The novel I self-released in February is being picked up by Riverbend Publishing and will re-emerge this fall in a new size, with a new edit, a new cover and a new title. (What the new title will be remains a bit of a question mark. If you have a good idea for one, send it along. If it’s used, I’ll make you a character in my next book. I’m totally serious.)
 
Getting the book into the hands of a traditional publisher has been my goal since I audaciously decided to release it myself, a few months after blasting through it during National Novel Writing Month in November 2008. I really had no idea what I was doing, but with some hard work, the book found an audience. I’m confident that Riverbend, a respected regional publisher, can help it reach corners I just wasn’t going to get to doing fulfillment out of my car and home.

I’m proud to be working with Riverbend, an outfit that does well by Montana and Montana authors. It published The Watershed Years, a novel by a writer I deeply admire, Russell Rowland. William Pack’s debut novel, The Bottom of the Sky, just came out through Riverbend and is drawing raves. And Riverbend also publishes some older works, such as On Sarpy Creek and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. For a full list of Riverbend’s offerings, go here.
 
As for my reconstituted novel, it will be available in bookstores regionally and by order through any bookstore in the country, as well as being orderable (if that’s even a word) on the usual online channels (Amazon.com, BN.com, etc.).
 
So here’s what I want from you (you didn’t really think you were going to escape without a pitch, did you?):
 
When the book comes out — more details on that to come — please, please, please on your next visit to your favorite bookstore, tell the good people there that they really ought to stock a few copies of my novel. If you’ve read it and enjoyed it, tell a friend. If you haven’t read it, please do. If you’re somewhere I’m likely to be in the coming months — HELLO, DALLAS/FORT WORTH! — be on the lookout for a signing/reading/other appearance. I would love to see you there.

Closer to home, I’ll be out and about in the Last Best Place, visiting with readers and potential readers. I’m looking forward to it.