Requiem for the Dead

AUTHOR'S NOTE

A lot goes into publishing a novel, and sometimes I think even more goes into self-publishing one. But I absolutely must start with Jonathan Lyons and Anne Groell, who gave Dreg City a chance and who championed it no matter what. I hope this book does them both proud.

Nancy, you are outstanding as a friend and as an editor. Your patience, support, and your hilarious emails kept me sane when I wanted to throw it in, and I thank you for that. Melissa, my best friend in the world, one of my biggest fans, thank you for everything you do. Nick, my biggest fan, for giving me the confidence to try something new.

To my sister and my parents, you mean the world to me. You let me play in imaginary worlds, and you never look at me askance. I love you all so much.

Thank you to all of the bloggers and reviewers who have supported me all these years. I'd try to name you all, but I'd probably forget someone, and I don't want to forget anyone, but you know who you are.

Thank you to my writer friends, especially Kelly Gay and Alison Pang, and the members of the League or Reluctant Adults. We are part of a fantastic community of UF writers, and I'm grateful for the support. More thanks to Howie Weinstein, Bob Greenberger, and all of my Shore Leave/Farpoint writer friends. You guys are invaluable to me.

Robin L., you created a fantastic cover. Thank you for being so true to these books and coming up a beautiful representation.

And a shout-out to everyone else who helped get this book into your hands: Nancy M., Melissa H., Mario A., Jed C., Karen K., and Gabrielle. Thanks to everyone who answered one of my bazillion Facebook or Twitter questions about self-publishing.