Major announcements to share!

First, exciting progress on the Weun Academy: The Shadow Maker cover. This is a very rough first draft done by my husband Matt Zummo. We already have professional feedback to make the author name and book title larger. Regardless, I wanted to show the latest direction.

Again, not done, but very exciting!

I have secured Jonathan Oliver to do the final editing of the reworked Weun Academy 1 manuscript.

He is a well-known editor and author in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Jonathan Oliver served as the Editor-in-Chief at both Solaris and Abaddon Books, where he oversaw the publication of numerous critically acclaimed anthologies and novels. He also wrote two novels for Abaddon Books, titled The Call of Kerberos and The Wrath of Kerberos​.

Among his credits is proofreading Brandon Sanderson’s “The Way of Kings” and “Rhythm of War” books. Work is scheduled for February 2025. Well worth the wait.

I will also be working with JD Barker for Weun Academy marketing starting in October 2024.

J.D. Barker, a renowned New York Times bestselling author and a highly respected book coach. Barker is well-known for his expertise in writing, marketing, and self-publishing, and he has guided numerous authors, including those who have achieved New York Times bestseller status. His coaching style is celebrated for being personalized, approachable, and highly effective, particularly in helping authors navigate the complexities of book promotion and marketing. Barker also offers various services, such as manuscript critiques, marketing strategy consultations, and detailed editorial guidance, all aimed at helping writers succeed in the publishing industry​.

I’m hoping to take what I learn for Weun Academy and apply it both to Toriko Tales and to the original D’mok Revival books.

Speak of Toriko Tales, Courtney Andersson, who has experience in IPs like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, will be doing the final editing and proofing passes on Toriko Tales: Toriko vs the Crowned Paw! This work will begin in January 2025.

Cortney Andersson is an experienced editor who works primarily with the Mandala Publishing and Earth Aware Editions imprints, both subsidiaries of Insight Editions. In her role, she manages the entire editorial process for about 10-12 titles per year, collaborating closely with authors, designers, and other key stakeholders. Her portfolio includes several award-winning projects, and she has played a significant role in the publication of New York Times Best Sellers. She is known for her ability to guide complex projects from acquisition through to publication, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

Both titles will be released in 2025, with exact timeframes to be determined.