Learning About My Publisher(s)

The more I learn about the Publishing Industry, the more I’m reminded of those Russian dolls that have layers within layers. Publishing is an old industry, with a lot of history and it has undergone lots of changes, many of which are happening right now with the ebook revolution. Here’s the gist of how my publisher operates, if you follow the chain up:

My novels will be published via the imprint, Thomas Dunne Books, founded in New York in the 1980s. They in turn produce about a quarter of the books printed by St. Martin’s Press each year, also based in New York and founded in the 1950s. St. Martin’s, in turn, is a division of the British mega-publisher Macmillan (one of the famous Big Six), which is based in London and was founded in the 1840s.

That’s right, the 1840s! They published authors such as Yeats and Tennyson. Macmillan is in turn owned by an even larger media corporation responsible for literary estates ranging from Salman Rushdie to Agatha Christie. And somewhere at the bottom of that mix, at the tail end of that lengthy story is…me. One author, writing one book at a time, hoping to add my own humble little verse to the larger play we call life. Whew! Bottoms up my friends, bottoms up. 

Launching My Goodreads Page

Woo Hoo! I’ve now go my own author’s page on Goodreads where readers can list themselves as a fan or add my upcoming book to their “want to read list.” Although my book doesn’t come out for at least another year, you can still check out where Between Two Fires will live here on Goodreads.

The funny thing is, I’ve updated my book and profile pages on Goodreads, but I wasn’t the one who actually created the account. When I asked my agent and publishers they said they hadn’t created the account either. So a big thank you to the mysterious person who added my book and author page to Goodreads. Much appreciatedJ

So check it out and let me know if you like my new page, thanks!

2 Book Deal and Publishers Weekly!!!!

Today, I can officially share the big news! I’ve just inked a two-book deal with Thomas Dunne Books (an imprint of St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan). That’s right, I’m going to be a genuine, bona fide published author with a big New York Publishing House. Sweet!

I’m currently working with the head editor at Thomas Dunne Books on my historical novel Between Two Fires. My agent also let me know that Publishers Weekly mentioned me and the new book deal here (see bottom of the Publishers Weekly page). Needless to say, there will be lots of work ahead, but for today I’m just soaking up the celebration. Yes, that's a picture of me enjoying some celebratory absinthe...because that's what writers do, right? ;) 

A huge thank you to my agent, to Thomas Dunne Books, and to all my awesome friends, family, and fellow writers who have inspired and supported me. Thank you!

On another note, I’m also participating in the #LifeisGood tribute to Tina Downey today. I’ll repost my sunflower pic on Twitter in memoriam. May all be well with you and yours today.

Very Inspiring and Versatile Blogger Awards

Big thanks to Elizabeth Varadan and Kristin Smith for nominating me for the Very Inspiring and Versatile Blogger Awards! I’ve combined my answers for both awards below and have nominated some of my awesome fellow bloggers. Thanks again!

Very Inspiring Blogger Award and Versatile Blogger Award (List 7 Random Facts About Yourself)

1.       I love gardening (especially growing things I can eat).

2.       I try to read 3-4 books per week (and always carry a book with me).

3.       My dad and I enjoy sailing on San Francisco Bay (when I have the chance to join him).

4.       My aunt first took me backpacking in Europe when I was 15, and I’ve been an avid traveler ever since.

5.       London Bound was my first published short story in college, based on my firsthand experiences during the 2005 London Bombings.

6.       At age 3, I wanted to be a Ghostbuster (and have never entirely given up on the dream). ;)

7.       My wife and son are the two best reasons why I wake up each morning to another awesome day!

Now go checkout some of these other terrific bloggers/writers!

Nominees for Very Inspiring Blogger Award: Rachna’s Scriptorium and Milo’s In Medias Res.

Nominees for Versatile Blogger Award: Alex J. Cavanaugh and Lynda’s W.I.P.