Thanks

My newest book, The Reckoning (Worldcastle Publishing), comes out May the first through Amazon. I’m so excited ! The editing process went very well.

Which leads me to answer a question I received about book dedications; an aspiring author wondered who should be included, specifically, if the publisher and editor should be.

When a new book of mine is about to be released there are tons of people to thank…friends and family, and others who have been such a tremendous influence I also feel they should be acknowledged. Not a bad thing, but I didn’t want my dedications to resemble those Oscar winners who drone on an on, thanking each and every person who touched their lives.

But then, I don’t want anyone to feel bad. So what to do? I finally decided on the personal level I would thank two people: my husband, who understands and sympathizes with a writer’s lifestyle not to mention he’s my husband and if you're not thanking your mate, um...why wouldn't you, and my sister, who reads every single book I’ve ever written and is my first editor. If I were to choose these two as bridesmaids hopefully everyone else would understand why they were picked. Can’t imagine a dress that would look good on both though. :-)

Professionally speaking, I always include the publisher. They believed in my book, and for me that goes without saying. The editor is a different story. Do I thank them? Of course. Editing is hard work and a talent. My books are always better after editing, and I acknowledge that to each editor I work with. Often.

Do I include them in every dedication? That depends on how I perceive our relationship. A thoughtful, collaborative, communicative editor I do. A mean spirited, autocratic, and non-communicative editor I don’t.

Happily, I’ve had more good than bad; this time a resounding yes…Maxine Bringenberg was fabulous. That didn’t mean I got my way every time something came up, but she was willing to listen and compromise. I know editors get their share of cranky and diva-ish authors. An editor like Maxine who is willing to go that extra mile is a treasure indeed…and she is most certainly in the dedication of The Reckoning.