My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this book, and in particular: Angus Cargill, my exceptional editor, whose suggestions and encouragement never fail to improve the manuscript. Jane Gregory, and all the team at Gregory & Co., for taking me under your wing. Lauren Nicoll, for endless enthusiasm and tireless dedication in getting my books into readers’ hands. Mark Burborough, Oliver Wheatley, Jon O’Donnell, James White, Tim Caira, Emma Callaghan and Tarun Naipaul, for your incredible generosity and support.
All the bloggers, readers and reviewers who have championed Charlie Yates with such amazing passion – in particular Liz Barnsley, Victoria Goldman, Joy Kluver, Gordon Mcghie, Christine Elizabeth, Susan Heads, Kate Moloney, Pete Savage, Anne Cater, Janet Emson, David Odeen, Andrew Durston, Dave Graham, Andrew Hill and Linda Boa (with apologies to anyone I’ve forgotten to mention.) All the crew at CS: you know who you are, and why you’re here. Katherine Armstrong and Karen Sullivan for your amazing friendship and advice.
And most of all, my family, for letting me do something that I love.