Patriots
PATRIOTS was the idea of Tor’s publisher, Tom Doherty. Before I explain how that came about, let me remark that I’ve noticed that my commentaries involve more discussion of business than they do of art. That accurately reflects the subjects’ relative importance to me; but I should add that neither do I speak much about craftsmanship, which I find hugely important.
I offered to do a major book for Tor for a large price ($60K, if I remember the contract correctly), and a shorter YA title for only $20K. That way I could honestly tell other publishers that Tor was giving me $60K/book, while making it clear to Tor that I wasn’t out to screw them. Tom agreed and suggested that I use Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys as the subject for the YA. continue reading…