Finally: THE MASUDA AFFAIR

[I. J. Parker]

I've been on pins and needles to tell everyone since February. My agent strictly forbade this until the countersigned contract was in my hand. Even Amazon got to announce it before me.

I have a publisher. I have a contract for two books. I get both hardcover and tradepaper a year later. I have a great editor (with clout) and a great copy editor (and that's something I really no longer expected). I get published both in the UK and the US. This year! All very good!

The publisher is Severn House. They publish most of the Asian mysteries. Of the smaller houses it's probably the best. Most of their business comes from libraries. Mind you, after my experiences with two of the big publishers, I'm looking forward to working with a smaller house. Besides, I have for years wanted to break into the UK market. So, perhaps this is the very thing I needed.

For me, it had really come down to making the continued story of Akitada available to fans who have been begging me to do anything to stay in print. I've had e-mails full of suggestions and I've had e-mails that they'd contacted my last publisher and read them the riot act. Of course, it didn't work but it was nice. Very nice!

I'm incredibly grateful to my fans.

Since February, I've been very busy getting THE MASUDA AFFAIR ready for release July 29 (UK) and October 29 (U.S.). It needed cutting and is 22,000 words lighter. Both copy-editing and proofs are done. The cover is selected. It wasn't mine, and I was miffed, but I can use mine on the electronic versions. Subsidiary rights are ours.

So, all in all, I'm very happy. The next book (THE FIRES OF THE GODS) is written and due for release 6 months after MASUDA AFFAIR. I'm making tentative plans for THE WATER PAVILION next to send Akitada to the fleshpots on the Yodo River to investigate human trafficking.

I'll be busy. :) More later.

[I. J. Parker]

Oh, Tom, that sort of note is never too late! Thank you so much, and thank you for liking the stories. I saw the cover of your book on your page, and it looks like something I will like. Will look for it. And all the very best to you in the future!

[Tom Cooke]

I.J. A belated congratulations on your well deserved good fortune. I can't think of anyone (with the possible exception of yours truly) who deserves it more.
I know I'm about a month and a half late on this but my non-writing life sort of backed up and fell on my head,but I'm back.
I have been a fan of your short stories for a long time. I just didn't realize who wrote them until not too long ago. Just blame it on the Texas public school system. Keep up the good work.

[Grant McKenzie]

Brilliant news, I.J. I'm so very happy for you! Continued success. WooHoo!!

[I. J. Parker]

Cheers and good wishes back to the newbies! Keep on and it will happen.

[Gaile Hughes]

Congrats I.J.. I am not familiar with your work; hope you are published over here. I will certainly look out for those titles. You are always so generous with your feedback for us aspiring writers, I am pleased to see your kindness being repaid. Cheers..

[John Desjarlais]

This is great news. Stories like this lift everyone.

[I. J. Parker]

Thanks again. J.F., I have an agent. That's a great blessing at such a time. But it's quite true I didn't give up. I finished the next book and sent my agent suggestions. One of them was Severn House.

[Dana King]

Great news, IJ, and well deserved. No one takes their work more seriously than you do.

Congratulations.

[J. F. Juzwik]

That's fantastic! My favorite phrase is 'every exit is an entrance'. I'm sure you will be much happier and get greater support from this publisher than with your old one. It would have been a great loss for your series to come to a grinding halt. But see, you never gave up and that's the ticket. Congratulations!

[John McFetridge]

Congratulations, great news.