The newsletter format is a little different this month as I reflect with wonder and awe on 2023, a year in which I:
Got my first book offer
Signed a contract with Crooked Lane
Completed a round of edits with Faith, my editor
Did two rounds of pass pages with the production team at CL
Learned to Instagram
Discovered the lovely folks at SinC-CT
Celebrated my critique partner, Nishita, also getting her first book deal
Connected with the 2024 debut group
Met several agency and publication house “siblings”
Started this newsletter
Made an author website
Attended a regional crime writing conference
Began drafting two new manuscripts
Wrote myself into a corner and called my superstar agent to talk me through it
People often say that publishing can be a harsh, cutthroat business. I’m sure that’s true in many ways, but so far everyone I’ve encountered—agents, coaches, fellow writers, and publishing professionals— has been friendly, supportive, and generous.
I’ve learned a ton about the publishing process and the importance of making connections with fellow authors.
I’ve learned that writing the book is merely the first step (and not necessarily the hardest).
I’ve learned that there are people besides me who are interested in reading about the adventures of the characters I often think of as my imaginary friends—the ones who, for so long, belonged just to me… but soon I get to share them with anyone willing to pick up my book!
In a little more than three months, Maple, Kenny, and the gang will be out in the world. They’ll be in bookstores, in libraries, and in people’s homes.
I’m still marveling at this.
I’m not sure I’ll ever stop marveling at this.
Recent Reads
Here are some books I loved from this past year. Lessons in Chemistry was my favorite; it made me sob on a plane, and I’m eternally grateful to my friend Lily for recommending it. The others are in no particular order.
You can follow me on Instagram @ktea_writes and visit my author website at
Thanks for reading! See you next month.