Shen Tao (Taos Toolbox ’23) has sold her first novel in a number of markets, mostly at auction. After workshopping The Poet Empress at Toolbox, she finished the book, went straight out and got an agent, and then started collecting advances. A seven-figure advance in the States, a six-figure advance in Britain, another six figures from Germany, some pre-empts in Italy and Spain, and no doubt more to come.
This sort of thing happens once in a career, if you’re very, very lucky. Though it must be said the book is terrific. When I read the first piece at the workshop, all I thought was, This is the real deal.
It should appear early next year, at which point you should feel free to stampede to your nearest bookstore and buy it.
