able to sell the indie versions of Books 1-3 anymore. We do have signed bookplates you can pick up instead.
Will there be preorder incentives?
Yes! We’re still finalizing the preorder campaign with Ace, but we’ll definitely be sending out some goodies. Make sure to keep your receipt when you preorder.
Will there be ARCs of The First Step?
Yes, there will likely be a physical ARC campaign for the book.
Will Books 4 through 12 get new versions too?
Right now, the deal with Ace is only for the first 3 books. I’d love for them to pick up the whole series, but that depends on how these first ones do.
Does this affect your other series?
No. This deal is only for the first 3 books of A Thousand Li. I still hold the print rights to all my other work.
Does this affect the deluxe editions?
The Deluxe Collector’s Edition of The First Step is still available in Starlit Publishing’s Shop. We’re planning a Kickstarter for Deluxe Editions of Books 2 and 3, but that will probably be delayed until 2027, after the Ace versions are out.
When will the indie versions come down?
The indie hardcover and paperback of Book 1 are already down to make space for the Ace preorder.
Indie versions of Books 2 and 3 will come down once the Ace preorders go live, which will likely be in Fall 2025 and early 2026 respectively.
Any other questions?
If you have more questions, feel free to email us at publishing@starlitpublishing.com.
You can also read the Reactor Mag interview about this new chapter here!