The Signing

​A week ago Kira Henschel of Henshel Haus Publishing sent me the standard contract; I found a quiet place and read every word, later re-read it and with the third reading took notes on questions I wanted to pose.
When she e-mailed the contract she indicated she wanted to meet in person to sign the document and would let me know when she would be in the Madison area.  The worry wart that I am, my reaction was to stay calm and wait because there was a message in wanting to sign a hard copy contract in person.
It was another sign that I was with the right publisher for me.  It could have been a publisher in another state and the signatures would be electronic and you would never meet the person face to face.  Kira isn’t like that.  It is clear that we are partners who look each other in the idea, discuss things, exchange ideas, compromise and make a joint decision.  Refreshing.
At Kira’s suggestion I agreed to have both Murphy’s Troubles and Out of Darkness have new covers designed, change the book size and be re-released under the Henschel Haus Publishing moniker.  She will write a separate contract for each book and that work will be done after releasing Dead Reckoning  in March 2018.
We also talked about hiring a publicist I have gotten to know through my radio program, ‘My World and Welcome to It’.  The publicist, Sharyn Alden, has years of experience and has suggested several authors she represents to be guests on my radio show.  I met with Sharyn to talk about how to market a book series.  Kira was very supportive of working with Sharyn and even has other authors she will refer to Sharyn.
Kira likes to produce audio books and told me she is always looking for talent to read.  Of course, I suggested my actor friend, Michael Herold and they have already been in contact.
Kira asked me what date I wanted on the contract October 31 or November 1.  Because I write with an Irish theme I told her the 31st is samhain a Celtic festival holiday marking the end of one year and the beginning of the next.  “Of course, we must sign on October 31, 2017.”  Kira laughed, “I’m not surprised.”
So on November 1 I mark the beginning of a new year in my writing life.  I am immersed with new partners and an ever growing network.
It just can't get any better.