Twelve Years and Counting

It’s hard to believe, but come July 2026 it will be 12 years since I signed a contract to publish my debut novel. Traditional publishing can be slow, and it was a full year (July 2015) when The Hanged Man’s Noose was released by Mystery Writer of America-approved publisher Barking Rain Press. If you had told me then that a dozen years later I’d have two mystery series (seven novels), my own publishing imprint (Superior Shores Press) with five multi-author anthologies (two award-nominated as best collection), two books on publishing (one a double award winner!) and a handful of published short stories, I never would have believed it. But here I am, working on my first true crime, and another first, working with a co-author.

If you missed my post about A FATAL AFFAIR: THE MURDER OF HELEN GRIER you can find it here.

For someone, like me, who tends to be a bit of a control freak (which is why self-publishing has been so good for me), and who, over the years, has not shared what I’ve written with anyone but my editor until after the book is published, the co-author thing has been a learning experience. But we’re managing, Amanda Capper and I, even though (as evidenced by this photo collage of our offices) we have very different writing styles and habits.

Of course, twelve years changes a person, and I’m no exception. It goes beyond going back to my natural color (now mostly gray with a bit of brown),  gaining a few pounds (where did my metabolism go?), or accepting that I can no longer juggle three projects at the same time. I’ve also come to accept that I’m unlikely to ever earn what I like to call “Stephen King money” and it’s doubtful that Reese Witherspoon will ever select one of my books for Reese’s Book Club (though hope does spring eternal). What hasn’t changed is my belief in me, my stories, and the power of authors helping authors. That’s why I love being on the Stiletto Gang; collectively, we are stronger, more visible. United in our pursuit of writing the best book or story we can, and sharing it in whatever way works for each of us as individuals.

Twelve years has also changed the publishing landscape.

Self-publishing no longer carries the stigma it once did (at least in most circles) and there are far more independent publishers today than back in 2015. That’s both good and bad. Good because authors have lots of options. Bad because many authors will self-publish books that just aren’t ready, unwilling to take the time, or spend the money required, for good editing. Many small presses will also close shop in the next five years, leaving a host of authors “orphaned.” I know all about that. If you’ve read either of my books on publishing, you’ll know that it happened to me, not once, but twice. But, hey, as Elton John would say, “I’m Still Standing.”

The Past Chair of Crime Writers of Canada and a former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the multiple award-winning author of seven bestselling mystery novels, two books on publishing, and several short stories. She is also the editor/publisher of five Superior Shores Anthologies, including the 2025  Derringer- and Silver Falchion- nominated Larceny & Last Chances and the 2026 Derringer-nominated Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers. Find her at www.judypenzsheluk.com