When writing an acknowledgements page there are many people I must include and then loads of others I want to include but can’t due to the lack of space allocated. So many people help me in ways other than research, reading, editing, packaging, publicising and selling my work. There are too many to name, but to all of the bloggers, vloggers, friends, acquaintances, teachers, librarians and students who write to me or offer promotion, support and encouragement in real-world or virtual forms, I thank you. The power of your positivity is far-reaching, impactful and much appreciated.
Working flat out behind the scenes, and the person who makes all of this possible, is my brilliant publisher, Zoe Walton. Thank you for publishing my work and for giving me opportunities to chase my dreams. Huge thanks to my excellent editor, Victoria Stone, who I worked most closely with and who slogged so meticulously and diligently over every single detail of this manuscript. Heartfelt gratitude extends to the entire PRH sales and marketing team, who continue to package my work into beautiful glossy books and then do a magnificent job of publicising and selling them.
Also working behind the scenes and making things happen is my wonderful agent, Tara Wynne. Tara continues to support me and my career and I cannot imagine navigating this industry without her.
For the fourth time in a row my work has been graced with a striking, eye-catching cover. Thank you to Christabella Designs for such exceptional work again this year.
Research is one of my favourite things about writing. I love the information I come across and the interesting people I meet during the process. Those who helped me research this book were Angus McKindlay, who offered expert advice on motor vehicles, Lucio Rovis, who gave his invaluable insight into witness protection, Lars Holden, who shared his extensive knowledge about firearms, and Jack Woodward, who answered all of my questions about karate. Please note that those who helped with research did not read this manuscript before it went to print. Any errors on any topic in this book are mine.
As with every book I write, I have a team of generous friends who read early drafts and offer superb feedback along the way. Thank you to Richard Duerden (who read numerous versions of this story and continues to support me from afar), Sam McKindlay, Joan Torney, Kerry Ferris, Rachel Broadhead, Sally-Ann Dillon and Lucy Keath.
Warmest thanks to my cousin-in-law, Kate Juracich, for supporting me, championing and promoting my work to her social networks and for throwing me an awesome book party at her beautiful home.
Natalie Durrant is one person who needs her own whole paragraph of thanks. Not only do I relentlessly discuss all things writerly with Natalie, but she also reads for me and looks after my kids when I am on a deadline.
There are a number of individuals and groups who offer continued and much appreciated ongoing support. They are Lionel Torney, Lynton Ferris, Roger Shaw, Carol Pirika-Shaw, Ivy Jensen, Lana Murphy, Tyler Harrington, Andrew Mole and all who work at the Riverine Herald, my fellow members of Deniliquin Creative Writers, Bronwyn Simpson, Kristine Parkinson, Darryl Ronchi and all of the staff at my local bookstore in Echuca. My gratitude extends to all booksellers of all outlets across Australia and New Zealand who stock, read, promote and sell my books day in, day out.
I have a group of friends who share every step of my writing and publishing journey – Rachael Craw, Trinity Doyle, Gabrielle Tozer, Rebecca James, Ellie Marney and Nicole Hayes. I can’t succinctly put into words the extent of support and understanding these women give and what their friendship means to me, but I trust they already know.
Thank you to those who are behind #LoveOzYA for offering endless support to me and all Oz YA authors.
To my busy, robust family – David, Zoe, Tia and Eve – who do far too many things for me to list. Huge thanks to them for everything they do all year round. You guys are the best.