My debut thriller is getting published.

Some weeks ago (5-6), I sent a query letter and synopsis to Dark Winter Press at the behest . Two days later, the publisher requested the full manuscript, stating they would get back to me in a couple of weeks. I wasn't holding out too much hope because I think I'd gotten accustomed to rejection letters. I figured this would be yet another rejection and a punch to the gut to my ego. I was wrong.

Yesterday, fifteen days after submitting the full request, I received an email from the publisher stating that they are interested in publishing my novel, but with a caveat that I would need to refine the manuscript further. If this works out, the book wouldn't be published before October 2026, which is the next open slot for this publisher. I'm on board. I answered them this morning with a resounding yes. The publisher even mentioned that the team loved the premise and characters.

This is what I had been dreaming of, and now a Canadian publisher wants to publish this thriller by a queer, transgender woman. I am doing my best to remain grounded, but my feet are lifting ever so slightly from the floor. I am so thankful to every single person who’s helped me, be it with encouragements, mentoring and editing. I persisted.

Now, I need to clean up the manuscript and polish it in the coming months. The book is expected to be published by October 2026.

A great big nod of thanks to Hope Thompson for connecting me to the publisher.

Joelle