The Best Kind of Cheerleader

Seven years ago, I entered the rough and tumble world of publishing thinking I had a good idea of the frustrations and challenges that lay ahead. On social media, I followed other writers, published authors, agents, publishers, and others who were quite frank about what to expect — including rejection at almost every step of the process. What I wasn’t prepared for were the cheerleaders who championed my work. My friends, family, fellow writers and my amazing agent fall into that category. Today, though, I’m giving a shout out to John Scognamiglio, editor-in-chief at Kensington Publishing. This month, John celebrates 25 years with Kensington. Yesterday, the publisher announced John is getting his very own hardcover imprint — John Scognamiglio Books — and that my novel, The Last Suppers, will be the first book released from the imprint. At first, John intimidated me a bit. After all, he was the top dealmaker in fiction, according to Publishers Marketplace. Over time, though, I realized just how invested John was in my books and my career. His enthusiasm for The Last Suppers makes him the ultimate cheerleader in my opinion. Congratulations, John, on 25 years at Kensington and on your new imprint. I’m beyond honored to have you in my corner.