As broken by the folks of CrimeSpree, the rumors are, indeed, true - the folks of Killer Year have pulled off a marvellous move, as the "class of 2007" authors comprising the group will be featured in an anthology edited by Lee Child. Scott Miller (who represents several individual Killer Year authors such as Marcus Sakey, J.T. Ellison and Robert Gregory Browne) struck the deal with Mike Homler of St. Martin's Press, who plans to publish the anthology in early 2008.
Yesterday afternoon I asked Miller how he went about selling the anthology: "Basically, my pitch to publishers was – there are a lot of incredibly talented young writers who are going to be included here, it would behoove you to buy this book and perhaps get on the band wagon early. I also made it clear that there would be a lot of brand names who would associate themselves with this project. I originally sent it to Ben Sevier, but after he left [for Touchstone/Fireside] Mike Homler stepped up and made an offer. Mike had expressed an interest in this project right from its inception."
The deal was for North American rights, and Miller added that we should "stay tuned in hearing about audio and foreign sales."
UPDATE: Publishers Marketplace has posted the deal: "An anthology from the group of debut thriller writers who are Killer Year members, edited by Lee Child, to Mike Homler at St. Martin's, for publication in early 2008, by Scott Miller at Trident Media Group (NA)."
Congratulations to my friends at Killer Year!
If you could convert this group's energy into electrical power, it would probably light up New York City.
Posted by: Philip Hawley | November 16, 2006 at 09:19 AM
Thanks, Phil! And thanks of course to Scott Miller, who is the best agent a guy could ask for -- and to JT, who spearheaded this effort from the beginning.
We're all thrilled.
Posted by: Rob Gregory Browne | November 16, 2006 at 09:39 AM
This is great--JT, baby, YOU ROCK!
Posted by: Tasha Alexander | November 16, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Fantastic group, and as Phil said - loaded with energy - but most important - the very real talent is there - and even greater - terrific people.
I'm especially pleased for my pal, J.T. She's one dynamo and a sweetheart.
Posted by: Elaine Flinn | November 16, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing this wonderful news. We are truly excited.
And the Killer Year members, friends of Killer Year, mentors and Mr. Miller made this happen. I'm just the typist.
Posted by: JT Ellison | November 16, 2006 at 12:21 PM
Couldn't have happened to a better bunch of miscreants. Congratulations, folks.
Posted by: Stephen Blackmoore | November 16, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Cool news - The KY Crew are interesting writers, and hey Sarah, just noticed you're in ECHO PARK....very cool
Ali
Posted by: Ali | November 16, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Mega Congrats to all my former KY2007 classmates!! This is fantastic news! Hope you all are celebrating, CJ
Posted by: cj lyons | November 16, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Congratulations!
Posted by: Stacey Cochran | November 16, 2006 at 02:26 PM
And at this rate, we might be able to sell a KY joke book by the end of 2007 as well...
Posted by: Sandra Ruttan | November 16, 2006 at 02:28 PM
So cool! I am stoked for all the KY crew, and can't wait to read this!!!
Posted by: Cornelia Read | November 16, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Exciting news! Congrats to the KY crew. Can't wait to read this one.
Posted by: Kim H | November 16, 2006 at 03:04 PM
That's cool. Like really cool.
Posted by: Dave White | November 16, 2006 at 05:35 PM
Congrats to all of the KY Crew.
The KY Crew: helping dry people everywhere.
Did I just say that out loud?
Posted by: Daniel Hatadi | November 16, 2006 at 08:53 PM
There damn well better be a Dave White story in this anthology. And it better be in the front of the book, none of this "alphabetical order" crap.
Posted by: Plot Baby Plot | November 16, 2006 at 08:57 PM
All right seriously, who is this Plot Baby Plot guy and what did he do with the original Plot Baby Plot?
Posted by: Dave White | November 16, 2006 at 09:05 PM
I am giddy! Thanks for the shout out, Sarah!
Posted by: Bill Cameron | November 16, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Whoo hoo! Congrats to the KY Kids. (I love that nickname).
Posted by: JDRhoades | November 16, 2006 at 10:26 PM
Not to drag the conversation into the gutter, but...
I'm just so damn proud that all you boys get giggly about the acronym. : )
There, I've said it out loud at long last. Maybe we need a new marketing campaign. Thank goodness we didn't go with the name "Always Good" 2007. Who knows what people would think.
Posted by: JT Ellison | November 16, 2006 at 11:40 PM
Nothing lights up the world more than a good manly giggle.
Posted by: Daniel Hatadi | November 16, 2006 at 11:54 PM
All I can say is...very cool.
Posted by: Mike MacLean | November 17, 2006 at 11:05 PM
Congrats! New tee-shirts for ThrillerFest '07?
Posted by: thomas o'callaghan | November 18, 2006 at 12:14 PM