Roof Beam Reader
Adam Burgess
Joy and Terror, and Donuts?
Last week, I quietly and independently published my first book-length work of literary criticism, FROM A WHISPER TO A RIOT: THE GAY WRITERS WHO CRAFTED AN AMERICAN LITERARY TRADITION.
This publication follows a string of creative nonfiction essays, which have been more my style lately, and a scholarly article I wrote and published in Watermark back in 2016.
So, it was with some trepidation that I returned to academic non-fiction, and especially something of this length, when my focus has been short, creative work for the last few years. But today, I awoke to the news that my book is the #1 Best Seller in LGBT Literary Criticism. I’m sorry, but what!?
Granted, LGBT Literary Criticism is a small field, but still, I’m feeling overjoyed about it. That said, with the joy comes a bit of terror. I realize, now, that my work is out in the world, to be read, loved, torn apart, or ignored. It doesn’t belong to only me, anymore, and that’s something that will take some getting used to.
I’m now courting larger publishers who might be interested in acquiring the book, particularly after what seems to me a pretty solid early interest (60+ copies sold in the first few days plus a #1 ranking on Amazon is an okay sign, right?). I suppose I’ll have to wait for reviews to start rolling in before I have anything concrete to put in query letters, but who knows?
Anyway, after finding out the good news this morning, my plan was to go out and celebrate with a donut from an incredible vegan bakery in town. These are far-and-away my favorite donuts, and I’m not even vegan! Unfortunately, the bakery is closed on Mondays. So, I need a new plan. Where are the Girl Scout cookies?
Roof Beam Reader 
Well, Congratulations are definitely in order!
If I had been you this morning, I would have traveled far and wide to find just the right doughnuts to celebrate with. Best wishes to you!
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Congratulations on your success, well deserving of that special donut. Here’s to many more published books in your future!
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Woo hoo! Congratulations! 🎉
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SO, so thrilled for you, Adam! I always knew you’d have a book (and probably more!) one day!
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I know the thrill I got when I spotted your books page on goodreads ! I know a published author – wahoo!!
Cannot imagine how you must feel to see yourself on there!
Congrats again Adam & I hope you found something appropriate with which to celebrate 🎉
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You should celebrate it by treating yourself with some classics collectible gems… Barnes and Noble leatherbounds or Penguin clouthbound, perhaps? 😉
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Now you’re talking!
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Congratulations! I hope you were able to find some girl scout cookies or do some other fun celebrating 🙂
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Congratulations, Adam! You must be so excited!
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