Publication of one's first trade press book is a big deal, the mark of arrival. Chapbooks and periodical publication are all very well, often prerequisites of course. When I joined the Sphere, I think only Alicia and I had published first books. Since then, we have recruited members such as Mezey, Mason, Gwynn and Espaillat who have published shelves of trade books. What most tickles me, though, is the astonishing numbers of our members who have launched their first books: Benedict, Warren, Watkins, Juster, Krisak, Crawford, Coe, Nicol, Stocks, Tufariello, Clements, Reeser, Anthony, and I'm doubtless overlooking a number of authors. Congratulations to all.
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