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 I was born in New York City, read my first book at the age of three, and progressed
quickly from the life lessons of LITTLE TOOT to the otherworldly epics of Brian Jacques,
Terry Brooks and Stephen King, I soon began to pen short stories that, unsurprisingly,
read like 'D' grade knockoffs of Brian Jacques, Terry Brooks and Stephen King. At least I
aimed high.
Through high school I dreamed of being a screenwriter, and took various jobs at
production companies to learn more about the industry, including Jon Stewart's Busboy
Productions.
I attended Wesleyan University, played offensive and defensive line for the Cardinals'
football team, joined a fraternity, and read far less for pleasure than I would have liked.
During my junior year, I decided I wanted to be a writer. Heeding words of advice from
my physician who'd written a book ("The first thing any writer needs is an agent"), I
began querying literary agents. His advice omitted the fact that in order to get an agent,
you needed to have an actual book.
After a half-hearted attempt to find an agent for my, um, nothing, I decided to get an
insider's perspective on the publishing world. I took an internship at a boutique literary
agency in New York, where my first day on the job consisted of lunch at Mickey
Mantle's restaurant with a bestselling sportswriter. Needless to say, every day in
publishing has been just as glamorous (cue coughing fit).
In between opening queries and answering phones, I fell in love with editorial work,
helping authors to hone their manuscripts and proposals. Putting my literary aspirations
on hold, I decided to pursue a career in editorial.
I interned at the agency the summer, racking up $726,374 in E-Z Pass fees commuting to
work and to visit my girlfriend (who later became my wife).
After finishing school I took a spot as an editorial assistant at a publishing house. It was
during my tenure there that I began work on my debut thriller, HERO OF THE DAY,
featuring young reporter Henry Parker. This book eventually became THE MARK.
I eventually sold THE MARK to MIRA Books in a three-book deal, and found my
publishing journey had come full circle. I still work as an editor.
I am a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America and a
founding member of Killer Year. I live in New York City, am married to my college
sweetheart, and still don't read nearly enough as I'd like.
Be sure to visit Jason at his website.
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