A Fantastical Development

Well, it’s time to let the tiger out of the bag. I’ve signed with the fantastical Desiree Wilson of The Bent Agency to represent me in my literary career, starting with SHIP OF SPELLS! You likely know that, as a ‘confirmed indie’, I was skeptical of traditional publishing, having been let down on that path once before. But seeing the relationship between my friend, Jean E. Pendziwol, and her agent, Jenny Bent, I knew that if I ever dared dip a toe in those waters again, The Bent Agency would be the only one I would consider.
 
Enter Desiree Wilson! Desiree joined TBA this summer, and Jean immediately notified me of their addition to the team. They come from a strong comic book/graphic novel background, having worked as staff editor at Oni Press. I queried them for SHIP OF SPELLS in August, and they requested the full just a few weeks later. Naturally, I wasn’t getting my hopes up. Indie, all the way. That’s me, right? So while Desiree read, I finished the cover for SHIP, formatted the book for Kindle and print, got proofs and started a few beta readers on it for a last run-through. Imagine my surprise when I got an email last week, saying how much they loved the book, offering me representation and asking if I had time for a zoom chat.
 
Desiree and I clicked immediately, our conversation swinging all over the map from editorial process to sailing ships, from cultural appropriation to favourite comic books. At the end, it was clear that we shared the same vision for SHIP OF SPELLS, and I knew this was one agent who not only understood my quirks but was almost as geeky as me. Given the fact that The Bent Agency also represents my favourite author of life, Guy Gavriel Kay, and knowing that same team would be available for me, well, it was an easy sell.
 
So, what does this mean for you, dear reader and most fantastical peep? Unfortunately, more waiting. I’m not turning my back on Kirin, Kerris, Fallon and the rest of the Upper Kingdom and am quietly plotting, making notes, story arcs, for the rest of the series. Interestingly, Desiree wonders if their stories might make good graphic novels. I say yes, since that was the original plan! Next up is still COLD STONE & IVY 3: The Seventh House. But DRAGON OF SAND & STORM might wait until we have a few good editing passes. Who knows what this development will bring for my existing catalogue? But it’s a solid, important step for me, and I want you along for the ride. You’ve been with me from the beginning, and I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Take this journey with me, with lions and tigers, ghosts and dragons. I don’t know where it will lead, but I’m sure the adventure will be fantastical.

Click HERE to view all the other lucky authors at The Bent Agency. Well, starting with me...