The Evolution of Rockwell Press
Scribner, a Division of Simon & Schuster published Suzy’s Case, the Tug Wyler Mystery series highly acclaimed debut novel. On meeting with Scribner Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, Colin Harrison he asked during their initial handshake, “So, Andy, what was the last book you read?” Without hesitation, Andy replied, “Catcher in the Rye. You gotta love that Holden Caulfield.” Scribner signed Andy anyway.
Moving forward famed book agent, Sterling Lord penned a deal with Open Road Integrated Media Inc. and Mysteriouspress.com to publish book two in the series, Cookie’s Case. Open Road Integrated Media was a new digital media company created by publishing legends Jane Friedman and Jeffrey Sharp with a focus on publishing eBook editions of older works of literature and nonfiction. Cookie’s Case had the honor of being selected among just a few of their new release novels. This, thanks to Otto Penzler of Mysterious Press who’s regarded as one of the world’s foremost authorities on crime, mystery, and suspense fiction since founding his company in 1975.
Soon thereafter, Carl Beverly of CBS Television Studios and Sarah Stern of Lionsgate both were vying for the motion picture rights. In that both envisioned a one-hour procedural network television show based on the Tug Wyler character, Andy signed with CBS. Thereafter, writer Chris Murphy was hired to write the pilot episode. CBS exercised an extension of their option for another year, and ultimately the television show Bull was selected for production. Having received the reversion of his motion picture rights from CBS, Andy thereafter exercised a clause in his contract with Scribner and received the reversion of those book rights back too. Open Road was also kind enough to revert to Andy his rights.
Possessing full ownership, Andy corralled together certain key people he met along his literary journey and formed Rockwell Press. This includes long time chief editor of the series turned friend Michele Slung. Editor Denise Barker, interior book designer Renata DeBiase, with Erin Mitchell heading up Rockwell Press production.