Everything Coming up Grady

Get your pre-orders in, people. 

NYC & New Haven Schedule

Hey gang -I’ve got a busy busy week in NYC coming up, including a day at the University of New Haven, so here’s the where’s and when’s.

Tuesday 7pm - Comic Book Club Live with Josh Williamson @ Fontana’s 105 Eldridge St, New York, NY

Wednesday 6:30pm - University of New Haven - Alumni Lounge in Bartels Campus Center - Talk and signing with Joshua Williamson

Thursday 3:15pm - NYCC - ComiXology Panel - Room 1A08 4:30 - NYCC - Signing - ComiXology Booth

Friday 6:00pm - NYCC - Dark Horse Comics Signing

Saturday 4:00pm - NYCC -Marvel Cup o’ Joe Panel

Sunday 1:00pm - Marvel Signing - Marvel Comics Booth

Fairly limited appearances this time, and, of couse, feel free to bring any books to any signing, no matter the publisher.

See you this week!

j.

C2E2 or Adventures in the Windy City

Hey gang -I'll be at C2E2 in Chicago this weekend. You can find me here:

Friday - 5pm - 6pm - Marvel Signing

Saturday 12pm - Marvel Signing 2pm - Superior Spider-Panel (Room W474)

Sunday 12:45pm - Writing for Comics with Comics Experience (Room W470B) 2:45pm - Marvel's Next Big Thing Panel (Room W471)

See you in Chicago!

j.

GONE AWAY... On Signings and Conventions and Funereal Duties

The next month or so, I'm hitting the road for a BUNCH of events, most of them to celebrate the end of I, Vampire. Celebrate might not be the word I mean.

First, on April 24th, I'll be signing at both Mayhem Comics locations, joined by my LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT collaborator (and genius of many trades) Phil Hester. 11am - 1pm I'll be at the Ames store, and then 4pm till whenever people stop showing up, I'll be at the Des Moines store. My parents live in Des Moines, so, y'know, make sure to tell them how awesome I am so that stop telling me that I should go to Law School.

Then, I'll be C2E2 signing and panelling with the Marvel folk, as well as joining Comics Experience maestro Andy Schmidt for a Writing Comics Panel. More info forthcoming, including signing times and all that.

Next up is Free Comic Book Day. I'll join the gang at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA from 10am till 1pm, and I'll have some great folk like Tone Rodriguez, the Houghton Brothers, Rob Worley, Shannon Denton, and more fun and surprises. I have some ultra rare old comics of mine that I found recently, that might just be coming along to be given out for free. So come by!

And then, the amazing gang at Collector's Paradise in Winnetka are having a Wake for I, Vampire. We're still in the planning stages, but it's going to be an, ahem, Irish style wake, with drinks and music, and stories that'll curl your toes. That's going to be on Saturday, May 11th in the evening. More details forthcoming.

And WAAAY off in June, I'll be at the Amazing Las Vegas Comic-Con, including teaching some writing classes. More info forthcoming at http://amazinglasvegascomiccon.com/.

That's the big stuff, so keep your schedules open, and I'll see you there!

j.

The Story...

Hey guys, Just a quick note to confirm what everyone knows, I am no longer the writer of GLC and Red Lanterns for DC Comics. There were editorial decisions about the direction of the book that conflicted with the story I was hired to tell, and I felt that it was better to let DC tell their story the way they want. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'll miss working with the entire Green Lantern team.

This was not an easy decision to make emotionally or financially, but, I'm sure it was the right decision for both me, and for the Green Lantern books. The outpouring of support, your kind words and well wishes means so much to me and my family.

In the meantime, I'll be writing ALPHA: BIG TIME and THE ULTIMATES over at Marvel, and THE DEVILLERS at Dynamite. I've got a couple more projects in the works, so stay tuned.

Thanks again, j.

LBCC - Writer's Workshop

This weekend is the LBCC! I'll be set up at Booth 1300, and, in the afternoon, teaching the above mentioned workshop alongside Jim McCann, Sam Humphries, Rob Levin, and Brian Bucellato. It's $100 for three hours with us! How can you say no?

See you at the show!

Harvey Awards & SDCC!

Hey folks,No small thanks to you guys, ECHOES was once again nominated for a slew of Harvey Awards. If you're a comics professional you can vote for us (and a bunch of my friends including Justin Jordan, Jeff Lemire, Francesco Francavilla, Nate Edmondson, and Mark Waid (although, not against me) and this link: http://www.harveyawards.org/

And of course, San Diego Comic-Con is upon us again, and, I'll be there, signing and spouting off.

As of now, the plan is the following:

THURSDAY 11:30 am - DC DARK Panel 4pm - DC Entertainment Signing - I, VAMPIRE 7pm - Comics & Magic Panel 8pm Onward - CBLDF Party

FRIDAY 1pm - Horror on the Printed Page Panel 4pm - Top Cow Signing - ECHOES 10am - Tricketer Symposium (Tickets and info here: http://trickstertrickster.com/) 4pm - Comics Experience Writing Panel 7pm - Comics Experience Advanced Writing Panel

SUNDAY 11am - IDW Publishing Signing - DOCTOR WHO 2pm - DC Comics - I,VAMPIRE

I'm pretty sure I'll be adding more as the week approaches, so be sure to follow me on Twitter @joshfialkov or keep checking the Blog which I'll do my best to update.

Have a great San Diego and thanks of reading,

j. www.thefialkov.com

FCBD & LONG BEACH COMIC EXPO - WRITER'S SEMINARS!

Hey folks!This weekend I'll be joining the extremely talented quartet of Ed Brubaker, Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, and Sonia Oback (as well as some guy named 'Kyle Higgins', who I've heard nothing but bad things about) at Collector's Paradise in Winnetka, CA.  This will also be my daughter's first signing event, so, please come by from 12 till 3 to watch me chase my kid around and occasionally sign books.

Next weekend is the second annual Long Beach Comic Expo.  This is a small one day show that's a part of the bigger Long Beach Comic Con that happens around Halloween.

This year, I'll be hosting TWO workshops with friend, collaborator, and all around smart guy, Rob Levin.  These Seminars last two hours, have extremely limited seating, and will cover how to break into comics and what to do once you're there.

Each individual seminar costs $45 (including admission to the show), or you can do BOTH seminars for a paltry $55.  That's a full day of intimate knowledge from two veterans of the indie and mainstream comic world.  More info, and sign up here: http://longbeachcomiccon.com/buy-tickets.php

Please feel free to repost, forward, tweet, or facebook about the seminars.

Thanks for reading and see you folks in a few weeks!

j. www.thefialkov.com

Long Beach Comic Expo - Workshops Announced!

Hey folks,Similar to last years two hour workshop with Mark Waid, I'm going to be hosting a couple of them for the show, this time with editor, writer, and gentleman extraordinaire, Rob Levin. Here's the press release with details and you can buy seats in the class at this link.

Long Beach Comic Expo Announces Workshops!

Fialkov and Levin to Host In-Depth Seminars

LOS ANGELES, CA, April 20, 2012. Long Beach Comic Con presents the Comic Expo on May 12th at the Long Beach Convention Center with special workshops by critically-acclaimed writer Joshua Hale Fialkov (I, Vampire, Last of the Greats, Doctor Who, Echoes) and veteran writer/editor Rob Levin (7 Days From Hell, Abbatoir).

Fialkov and Levin will be hosting two seminars on May 12th. The first one is titled ‘Intro to Careers in Comics’ and will last for 2 intense hours. This session will feature the art of breaking in, the process of writing, finding collaborators and getting your book made. The second 2 hour workshop will be titled ‘Advanced Careers in Comics’ and will provide an in-depth look at the business side of writing and producing comic books. Advance registration is required and there is an additional fee. Seating is extremely limited to only thirty people and tickets are available on the website now (www.longbeachcomiccon.com).

"Rob and I have twenty years combined experience in the comics business, and we're thrilled for the chance to share our years with another great crop of Long Beach Comic Expo attendees." said Joshua Hale Fialkov (Eisner, Harvey, and Emmy nominated writer of the graphic novels ECHOES, TUMOR, ELK'S RUN, and the LAST OF THE GREATS).

“When we decided to add programming to the one day Comic Expo, we were thrilled with the response from both the creative community and the attendees. Having the chance to collaborate with industry veterans like Josh and Rob on programming is one of the biggest perks of my job.” said Phil Lawrence, Director of the Long Beach Comic Con.

For a complete list of events, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.longbeachcomiccon.com.Tickets for Long Beach Comic Expo are on sale now through the website and will also be available at many Southern California comic book and hobby shops, including WSS Shoe Stores and their Geeky Mamma stores.

Harvey Awards Deadline

Hey folks,Just a quick reminder that quite a few of my books are eligible for the Harvey Awards. If you're an eligible voter (comics professionals of all ilks) I'd greatly appreciate your votes. My (and my collaborators) are eligible in the following categories:

BEST WRITER Joshua Hale Fialkov - Echoes, Last of the Greats, I,Vampire

BEST ARTIST Andrea Sorrentino - I,Vampire Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats Rahsan Ekedal - Echoes

BEST LETTERER Troy Peteri - Echoes, Last of the Greats

BEST INKER Matthew Waite - Last of the Greats

BEST COLORIST Mirka Andolfo - Last of the Greats Marcelo Maiolo - I,Vampire

BEST COVER ARTIST Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats Rahsan Ekedal - Echoes Jenny Frison - I,Vampire

MOST PROMISING NEW TALENT Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats

BEST NEW SERIES I, Vampire - DC Comics Last of the Greats - Image Comics

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES Echoes - Top Cow Productions Last of the Greats - Image Comics I, Vampire - DC Comics

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM - PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Echoes - Top Cow Productions

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY Echoes #5 - Top Cow I, Vampire #1 - DC Comics

SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION Echoes - Top Cow

Feel free to vote for any or all of those with the form at this link: http://harveyawards.org/2012ballot/Harvey_2012_nom_ballot.txt Voting ends on Monday.

Thanks as always,

j. www.thefialkov.com

WONDERCON

Hey folks,This weekend I'll be in Anaheim at Wondercon. I'll be set up alongside Convention pal Tony Fleecs at Artist Alley Table 12 all weekend. Additionally, you can spot me here:

Friday 3pm Signing @ DC Comics

Saturday 10:30am Hosting the Spotlight on Richard Starkings Panel 1pm DC Comics Panel 2pm Signing @ DC Comics 4pm MTV Geek Panel

Sunday 12:30 Hosting the Spotlight on Steve Niles Panel 4pm Signing @ DC Comics

I'll have advance copies of the Last of the Greats TPB on hand, as well, as ECHOES, TUMOR, DOCTOR WHO, and of course I,VAMPIRE!

See you this weekend!

j.

www.thefialkov.com

What's So Funny - On Being an Asshole

I'm sorry. You can't be an asshole anymore. For years, decades even, being a comic book reader came with it an elitist attitude that allowed you to look down your nose at those who probably beat you up in high school. We kept our cliques small and self-serving, and we've encouraged the publishers to do the same. Well, sorry, folks, but, that's over. SOPA or PIPA or arresting website developers is not going to change the world that we now live in. There's no amount of threats, either legal or brow-beaterly that will change the fact that many more people are unwilling to pay for the intellectual property than those who are happy to plunk down the cash.

And, of course, the economy is horrible! And you're un (or under) employed! And you have to see/read/listen or else. I'm sorry. That sucks. But you're being an asshole. Stop it.

We're all spoiled brats, myself included, but, we can't do that anymore. We have to get over our greediness (just like we keep bitching about the bank executives doing) and put something ahead of our own (incredibly trivial) needs.

Comics ARE expensive. Games ARE expensive. Movies ARE expensive. Music... not so much, but, for the sake of argument.

Here's the thing. Up until a few years ago, there was still enough of an audience to make up for the percentage of you who are stealing. But, not anymore. Now, everybody steals, or, at least a higher percentage of the total audience than those that pay.

The comic market consists of about 200,000 people, on the high end. Now, certainly, you'll have your Justice Leagues and Batmans and Flash's that do amazing sales and are generating profits. But almost every other book that isn't up there in the top 25 or so titles is almost certainly losing money.

So, if I'm Warner Bros or Disney, or, in the case of Last of the Greats, ME, and I see that we're busting our asses monthly on something that's not only not profitable but is actually losing money, what other choice do I have but to shut it down?

Very few of us (from Writers to Publishers) are in this for the money. We're all here because this is something we worship and love and it's something that drives us to the point of obsession. But, we all have mouths to feed.

If you keep on letting the world slip on by, then you're helping to guarantee the demise of something you love.

So, while I'm telling you to stop being an asshole, I need you to do something for me. Be an asshole. You know how when someone you're talking to makes a horrificly offensive racist comment and you immediately tell them to watch their mouth (or smack them or what have you...)? Well, I want you to do that about Piracy. Call them a fucking cockhead. Tell them that they're singly responsible for ruining the comic book industry (or the film industry or whatever.)

Folks, the ship is sinking and we all need to stand up and fight.

j.

NYCC Signing Schedule

Hey guys,You can catch me in NYC all week for New York Comic Con at the following times and places.

Thursday NYCC Preview Night Party - 8pm - Signing with Eric Wallace, Kyle Higgins, Sterling Gates, Mike Costa, and Brent Peeples - Jim Hanley's Universe - 4 West 33rd St.

Friday 12pm - Image Comics Signing - with Rahsan Ekedal and Brent Peeples 1pm - #ComicMarket Tweet Up - Booth 1969 2pm - DC Comics Signing

Saturday 12:15pm - Image Comics Panel - Room 1A15 2:30pm - Dc Comics Dark/Edge Panel - Room 1A22 5pm - Image Comics Signing - with Rahsan Ekedal and Brent Peeples

Sunday 11am - Image Comics Signing - with Rahsan Ekedal and Brent Peeples 2pm - DC Comics Signing

There will also be an exclusive NYCC #comicmarket Variant cover of Last of the Greats #1 from LarrysComics.net, more information on his twitter account twitter.com/larryscomics.

See you all at the show!

j.

Where'm I Gonna Be?

I created a whole new contraction up there. Okay, big couple of weeks with the release of I,VAMPIRE #1, IRON MAN 2.0 #9, and LAST OF THE GREATS #1 coming up. I'll be appearing all over L.A., and would love to see some of you! Schedule as follows:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th 11am - 2pm Meltdown Comics w/ Mike Costa 5pm - 8pm Collector's Paradise - Pasadena - w/ Mike Costa & Phillip Tan

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th 7pm - 10pm Golden Apple Comics w/ Kyle Higgins, Sterling Gates, Scott Lobdell, Bernard Chang, and more!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2nd 12pm - 2pm Emerald Knights Comics w/ Brian Buccellato, Norm Raspund, and Mike Costa

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5th 5pm - 8pm Corner Store Comics - Anaheim w/ Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, and Mike Costa

Hope to see y'all at the shops, and make sure to check out all of the new books and scream your heads off about them!

j.

End of an Era or What a long strange trip it's been...

This week marks the release of ECHOES in Hardcover form.  It's a uniquely beautiful package that I'm immensely proud of.  It's twenty bucks and worth every penny, if I do say so myself. It's also the last creator owned book I'll do before the launch of I,Vampire, Iron Man 2.0, and assorted other work for hire books.  The past six months or so have been massively busy between all of my corporate work and work on LAST OF THE GREATS and DEEP VALLEY (both of which are discussed along with my mainstream work in these video pieces over at MTV Geek.)

That's something I've been working towards for almost a decade.  It's been an arduous, at times frustrating, process that, frankly, I wouldn't change for anything.  I mean sure, I could probably live without Speakeasy going bankrupt or the nine month, ahem, printing process on TUMOR, or the fights and falling outs and fucking overs... But...

I'm a better writer.  Every one of those experiences taught me something else about being a writer, both from a creative and a business stand point.  Had I been given these opportunities even as recently as two years ago, I don't know that I'd be as able to meet the challenges as I am now.

I'm exactly where I should be doing exacty what I was born to do, and honest to god, I love every minute of it.

In housekeeping news - be sure to preorder LAST OF THE GREATS, I,VAMPIRE, and IRON MAN 2.0, yes?

A Letter to the #ComicMarket

Hello Comic Lovers/Retailers/Advocates/Friends, For around ten years now, I've been working on the outskirts of the industry writing genre fiction with a literary twist to great critical acclaim.  This year, I've made huge inroads towards doing just that for Marvel and DC.  From a business stand point this has been my most successful year.  I was given the opportunity to write the final three issues of SUPERMAN/BATMAN for DC Comics to great critical acclaim, as well as to relaunch I,VAMPIRE as part of the new 52.  I've got a high profile Marvel gig that should be announced any day now, following up on very well received one shots including MARVEL GIRL and RAMPAGING WOLVERINE, plus the forthcoming MONKEY KING #1.  Oh, I've also got a DOCTOR WHO story in the upcoming annual, a story in Vertigo's UNEXPECTED anthology due later this year, and a bunch of other things not yet known.

But, knowing both my existing audience and the audience who will hopefully be drawn to my work for Marvel and DC, now is also the perfect time for me to launch more creator owned work.  So, I hope that if readers come into your store having read Superman/Batman or I, Vampire, or the unannounced Marvel thing, and say, "Who is this guy?" you make sure to have copies of my Eisner and Harvey nominated TUMOR, Three Time Harvey Nominated ECHOES, and, the debut of my brand new Image Comics ongoing series THE LAST OF THE GREATS in stock.

Especially of note, this week is the final order cutoff for ECHOES, so please place your orders now.  There was a bit of confusion on the system side about the book, but I assure you it is available and will be in stores three weeks from tomorrow.  It's a beautiful, thick hardcover with a gorgeous die-cut slip jacket, and an absolute steal at only $20.

Each title above is a link to a mini-site including previews and order info for the books.

Thanks for reading, and most of all, thank you for the support over the past decade that has gotten me where I am today.  I could not be happier, and couldn't have done it without you.

j.

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON & ECHOES!

Hey folks!Back again for another San Diego Comic-Con!  We'll be premiering the collected edition of the ECHOES Hardcover from Top Cow/Minotaur Press with an ultra limited special edition made just for the show.  I'll also have pages from my upcoming Image Comics series THE LAST OF THE GREATS (website here: http://www.thelastofthegreats.com) on hand to show off.  Plus, if you ask nicely, I may tell you who I may just be turning into a Vampire in I,Vampire from DC Comics.  (Clue his name rhymes with Duperdan.)

Anyways, on to the schedule!

WEDNESDAY JULY 20th ECHOES SIGNING - Top Cow Booth - 7pm - 8pm

THURSDAY JULY 21st ECHOES SIGNING - Top Cow Booth - 10am - 12pm HORROR IN COMICS PANEL - Room 24ABC - 1:30pm - 2:30pm SUPERMAN/BATMAN & iVAMPIRE SIGNING - DC COMICS - 4pm - 5pm TUMOR SIGNING - Archaia Booth - 5pm - 5:45pm

FRIDAY JULY 22nd ECHOES SIGNING - Top Cow Booth - 4pm - 6pm EISNER AWARDS 8:30 till Wednesday Comics beats us!

SATURDAY JULY 23rd TOP COW PANEL - 11:30am - 12:30pm DC DARK PANEL - 12:45pm - 1:45pm TUMOR SIGNING - Archaia Booth - 3:30 - 4:30 ECHOES SIGNING - Top Cow Booth - 5:30pm - 6:30pm

SUNDAY JULY 24th ECHOES SIGNING - Top Cow Booth - 12pm - 2pm

Okay, that's out of the way.

Also of note, there was a mix up in the order system for comic shops regarding the ECHOES HC.  There is a very good chance that your shop DID NOT order books, even if you requested one.  So, please, tell your local retailer that the book IS available, and will be in stores in August, and to place an order.

You can also mention that it was nominated for THREE Harvey Awards and that you think it's awesome.

Thank you so much for reading, and looking forward to seeing y'all at the show!

j. www.thefialkov.com

Oh The Places You'll Go - On Catching Up

Fuck me.  It's been a crazy couple of months.  Let's do the recap really quick for y'all. Superman/Batman #85 came out last month to great fan fare, with #86 out this month, and then #87 out next month, which means I'm writing the last issue of volume 1 of the series!  Interview with me on that all here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32480

The reason it's the last issue?  DC is relaunching their entire superhero universe, and have turned over the old House of Mystery series I, Vampire to yours truly.  So, starting in September, you get me writing monthly grotesqueries with a little bit of love thrown in for fun.  Interview on that here:  http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32788

Also in September, I'm doing a one shot for Marvel featuring their brand new character The Monkey King.  It's me doing my best Tarantino by way of Miike.  Hope you check that out, too.

Then, in October, I'm launching a superhero ongoing series from Image Comics with artist Brent Peeples, alongside friends and collaborators Matthew Waite, Mirka Andolfo, Troy Peteri, and Rob Levin (with assists by Tony Fleecs, Kody Chamberlain and Phil Hester) called the LAST OF THE GREATS. More on that in interview form here: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33156 and you can check out the fledgling website here: http://www.thelastofthegreats.com.

Also of note, TUMOR was nominated for both an EISNER and a HARVEY for Best Collected Edition, and, ECHOES was nominated for HARVEY's for Best New Series, Best Single Issue, and, blushing, Best Writer.  Thank you guys so much for voting and supporting the book.

ECHOES will be out in a colletible (and beautiful) hardcover edition in August, and we're doing our best to do a limited edition for Comic-Con in a couple of weeks.

I'll get a post up soon with where and when you can find me at San Diego Comic-Con, and then, hopefully I'll be doing Baltimore Con for the Harvey's, if I can get the logistics all figured out.

And, now that I'm in a good schedule again, I'm hoping to bring back my writing columns here.  In the meantime, you can check out my (slightly behind) column over on iFanboy here: http://www.ifanboy.com/content/articles/Indie_Comics__A_Call_To_Arms

Alright, more to come, thanks for sticking around!

Busy Busy - Appearances Galore!

The next few weeks will be chock full of appearances for me. So, y'know, come say hello. Appearances as follow:

April 23rd - Long Beach Comic Con - Fan Expo - 11am - TOP COW NOIR - Alongside Filip Sablik and Marc Bernardin - Afterwards, you'll likely find me with artist Tony Fleecs shaking hands and kissing babies.

April 27th - Brave New World Comics - 5pm - 9pm - ECHOES #5 Release Signing

April 29th - May 1st - Anaheim Comic-Con - Artist Alley Table - Come Find Me!

May 7th - Collector's Paradise - 11am - 2:30pm - SIGNING

May 7th - Meltdown Comics - 4:00pm - CHAMBERLAIN/FIALKOV - Graphic Noir Panel

Shoplifting

"Writing is like shoplifting.  You're constantly trying to get away with bigger and bigger things and not get caught." I spent about 14 hours total in the car this weekend with ace writer/editor Rob Levin (http://theroblevin.wordpress.com/) talking about, well, that.  Rob and I have been working together for around five years now.  He was the guy who brought me into Top Cow, editing both Cyblade and Alibi, and then came on board TUMOR when it became clear we needed a grown up involved to get the book done.

The conversation we had was about pushing yourself, and how easy it is not to.  How every project needs to push off from where you left off, and you need constantly be challenging yourself.  But, it also comes from a sense of self-loathing.  At almost every minute when I'm writing (or immediately after when I've submitted my script to the editor or the artist or my friends for notes and thoughts) is asking whether I get away with what I'm doing.  If the constructed reality of the story stands up to scrutiny because, y'see, I see the stitches.  I see the places where I took shortcuts, got lazy, forced it out, left it to fix 'later' etc.  I did something that I find morally wrong from a creative stand point.  And the feedback?  That tells you if you make it past mall security or get tackled and beat up in the back hallways.

But, with that, comes something else.  So, if you constantly feel like you made it by some miraculous twist of fate, how in god's name do you sell yourself or your work?  Well, that's the other thing that's important.  Compartmentalizing.  When I'm sitting here alone, writing, and listening to the Pixies, I hate myself and every word I ever wrote.  When I tweet or do interviews or go to shows all of that HAS TO go away.  I go from hating myself to being Mr. I Can Get It Done.  You have to instill confidence in your editors and fans equally.  You need to show off that you know what you're doing and that you're going to do an amazing job.

Now, if you actually BELIEVE that, there might be a problem.  There's very little more terrifying than being told, "Great, get scripting."  Because you just started all over again, back at the beginning and facing off with trying to get that hardcover past that tall nerdy guy with bad skin and a B. Dalton Booksellers tie standing by the door.

Maybe that's just me, though.