I have good news to report: I have signed a publishing contract with Next Chapter Publishing, an independent press, for my latest manuscript, Persona. Their Tokyo office will be publishing the ebook, paperback, and hardcover editions, and their London office will do the audiobook. In addition, they have agreed to re-release my last book, All the Bodies Do, so I have “unpublished” it from Amazon until they put it back in the editions noted above. Of course, I am absolutely thrilled about all this–thrilled as in OVER THE MOON!

It has been quite a trek, a dream of many years. Between those two books, I queried about 500 agents, but wasn’t able to convince anyone to take a chance with me. Next Chapter was willing to step forward, and I’ll put all the energy I can into making this a successful venture for them and for me. I have just finished sending them the full manuscripts, so I’m awaiting word from their editors about next steps. I’m guessing the whole process will take several months at least, if not longer, but it’s all new territory and I suppose anything can happen. I feel a little bit like those young Pinot Noir grapes in the picture above–I’m growing!

I have to thank all those who have supported me along the way, especially my wife Sharon and my daughter Julie. They were the ones who kept me trying in the face of rejection after rejection. Obviously, this is only the very beginning of a long procedure, but Julie tells me I have to celebrate every success along the way, and that sounds like good advice!

I’ll keep you posted.